The Lion Show

I read a story about the lion tamer and the lion. 

You always see the lion tamer is able to make the beast stand up on the platform. But how? Is it because of the whip or is it the magical chanting? The truth may be simpler.

Ever notice how you feel uneasy when someone enters your room without knocking? We protect ourselves and our privacy by distancing ourselves and our belongings from others. When in a cramped public transport, we always feel protective to our seats like having an invincible “DO NOT TRESPASS” sign erected in our “territory”. At the same time, we allow people who we are fond of to be close to us. Mom and dad hugging their children, couples sitting close to each other (sometimes I called it butt-kissing). We invite the other parties to come closer to us, and feel comfortable with the intimacy.

The lion tamer will approach the lion slowly, continuously. Once entering its territory, the lion will first back off a little. But if it continues to retreat until it hits the wall, it will start to move forward. Until a distance between the lion and the tamer when the tamer feels right, he will lay the platform in between and the lion will climb up on it. Then the tamer will stop moving forward and retreat. And that's how the show is!

Note: Conversation between the lion and the tamer*

Lion:    Do not come over me.

Tamer: (Approaching) I'm coming...

Lion:    (Retreating) Mai pek gwa (Don't force me!)

Tamer: I don't care...

Lion:    (Hitting the wall) It's enough! (Move forward with the snarl)

Tamer: (Waiting, then place the platform)

When the lion stepped on the platform,

Tamer: Okay kitty, I surrender. I'll retreat.

Lion:    Glad you know it, food! ROAR!

Audience: Clap clap clap! Great show!