Let's talk about bingeworthy/cringeworthy "Tiger King" on Netflix

Unless you are the few people that don’t have or share a Netflix account, you have watched “Tiger King.”  In its first weekend only, it had a ridiculous amount of views.  While the world will never know who’s truth is real – Joe Exotic’s or Carol Baskin’s, nearly every character in this reality series is truly “a character.”  Even folks who make fleeting appearances seem to be more interesting than your average “Joe.”

After watching the first episode of the series, it is easy to begin laughing at the antics on screen.  It is easy to begin to make fun, to draw conclusions, and make sweeping statements.  Comments on the show have a wide spectrurm from “No one should own big cats” to   “Everyone should own tigers.”  But most are just grateful that they are watching the show from the sidelines and not involved in any shape or form.

But, why am I talking about this crazy show about these very unusual characters?  Particularly to our veterinary audience?

While it is always easy to sit on our couches and judge others when presented with a small slice of their life, we have to remember that humans are the most complicated species on the planet.  A snapshot or a Netflix show will never tell the entire story.  

I am sure I am not the first person to convey this fact to you.  I presume that your parents cautioned you when you were a small child not to judge other kids on the playground too harshly just because they look different from you.  Or because they have a slightly different lifestyle than you, or a different belief system, or other differences.  

I would challenge you to focus on the passion that each character in this series demonstrates for the animals that they dedicate their life to caring for.  In this day and age, I would hope that we would judge someone not on their outward appearance, rather on the content of their character.  If we focus on the character, then I suspect, our judgement will not be quite so harsh.  Shouldn’t compassion and understanding rule the day?

As veterinarians, we all know that pet owners come from all walks of life.   Not a single pet owner has ever asked me my opinion of their chosen lifestyle, culture or anything else – except as it may relate to the health of their pet.  

It is imperative that veterinary professionals remember that just the action of a  pet owner coming through the clinic door means that they would like to be a good pet owner.  

You may be thinking of some of your own “special character” clients. But, it makes no difference, pet owners do not have to seek our services, bad ones won’t.  The very fact that they do, in my mind, makes them good owners as they are looking for help to take care of their pet or any other animal. 

Once viewed through that prism, the subsequent conversation with an animal owner becomes much more inclusive.  The topic becomes how can we improve the current clinical picture or home circumstance rather than be elitist or condescending and time for an exclusive conversation about what is wrong and who should own or care for the animal at the end of the day. 

An effort to exclude specific owners based a personal judgement of their presumed lifestyle and circumstance is not only inappropriate, but will have a negative impact on the your mental and emotional health over time.  Having an open mind will help you have a satisfying and fulfilling career. 

In closing, the Netflix series is certainly incredibly entertaining in my opinion. If you haven’t watched it, you really ought to!  It is also a good opportunity to pull ourselves back and gain a little bit of self-awareness as professionals.  We were not issued a black robe or gavel at veterinary school graduation – only a white coat, a stethoscope and a capacity to be inclusive and to care.