Are We Not Men?

I just finished reading H G Wells' "Island of Dr Moreau." I enjoyed this short read. The book had far less melodrama than either of the movies it spawned,and was even stranger. Rather than a beastly revolt of beasts, everything simply fell apart without drama,without confrontation. It was a process of de-evolution.

When things were morepeaceful on the island, central to the lives of the beasts was the repeating of "the law":

Not to go on all-fours; that is the Law.
Are we not Men?
Not to suck up Drink; that is the Law.
Are we not Men?
Not to eat Fish or Flesh; that is the Law.
Are we not Men?
Not to claw the Bark of Trees; that is the Law.
Are we not Men?
Not to chase other Men; that is the Law.
Are we not Men?

Now,I ask you,"Are we not men"? Unfortunately, the answer to this deep and philosophical question is currently unavailable with sound, but the original epic and justifiably mostly ignored short film and recurring punck rock nioghtmare, The Truth About De-Evolution, is available in its silent version. You don't need to hear the music, the disturbing imagery tells the story. Actually, it's even creeepier without the music. Don't take my word for it, watch it yourself, same spud time, same spud station. If only the world had heeded DEVO's warning (whatever the hell that was) when there was still time. (calm down, I am not serious here)



In any case, The Island of Dr Moreau was a good read, recommended for a hot summer afternoon.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.