For the next couple of days I pondered over what reforms needed to be taken. Although, I was promised by the polecat and his friends that no one would find out about the grotesque cleanup effort, strange reports began to reach my ears from abroad. It was being circulated that the citizens of Utopia were resorting to cannibalism in order to stave off starvation. I dreaded the inevitable conference where we would no doubt be forced to respond to these rumors. In addition to this worry I still had the problem of what to do with the animals Rizzo and Chauncey took prisoner during the attempted coup de tat. I pondered, “This can’t be what an egalitarian state is supposed to look like. Rumors of cannibalism? Animals locked behind bars? What is it that we’re doing wrong?” I determined that I needed to consult with the wise old St Bernard. “He’s always right,” I concluded. “He will definitely put us back on the right path.” However before I had a chance to seek out my mentor, someone arrived in Utopia whose appearance distressed me so much that I temporarily forgot all other concerns. “Sabrina! What are you doing here in Utopia?” Coyly Sabrina answered, “You sound as if you’re not happy to see me. Everyone in Cuyamonga is secretly talking about how you stood up to Zarathustra. It’s the strangest thing I’ve ever seen. No one even seems to notice that you are a mixed-breed.” Again, the offensive label ‘mixed breed’ issuing forth from the lips of such a beautiful creature sent a cold shiver down my spine. She continued, “I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride thinking that it’s my boyfriend who is making history right now.” As she began stroking my whiskers the feeling of uneasiness soon passed and I was in a state of bliss. But coming to my senses I pulled away from her and said, “Wait. I can’t.” Startled she inquired, “And why not? Is it that animalist tramp Molly?” I gave a start. “How did she know about Molly?” I wondered. “Don’t act so surprised,” she continued. “I know more than you think. Anyways isn’t she already involved with someone? In fact she’s having another cat’s children.” Even though her words pierced through me like a sword I knew she was right. I responded, “This has nothing to do with comrade Molly.” “Then what’s the problem?” Sabrina pressed. “Behind every great king lies a great queen.” “You see!” I exclaimed. “That’s just it! You and I view the world from different perspectives. You view the world through imperialist eyes. I’m no king. In Utopia all animals are truly equal.” Sabrina stood silent for a while meditating. I was surprised. This was not like the Sabrina I knew. To my great surprise she said, “You’re right. But I want to change. Please teach me how to see the world as you do.” I was completely blown away. I never expected her to say that. My mind bustled with new thoughts. “I’m being a hypocrite. How can I say I believe in the advancement of the common animal when I’m not even willing to give this beautiful misguided soul the opportunity to reform? Besides, what she said about Molly is true. We were never really anything more than friends.” Delighted I exclaimed, “All right! Let’s be united!” At once I began unburdening my heart. I recounted to her everything that had taken place from our last parting until now. I wanted there to be no secrets between the two of us. She listened attentively and recommended a reform solution. “I know you view Utopia as a fantastic anomaly that should never be compared to other lands,” she said. “But you could learn a lot by considering the example of Zarathustra. While its true that he rules as an absolute monarch, the citizens of Cuyamonga are very pleased with him. He’s seen by Cuyamongans as a just ruler. They are happy to abide by the laws of the land because they view them as just. Though the Union of Animals refuses to admit it, even they have an absolute monarch. Become a just dictator,” implored my mate. “Once Utopian justice is fully established, you can always relinquish your throne.” I of course didn’t like the idea of becoming a dictator, as I could never reconcile this with the concept of equality. However Sabrina’s suggestion did give me the idea of a reform that could serve as a temporary solution to Utopia’s problems. In excitement I ushered her away with me to meet with one of the most extraordinary animals she would ever have the privilege of meeting. At least that was my assurance to her. When we arrived at the home of the old St Bernard it became apparent to me that I had perhaps made a mistake in bringing Sabrina. When she caught sight of my mentor from a distance her nose began to wrinkle in disgust. Not wanting to offend my mentor I asked if she wouldn’t mind waiting while I spoke to him in private. She agreed with a look that said, “I wasn’t about to defile myself by engaging with that Lumpen anyways.” So I left her there and approached the old dog with a heart full of optimism. He smiled widely upon seeing me but glanced over at Sabrina with curiosity. I’m sure he probably wondered who she was and why she was standing off to the side but he never asked. “Christopher,” he exclaimed. “Its always good to see you. I know