Cool Cat

February 27, 2008

Holding out for a hero.

There are several things that come to mind when I think of the word “gentleman.” My mom always told me it’s someone that will treat me like a princess. In the modern sense, I think of a gentleman as someone who opens the door, offers their help, and is well mannered. In retrospect, I think of a gentleman wearing the tailed coat and top hat who is from a good family.

Jerry teaches his daughter, Dolly, that a gentleman “has got time and thought for the comfort of an old cabman and a little girl.”²

For Jerry’s family, a gentleman is someone who is considerate towards people lower class than themselves. Black Beauty notices the man’s consideration when he patted him, saying, “but ninety-nine out of a hundred would as soon think of patting the steam engine that drew the train.”³

But the man raises the bar for the idea of a gentleman. Compassion and sympathy are not enough. “’If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.’”⁴

The gentleman becomes a hero by taking an extra step to help those he sees are in pain or need. He does everything in his power to ensure the safety and quality of life for others.

⁵

“’Do you know why the world is as bad as it is?’
“‘No,’ said the other.
“’Then I’ll tell you. It is because people think only about their own business, and won’t trouble themselves to stand up for the oppressed, nor bring the wrong-doer to light.’”

But is being a hero so difficult? Do we need super powers in order to help the weak?

So, how do we become heroes? Well, Students Against Cruelty to Animals is protesting the Austin Rodeo this Saturday from 5-7. If you want more information about animal abuse at rodeos, any of us who saw Earthlings can tell you about it. Other issues SACA actively protests are foie gras and the KFC distributors. If you’d like to get involved, you can contact the organization at utsaca@gmail.com.

¹Image of the "perfect gentleman."
²P. 163.
³P. 163.
⁴P. 164.
⁵Our idea of a hero.

Cool Cat's Portfolio

Black Beauty: Chapters 29-49

February 27, 2008