Ear Fear

Page 3

This photo shows Frankie, the recipient of Merry’s aggression. His response to Merry’s angry stance is interesting. Frankie’s eye shows he is well aware of the aggression but he is not responding with direct eye contact. He has formed a stress wrinkle under his eye. He is clearly looking at her, has definitely understood the seriousness of the situation but he maintains a more softened, non-direct connection with Merry. He has readied himself for defense should the need arise but it is interesting to note his manner. He has laid his ears back, flared his nostrils, his mouth is open with some tension in his lips and he has tilted his head upward. All are expressed, however, with less intensity and directness than his aggressor. His neck appears more supple and less vertical. His body is a bit off balance and somewhat turned away. He is looking at her but not in a front on, direct way. And, his ears are not truly pinned. Will this situation escalate or will it diffuse? It would seem to depend on the choices Frankie will make. I wonder… could it be that Frankie’s behavior represents our cue over the years for that “don’t look them in the eye” belief?

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The question is not what you look at but what you see.

Henry David Thoreau

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