you have your paws full with the business of creating a just world.” I chuckled good-heartedly then responded, “Actually that’s why I’m here. I’m sure you may have heard of some of the problems we’ve been running into?” The old dog didn’t respond. He just continued smiling and listened attentively. I went on, “I’ve decided that it was a mistake to thrust freedom on Utopia’s citizens without first educating them on what it means to be free. That’s why I’ve decided to set up a temporary monarch who will maintain order until all in Utopia are ready to take the future into their own paws.” Gradually the St Bernard’s smile disappeared. “Are you sure about this Christopher? This idea seems like a great shift from your original vision of equality?” I was brimming with confidence. “Don’t worry,” I reassured him. “I know what I’m doing.” The old dog meditated briefly then gently placed his rough paw on my shoulder. “Christopher, I have complete confidence in you. But as your friend I need to share with you a premonition that has been steadily growing inside me for many years now. I know this may sound strange to you but I have a foreboding feeling that animal is not meant to rule himself.” I began smiling and this caused the old St Bernard to be perplexed. I could read on his face that he didn’t understand what I had to be smiling about. Suddenly I declared, “I knew you were going to say something like that. That’s why I’ve decided that you will serve as Utopia’s first official monarch.” The old St Bernard was dumbfounded. “I’m sorry Christopher I can’t accept that responsibility. Placing myself in such a position goes contrary to everything I believe in.” Ignoring his refusal I continued, “I know! And that’s why you’re the only animal fit to rule. You won’t have to do anything except wear the crown. I will take care of everything else.” Sympathetically the old dog answered, “I’m sorry. I just can’t do it.” Angered I found myself raising my voice a little, which gave my mentor a fright and caused Sabrina to smile. “You don’t have a choice!” I asserted. Coming to my senses I added, “What I mean is… I’ve already given you the crown. If you do nothing, you will remain Utopia’s king. The only way you can reject the title is to openly oppose me and I know you’re not going to do that.” “Well,” replied the St Bernard sadly. “It seems you’ve thought of everything.” His suddenly dejected appearance disturbed me. I knew he would try and refuse but I didn’t expect this reaction. I tried to cheer him up. “Don’t worry!” I said. Then forgetting where I heard it before I added, “The end will justify the means. You’ll see. Everything will work out in the end.” My mentor faintly smiled but I thought I detected a hint of something in the smile that I didn’t quite like.
The reforms stabilized things and Secretary of State Bruno informed me that I had the support of the entire animal world. I was worried that the Utopian citizens might reject the idea of having an absolute monarch, even if it was just a temporary situation. To my surprise, no one seemed to notice. To be honest with you, this irritated me a little. I thought, “Am I the only one interested in building a true egalitarian state?” Nevertheless the next couple of years seemed to run smoothly. Utopia was growing in size and reputation. What I mean by this is that rumors from abroad indicated that Utopia had the most powerful army in the animal world. Suddenly, Secretary of Stat
e Bruno was being given the royal treatment everywhere he went and other lands were soliciting Utopia’s advice on how to reform their domesticated societies. Despite these positive changes, unusual behavior from our neighbors to the east and west caused me growing concern. The non-aggression pact signed by Cuyamonga and the Union of Animals remained in effect all during this time and to the surprise of the entire animal world, both sides were complying with the terms of the pact. Something else that was noticed by all who were paying attention is that Cuyamonga seemed to have lost all interest in acquiring more territory to the west of it. Similarly the Union of Animals appeared to lose all interest in acquiring territories to the east of it. This is significant because before the founding of Utopia, both nations were aggressively pursuing these territories. Anyways like I said, everything seemed to be going smoothly and there was no indication that this would change. However, just when the realization of all our goals seemed to be on the horizon, disaster struck. But this time it wasn’t the result of animal negligence. Sabrina and I were taking a casual stroll along side the Cuyamonga River when all at once the ground began moving from underneath us. We were quickly ushered to safety by our security detail but nevertheless the event left us visibly shaken. It was Sabrina who explained to me what had just taken place. “We call that an earthquake,” she said. “We were told about them taking place in Cuyamonga years ago. I never actually thought I would experience one in my lifetime.” Utopia’s problems began to emerge once more in the aftermath of the earthquake. The disaster caused hundreds of casualties and thousands