Bears

Teddy bears are symbolic of urban societies over-romanticised view of animals as fluffy creatures. My` teddy bears activities in the countryside are representative of the continuing and increasing dichotomy of town and country. Generally city dwellers have a quick 'in and out' view of the countryside without thinking or appreciating its maintenance and environment.

I have chosen the teddies as an example of the stereotypes that our increasingly urban society has of the countryside. It is a place for relaxation; a place where country folk hunt and kill innocent animals; an environment that is being destroyed; a place for picnics in the summer; a place for fresh air and a walk; a pretty place full of colours and flowers.

Teddies, like children, are very innocent, so I have shown this by displaying my images in a children's book, but at the same time, within the text, I have highlighted the inherent contradictions in the sanitised view of the countryside that many people (and bears) have. An example of this is that whilst fox hunting is abhorrent to many people - the same people will quite happily munch away on inhumanely reared meat products.