Val Plumwood's Perception Of The Crocodile

Val Plumwood was an Australian Philosopher that survived a crocodile encounter back in February 1985. She was exploring and sightseeing in the Kakadu wetlands one day. A storm came through the area and ended up taking her out of a safe channel and into a main river known to be filled with crocodiles. In the main river she encounters a crocodile which decides to make her it’s prey. She somehow survived three death rolls by the crocodile, and luckily made it out alive despite her major injuries caused by the animal. What’s interesting about this woman is her perception after the horrible incident. Instead of blaming the crocodile she blamed herself as the intruder in the its territory, and claimed there was no need for revenge. This is totally

I am more than just food” which is a very accurate statement. She believes not just humans, but all animals can make the same claim. I agree with her on that belief. All living things are looking for anyway to survive in life. Just like a crocodile people go out and hunt for food as well. What makes any species higher than any other comes down to its own belief. I disagree with her view on humans not understanding their vulnerability and our views on being masters of a tamed and malleable nature. The main reason humans are on top of the food chain and not the bottom is we have always been the most intelligent species. Humans have typically always been able to take on whatever adversity the world will throw at them. Even when it comes down too coexisting with other upper species. I do not think we are as vulnerable as Plumwood thinks. Plumwood believes in harmony rather than dominance between species. I wonder why humans should feel more considerate towards animals when animals can be predators as well? If you think about it Plumwood was in crocodile territory and even agreed herself that she was intruding. Because she was an intruding the crocodile had the right to conflict