of injuries. In organizing a relief effort the polecat who managed Utopia’s last disaster once again offered assistance. In view of what happened last time I was hesitant to give him the same authority. However, time was of the essence so I reluctantly acquiesced. Still it took some persuasion on his part. He said, “This disaster is completely different from the last one. This is primarily a rescue effort. Also, Utopia is in a different position politically. We have many more friends than before. I assure you that this effort will not be surrounded by controversy, as was our previous job. We have the world’s sympathy right now. Let’s not squander this opportunity to show the world what Utopian spirit is all about.” Moved by his words and anxious to act I gave the polecat the requested authority. However this time I needed to have a look at his work force. The makeup of his workforce was altered from the last time I had seen them. Although there were scavengers among them, the majority of the animals were not scavengers. This gave me some relief. I concluded that this really would be a rescue effort. To my dismay, after a few days of working the polecat returned to me with an unusual request. “There are many more casualties than we expected there to be. With this number of animals we will never be able to bury them before they start to decompose. I don’t think I need to convince you of the type of disaster you’ll be confronted with if that happens.” Irritated by this unwelcome news I exclaimed, “Yes. I know! Quickly do what needs to be done. But this time make sure it’s done quietly.” He assured me that this time things would be different. As he turned to walk away it occurred to me that his work force was made up of animals who were not scavengers. How would they accomplish the dirty work that needed to be done? I was just about to call him back when I said to myself, “Let him figure it out. You have enough problems to deal with as it is.” One of these problems included what to do with the large number of animals who were still being held prisoner in Utopia’s correctional institution formerly known as the shelter. Utopia’s former governors had already been released back into society. They seemed to be genuinely penitent. They said that they didn’t know what had come over them. It was as if something had taken over their reason and prompted them to rebel. They assured me of their loyalty and that I would never have to worry about another revolt from them. This was good news as far as I was concerned. It fit in with my new philosophy on the self-redemption of animal. Surprisingly when I recommended that all of the other animals also be freed and reformed back into society, the idea met with strong resistance from the former governors. “These vermin are beyond reform,” they insisted. “As a matter of fact they were the ones who led us astray and pressured us to rebel in the first place.” This was news to me. After many persuasive arguments on the part of the former governors most notably, Truth and Justice, I acquiesced and continued to hold the other rebels captive. I knew I couldn’t hold them forever but what to do with them I knew not. I’m hesitant to tell you what Sabrina felt we should have done with them. “They’re a drain on Utopia’s resources,” she complained. “They’re useless eaters! You should have them devoured by the carnivores and have done with it.” In dismay I chided, “You shouldn’t make jokes like that! Besides there are no carnivores in Utopia.” She dropped the subject but I was left with a disturbing feeling that she wasn’t joking at all. After a few weeks the polecat reported to me that the work was complete and Utopia could finally begin a healing process. I was greatly relieved but this was short-lived as reports from abroad began to reach my ears. It was being spread that Utopia had lifted the ban on eating flesh that had been adopted by all of the domesticated societies. It was rumored that animals were being slaughtered for food. This was slander! True, Utopia had allowed the scavengers to rid its land of decomposing remains, but even that was hearsay. It couldn’t be proved. Only a select number of animals knew this with certainty. If something wasn’t done to address these lies, Utopia could face international isolation. Despite the ominous storm that was gathering, a silver lining presented itself. Sabrina was pregnant. I was going to be a father. The news had an unexpected affect on me. Those of you who have children may understand what I mean. I began to think seriously about the state of the world. I didn’t want my children to have to suffer the way I did. My priorities shifted. Creating a world where every animal was truly equal took on a whole new meaning to me. In the beginning I just wanted to prove a point to Jeffery Chambers and to myself, but now I had a new reason for optimism. “When I look back on my life, if there’s one thing I have to be proud of,” I thought. “…It’s going to be my children. I will make sure that I instill in them the right values. It doesn’t matter where or into what species you’re born. All animals are equal. I will teach them this if it’s the last thing I do.”
