GrizzlyMan

So. GrizzlyMan.


First off, I wouldn't define Timothy Treadwell as being insane or mentally unstable by any means, but would label him something along the lines of egocentric, unorthodox, or a free spirit. His interactions with grizzly bears (highly dangerous) are no less dangerous than bungee jumping or swimming with sharks or sword swallowing (or something). Plus, all of his intentions were very optimstic and beneficial, whether they actually were or not.

In comparing GrizzlyMan desired co-existence with animals and the actual co-existence between humans and animals shown in the cave paintings of Lascaux, I find a huge difference. Though I obviously don't know (not that anyone truely does), I would think the people who painted the cave art had a much different interpretation of "respect" towards the animals they lived among than Treadwell did that can be largely attributed to the environment they lived in. Treadwell seemed to want to create more fluidity in the existence between humans and animals to replace our current state in which both sides misunderstand each other. (I believe grizzly bears especially are perfectly understood - but it is our reactions and behavior towards them that are highly over-dramatized.) But Treadwell didn't have to kill and eat/make use of the bears in order to stay alive, surely a much more challenging task than just staying out of bear-fights. Had that been necessary for him to stay alive, I'm sure his state of respected co-existence would be considerably different.