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One of the things that has most stood out over these months of viewing and researching the arguments of both sides of the carriage horse controversy in New York City, is the amount of seeming hate and actual vitriol emanating from those who fervently work to ban the iconic and treasured tradition in the city.
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It is nearly impossible when checking comments to newspaper sites or new entries to anti-carriage Facebook pages, to not encounter daily slurs, disparaging remarks, wild distortions and in some cases, outright labeling and name-calling targeted at the horse carriage industry and particularly, its drivers. https://www.facebook.com/stophorseabuse https://www.facebook.com/BanHDC
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But, it is not just the carriage horse drivers who find themselves routinely labeled as "greedy thugs, animal abusers, lawbreakers, simpletons" and even "racists" (a particularly popular label these days used to besmirch anyone not liked), but also all those taking carriage rides and anyone else otherwise supporting keeping carriage horses in NYC.
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For examples, politicians expressing opposition to the ban are called, "selfish liars." Horse supporting celebrities are labeled, "washed up actors." Horse supporting newspapers are accused of "yellow journalism." And the Teamsters Union to which the carriage drivers belong is accused of "a reputation for being corrupt gangsters" (as tied back to former teamsters labor boss of the 1950's, Jimmy Hoffa).
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Typically, all those who in any way, support keeping carriage horses in New York City are labeled ignorant or heartless, "supporters of animal enslavement and abuse" or "carriage industry trolls."
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Perhaps most disturbing however, is the seeming glee and sense of achievement expressed when distressing young children taken for carriage rides as described in one recently posted photo: "The child looks disturbed, as she should be. She is seeing our signs and banners and departing on a very dangerous ride."
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Has the campaign to banish carriage horses in NYC degraded to the point of even shaming young children?
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For many years, those tourists, lovers and families daring to take horse carriage rides in Central Park have been subjected to weekly "peaceful protests" that despite the claim of "peace" appear specifically designed to disturb, embarrass and shame people (and children) either by direct name-calling and/or displays of graphic, blow-up photos of the few and far between, unfortunate horse carriage accidents over the years.
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In addition to the chants and direct confrontations, some protestors also take to following around (i.e. stalking) carriage operators and videoing/photographing both them and their passengers for purposes of posting accusation and labeling to the Internet. One recent example is a young woman taking a cell phone photo while on a carriage ride and later posted to Facebook with the caption, "Selfish selfie-taking."
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As one who has previously participated in rallies to protest the killing of Canada geese in NYC parks, I passionately support our Constitutional rights to protest. But when do such protests become not about education to enlighten and empower others, but rather, actions to devour others (as one of the models protested at the Victor de Souza carriage horse event this past September so well put it)? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC2pdD_mDH8
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In many cases, the protests appear motivated to evoke response from carriage drivers and in worse case scenario, even spook the horses themselves. (Certainly, it cannot be pleasant for the horses to be surrounded by angry protesters yelling and waving signs in their faces. Apparently at this point however, the horses are well used to the negative energy -- further testimony to their amazing forbearance and self-possession.)
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In recent years, a tiny percentage of carriage drivers have begun to stand up for themselves and talk back as this video shows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUjyoSeyZ2k. Most drivers however (like their horses) are remarkably self contained and take the weekly verbal beatings with nary a frown or reaction.
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Nevertheless, politicians, police and others need be very concerned about the volatile and confrontational level these protests appear to have descended in recent months. All that is required for utter disaster is for some parent or carriage passenger to become enraged at the "shaming" and photo/video stalking and to react in extremely angry fashion as this recent video demonstrates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZsUiPvUNlc.
This was an incident that resulted in media coverage and the police being called. But, truth is, the incident could have been much worse, particularly if the horse had bolted or an actual fist fight broke out in the middle of large holiday crowds.
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Still, the most disturbing part about angry, demonizing protests seemingly hell bent on character assassination and "all or nothing" solution is the distrust and polarization they create and the damage they ultimately do to any efforts at constructive dialogue and/or to actually improve or refine conditions and situations. (Such is also seen in disrespectful rhetoric and hateful protests recently directed against the police in the NYC and the police reaction to turn their backs on the mayor.)
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Disrespect begets disrespect, hate begets hate and anger usually begets anger.
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Keep tossing inflammatory and demeaning labels on others and some "react" by ultimately becoming what we accuse them of. Thus the person called, "fat" often takes to the refrigerator for comfort, the woman called, "slut" takes to partying non-stop, the man called "untrustworthy" will probably take up with other women, the person called "racist" will probably not nurture empathy for others. Labels have unfortunate way of defining others and often destroying self-esteem. The thinking can become, "If that is what I am, I might as well earn the label."
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The question is, if we keep labeling others, "animal abusers," (or "racists") what do they ultimately become? (Fortunately, for carriage horse drivers and police, more New Yorkers support, rather than oppose them.)
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What is known is that the politics of hate and character assassination is not conducive to any kind of positive change, even the most minimal.
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Anti-horse carriage protestors do have some valid points in terms of particularly congested traffic conditions around 59th Street and Central Park South. As Blue Star Equiculture (the retirement sanctuary for carriage horses) puts it: "Share the Road. Horses Paved the Way."
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But such concerns are not given any political consideration in the face of "all or nothing" demands to ban the tradition entirely.
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So, instead of discussing or introducing legislation that would improve or refine potentially dangerous traffic conditions around Central Park South and create a safer environment for the horses, their drivers and passengers, the heated and often hateful rhetoric escalates and legislative attempt is instead introduced into the City Council, to banish the horses forever from Central Park.
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I personally believe that such, "all or nothing" legislative attempt will ultimately go nowhere for the simple reason that the politics of hate and personal destruction, while sometimes gaining traction in the short term, ultimately fail in the long run.
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Policies can and should never be made on the basis of distortive, smear campaigns and character assassinations.
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How ironic is it that in all the thousands of photos and videos posted online by anti-horse carriage groups, do we never see a photo/video of a protestor petting a carriage horse or offering a carrot?
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Is it because the drivers are too fearful of allowing the antis near the horses they so vehemently protest? Or is it because the antagonists are, at this point, incapable of actually connecting to and engaging with those they so fervently want "out of the city" forever?
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It's all very sad and regrettable.
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Yes, "Pity the Poor Horses" for having to endure for so long, such dismissal and lack of respect and appreciation for who and what they are and how so very instrumental to virtually all human progress they have been throughout the ages.
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Thankfully, most New Yorkers understand and appreciate horses as perhaps the most valuable animals to our actual existence and wish to keep the carriage horses in New York City.
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Hopefully, it is reason, respect and yes, healthy and beautiful tradition that will ultimately prevail in New York City. -- PCA
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