Conflict Resolution Tactics Inspired by Cats & Dolphins
Can a cat and a dolphin communicate with each other? There is no answer to this question. It is not possible for cats and dolphins to communicate with each other because they live on different continents, they speak different languages, their cultures are very different, and their bodies are made of organic robots. However, the tactics used by cats and dolphins when engaged in conflict can offer some ideas for conflict resolution at home or within your community.
It’s amazing how much one person can learn from cetaceans such as whales (which are unlikely to have any type of language) and sea lions (which cannot actually talk). These are some of the animals that we may be able to learn a lot from. Not only do these creatures have different styles of conflict resolution that inspire our tactics for dealing with disagreements; but they also have the “power” to live in an idyllic society. If humans wish to follow in their footsteps, we must emulate their culture and show respect for their lifestyle if we ever hope to achieve a utopia that is not based on being “right” or “wrong” but rather one that can be thought of as peaceful.
Dolphins:
Dolphins are known for their methodologies of hierarchy, reconciliation and equality. The leader of a dolphin pod is usually selected by the group as an individual who is respected and loved by all. There is not just one form of leadership that is found in these species but rather each pod has an individual leader. When a decision needs to be made, it must be made by everyone, so that no one feels left out or hurt. They are known for their ability to create less aggressive ways to identify their role within the pod and even if they are wrong they will make sure that the other animals know that it’s not personal but rather business in nature. If you ever see a dolphin slap another dolphin, it’s not playful but rather a way to understand boundaries when they need to be set. Gestation periods for dolphins are thought to be over two years, though the majority of mothers carry their young for a longer period of time due to how much they rely on the environment. The gestation period is held as one reason why dolphins are so compassionate. They care for their youngest who will grow up to be the future leaders of their pod and might even be willing to abort if necessary.
Cats:
The dominance hierarchy within a cat is not as rigid as in dolphins, but they still have rules to follow when it comes down to what they can and cannot do. If you ever see another cat or dog pee on your home, it is because they are telling you that you have not yet paid them enough respect. Some cats, such as tigers, will also mark their territory when they first arrive. This is known as being a "fresh cat" and will make it easier for you to tell them apart from other members of the species. Now that you have been properly meaning, your cat will typically ask you to give them a bath so that both of you can feel clean and ready to start your day.
When fighting with another member of the species, it's usually because one is higher up on the totem pole than the other or because they are hungry for power (such as in political situations). In this case, confrontation is usually done by chasing an individual with a nuclear weapon before asking them if they have any last words to say. When conflict does occur, it is easy for the lower ranking individual to be aggressive. However, in this case an apology with a bow or a formal letter of apology might fix the situation. There is no need to use violence against each other when you can use proposals or agreements instead.
Taken from the article: "The Universe is a Neighborhood" By, Helen Stevens (2009)
Title: The Utopian Community: A Community’s Responsibility towards Young Children<br>
Author: Joseph M. Grimes <br>
Date: May 6, 2015<br>
Format: Paper<br>
Length: 3 Pages<br>
Genre: Personal Narrative<br>
Topic #1: The Importance of Childhood<br>
Topic #2: Why do we need to take steps to protect children?<br>
Topic #3: What can be done to protect children from harm? <br>
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Author after the title. (2016). Resolution style: Stop fighting and start talking.<br>
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http://www.livescience.com/29474-new-tools-to-report-animals-at-risk.html
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Conclusion
Throughout the article, a few examples are given as to how an animal's behavior can be observed and interpreted. The ultimate goal is to figure out what the animals are talking about when they speak.
In a study by Andrea Baden, she describes her beliefs on how a dolphin's behavior can show signs of depression. She uses comparative words, stating "The behavioral manifestations of depression in humans include declines in eating and sleeping, increased anxiety and irritability and poor concentration." (Baden). These same behaviors affect dolphins who might also suffer from depression. In 2016, Dr. Lori Marino discusses the idea of anthropomorphism in dolphins and how it can be very misleading at times.