Tiger King's Ruling Class Dynamics Quiz

Tiger King's Lens on Ruling Class Dynamics

The Netflix docuseries "Tiger King" has captivated audiences not only with its wild animal stories but also with the complex and fascinating dynamics among its main characters and their interactions with society at large. In this exploration, we'll delve into the series' portrayal of ruling class dynamics, examining the distinct positions of power and the relationships that unfolded among the characters.

Introduction

"Tiger King" introduces us to Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, an eccentric self-proclaimed "tiger king" who ran a private zoo in Oklahoma. The series not only follows Joe's struggles with animal rights activists, but also his feuds and alliances with other individuals in the big cat world, including Jeff Lowe, Carole Baskin, and Doc Antle. These characters' interactions reveal underlying power dynamics and the nuances of their relationships with each other and the communities they inhabit.

Class Divides

The series highlights the vastly different financial and social backgrounds of the characters. Joe Exotic hails from a lower-class background, working as a gay, polyamorous, country singer before becoming a zoo owner. He is portrayed as a self-made man, someone who forged his way up from humble beginnings. In contrast, figures like Doc Antle and Carole Baskin are part of the upper-middle class with more established and wealthier backgrounds.

Competition for Power

As the series unfolds, we see that each character's primary motivation is to maintain and increase their power within their sphere of influence. Joe Exotic's main goal is to keep his zoo open and his fame intact, while Carole Baskin seeks to close down private big cat facilities to protect big cats from mistreatment. Doc Antle, on the other hand, is driven by the need to maintain his reputation as a successful breeder and zoo operator.

Each of these characters attempts to gain power in various ways, including forming alliances, striking deals, and even turning to criminal activities. The series depicts the lengths these characters will go to in order to maintain or increase their status within their respective communities.

Alliances and Enmities

"Tiger King" also highlights the complex and ever-shifting alliances among the characters. Joe Exotic is at first allies with Doc Antle but later forms a rivalry with him. He also develops an intense rivalry with Carole Baskin, whom he accuses of sabotaging his zoo and his life.

Intriguingly, Carol Baskin finds herself at odds with Joe Exotic but allied with Jeff Lowe, who becomes a co-owner of Joe Exotic's zoo before eventually taking it over. This unpredictability in the characters' relationships demonstrates the instability of various ruling class dynamics in the series.

The "Other"

In "Tiger King," the "other" is not just a tiger or another big cat species. It can also refer to those with whom the characters do not feel comfortable or who threaten their established positions within their communities. For example, Joe Exotic considers Carole Baskin to be the epitome of the "other" because her organization, Big Cat Rescue, threatens his zoo. Likewise, Doc Antle views Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin as outsiders who are not part of his inner circle. These characterizations of the "other" highlight the ruling class dynamics among the characters.

Conclusion

"Tiger King" provides a fascinating and intricate depiction of ruling class dynamics among its main characters. The series' exploration of the power struggles, alliances, and enmities among the characters reveals the complexities involved in these dynamics. It also highlights the various motivations that drive these characters to fight for and retain their positions within their respective communities.

In the end, "Tiger King" demonstrates that ruling class dynamics are not static, but rather fluid and ever-changing. The characters' interactions highlight the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of adversity and change. And while the show's portrayal of these dynamics may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, it still offers valuable insights into the dynamics of power and control among individuals in various positions of influence.