Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Europe takes civil rights to extremes. Even farm animals are guaranteed certain rights by
law. In 2008, Switzerland granted new rights to animals, including banning the use of
live bait by fishermen, the right for sheep and goats to have at least a visual contact with
their fellows, and a legal right for pigs to shower after rolling in the mud.
While the US is not likely to embrace tolerance with the sweeping idealism of some
Europeans, just knowing that reasonable people endeavor to respect human diversity, pro-
mote inclusivity, and champion human rights to this degree can be empowering. Once
back home, you have the option of tailoring your personal version of the American Dream
with similar ideals.
On a lighter note, let's take a closer look at Europe's relatively open relationship with their
bodies and with sex. While not as high-minded as war and peace or taxation and social ser-
vices, this is an aspect of the cultural divide that titillates any American traveler to Europe
