The Democracy Zoo

If Democracy where an animal, what would it be?

A close friend of our family explained Democracy as a philosophical foundation for the ideal society. George carefully illustrated to my children and me, the delicate balance of contradictions where Democracy dwells. On the vast plains of Freedom Democracy not only protects the majority from the minority, likewise it protects the minority from the majority. The end results in a society allows for neither thoughts and beliefs governing an individuals life to be judged right or wrong, unfettered by bias and opinion held by someone personally. Allowing for each individuality to become an intergral part of a stronger whole. Structured in such a fashion as only to be evident and proven in the evidence of its existence. Accepting the qualification of Democracy as stated, of all the animals to me, Democracy would be a Zebra.

A Zebra's stripes rely upon certain boundaries, single areas united within a set of specified guidelines. By the localization of individual hairs within setlines, stripes are achieved when the animal is viewed. Unless black and white hairs are allowed to seperate into areas, a Zebra would appear grey. However like a Zebras stripes, not all of them are clean cut to the point of total seperatation. Grey at times is achieved by a natural blending, these areas too play an important part in the overall effect on a Zebra. Creating a pattern not only unique as a species, but unique to every individual. Zebra stripes must alternate staying separate yet just as equal in the overall pattern. Meaning an aminal split into equal halves of black and white cannot truly be called a Zebra. Rules governing localized area are considered laws. Laws are encouraged in a true democracy, for without laws there is chaos. Room must be allowed for black, white and grey to exist as one entity in reality.

Focusing in too close on a Zebra would lead to the conclusion of the entire animal as all black all white or a chaotic blend of grey. When the entire animal is judged to be constructed as such, the overall effect is misrepresented. Democracy in effective use brings about an overall effect seen in everyday society and personal growth. Zebras are black, white, and grey, they acheive the pattern by remaing all three colors and states simultanously. The evidence of the effect in the biggest picture allowed should always remain what is considered the truth, especially when looking at its function to humankind.

Each individual patterns united, defends the herd as a whole. Uniting of Zebra's patterns creates a unique visual effect prohibiting a predator from seeing a single Zebra. When unable to be distinguishing one animal from another, this architecture of natural design defends the whole herd. A variation of color would mean the end of the road for that Zebra. Made easier to spot, a predator would have an easy target for their dinner. Through individualities there is strength gained, Democracy too, works in this fashion.

Visions of the hairs on a Zebra having free will, able to chose beliefs and practice them freely. Endowed with freedom to move upon the animal at will, unanchored by their follicles. My family decided to adopt an imaginary Zebra like this of our own; we named him George. I believed we talked of him earlier. Keeping the pattern on our own Zebra is tough, the colors sometimes want to run together or invade the stripe next door. Keeping them all in balance and separate yet equal is harder than it looks. George made my household look into how we view the rights and practices of our neighbors, personal opinions aside. George causes me to stop and listen when tempted to rush to judgment on an issue or try to put an end to a certain activity in our community. Always looking over my shoulder George has helped my family become slightly better citizens. Always in our business, nudging us make the proper democratic choices despite our opinions. Oh ya, George was wondering, if you might try to raise a Zebra of your own? He needs a playmate.