Chain emails: misinforming the unwary about zoology, one recipient at a time

[huinare]

Dear originator of inspirational raptor falsehood:
Can you hawk (no pun intended) your fine sentiment in some less disrespectful way than spreading misinformation?  If you can't make a point without doing it via a lie, what exactly are you good for?

Comments

[hhimring]

To me, that looks like a reincarnation of a story that is really, really old. That earlier (pre-zoological) version of the rejuvenation of the eagle differed from this one in detail but also usually came with a moral allegory.

[huinare.livejournal.com]

Ah, I'm not surprised this is based on an earlier story. It did seem like it had a mythological quality, falsely applied to real phenomena.

Which, I mean, I'd be fine with it if they clearly presented it as a story. I even approve of the allegory, as its message has proven useful for me. It's just the idea of presenting it in such a way that people who know nothing about animals are now going to walk away from their computers going, "Omigosh, do you know what these eagles do?!" Little irks me like spreading misinformation about empirically observable facts.

[missingislands.livejournal.com]

I...what? This actually did originate from a troll right? Not actually meant to be a sincere presentation? That would really ruin my faith in humankind for the day. @_@ A bird voluntarily destroying their own beak is quite an alarmingly idiotic thought, even more so if it is a bird of prey. It would pretty much be like cutting off your hands. Even if they did grow back, try catching living food like that. xD

[huinare.livejournal.com]

Apparently it's one of those chain emails (which I lately had the questionable pleasure of receiving) which somebody set circulating god-only-knows-when. Whether the person who originally set it going meant to inspire or deceive or what, I have no idea.

I know right? Regenerating body parts: not for eagles.

[ladybrooke]

I think it's based on an early Christian story, because is Psalms 103 1-5 it mentions

"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

And then Augustine apparently expanded on it and explained what the last line referred to.

...except that story actually made somewhat sense, because the whole story was "Eagle's beak grows, Eagle hits beak against rock, Eagle has a beak like when it was young again, and Eagle can eat." And then the idiots got involved, apparently. (And yay for researching to make sure I'm remembering all that right. ;p)

[huinare.livejournal.com]

Ah okay, come to think of it I've heard that verse. Thanks! =)

[nico1908.livejournal.com]

The scariest thing about stuff like this is that the idiots who make it up drive - and vote - and breed!