Shortly thereafter, Sabrina left me and returned to Cuyamonga. Needless to say I was left shattered. “How could this be happening?” I desperately wondered. “What did I do wrong? Didn’t I strive with all of my might to create the best world imaginable for my friends and family?” These and other questions weighed heavily on my mind. Admittedly I began to second-guess myself. I decided to seek solace from my mentor the old St Bernard, who by the way was also serving as Utopia’s first king. Though I made all the decisions about Utopia’s future I still regarded my mentor with high esteem. In spite of the difference of opinion that arose from our last encounter, my friend appeared happy to see me. This was a great relief because I really needed someone to talk to. “Christopher, how has life been treating you?” he asked with a smile. “Not so good,” I replied. “I should have listened to you when you said that animal was not meant to rule himself.” I paused here expecting the old dog to gloat but he remained silent. I went on, “Sabrina has abandoned me and taken with her my hopes of being a good father. No matter what I do or how good my intentions are, life seems to reward me with one disappointment after another.” Sympathetically the old St Bernard rested his paw on my shoulder. “Christopher, in life sometimes we find ourselves in situations that don’t seem to have a way out. When we retrace our steps to try and figure out how we got so entangled, it may still seem to be a mystery. Don’t despair Christopher. It’s a waste of time to continue beating yourself up over past mistakes. You must look at your situation now and figure out how you can make the best of a bad situation until it is removed.” As my mentor was speaking to me I began to regain spirit. It suddenly dawned on me what I needed to do next. I said, “You’re right! You’re always right!
I will make the best of a bad situation. There’s nothing I can do about Sabrina’s abandoning me but I can still create a better world for my children.” My words caused the old dog to frown slightly. I ignored this and went on, “It seems to me that one of the problems we are having in Utopia is that too many animals are still hanging on to the old ways of thinking. In short, its an educational problem.” My mentor placed both paws on his head in frustration but I barely noticed because I was lost in thought. I thought out loud, “What if there was a way to educate the masses to the point where everyone understood their role in society. Since animalkind seems to need constant reminders, we could create institutions of learning that animals would never have to graduate from.” All at once I excitedly embraced my mentor nearly knocking the crown off of his head. “Thank you!” I declared appreciatively. I then turned to leave. The old dog had his mouth open as if he had something more to say but I hurried off anyways. There was so much to do and so little time to do it in.
As I headed back to my headquarters a situation occurred that made me even more determined to implement plans for adult education. I overheard an alarming conversation. “You’re a dirty mutt! All mixed breeds are mutts!” another voice retorted, “Be careful. The leader is a mixed breed.” Undeterred the first voice replied, “I don’t care. He’s a mutt too!” It was at this point that I emerged from among the bystanders. You could hear a pin drop. To ease the tension I remarked, “Don’t stop the discussion on my account. Enlighten us with your knowledge of eugenics.” Before I continue I would just like to mention that all of the cats involved in the following discussion were of mixed breed. The citizen who had labeled me as a mutt was a black orange and white calico cat. He now stood speechless frequently glancing around the group as if he expected someone to rescue him. The other citizen who issued the warning was a female tortoiseshell cat brindled with orange and black. Addressing the calico I continued, “You say we’re mutts. Right? And this insult is supposed to make us feel low. But I say ‘Ok I’m a mutt. Now what?’ I don’t feel offended by the insult. Now what are you going to do? It confuses you, which in turn leads to anger. Have you ever asked yourself why that is?” At this point someone shouted, “Its not offensive because we’ve reclaimed the word and legitimized its meaning!” To everyone’s surprise I dismissed this interjection with one word. “Nonsense!” I looked around the crowd in hope of hearing a logical suggestion. After a considerable period of silence I explained, “If I know that your opinions of me are based on a false premise how can I feel insulted? The only emotion I would feel if I felt anything at all would be genuine pity. This pity is not from some opinion that I’ve formed that I am somehow superior to you. Rather it is from the knowledge of the fact that I understand things you may never understand. That’s not meant to be a put down. Its just that, what’s meant to be simple you see as complex and what’s meant to be complex you see as simple.” A look of confusion passed over the audience. I thought, “You don’t understand me now but eventually you will all get it.” I continued, “So what will you do? There are only two options. Will you double down on your ignorance and strengthen your opinions of superiority or will you recognize the fact that you don’t understand anything about breed? Until you come to recognize this you will never truly be a higher animal.” After passing glances between one another the animals slowly began applauding. Not one of them seemed to know what they were applauding about. Nevertheless the consensus was that applause was in order. As I mentioned earlier, I took my leave of this group more convinced than ever that Utopia needed a system of adult education. To this day I’m convinced that this idea would have met with certain success if it hadn’t been undermined by unforeseen occurrences. Who knows? If this reform had been properly carried out maybe things would have turned out differently. But I digress.
Breed The Secret Design To Maintain Racial Inequality Among The Despised Classes Page 25
