I was the original poster of the suggestion that joydance was more
appropriate than wardance, and got a bit miffed when Brad Falk wrote to say:
 
>"I also am tried of this Politically Correct language business.  My ferret
>war dances, if the use of the term 'war dance' will prevent ferrets from
>being legal then we obviously don't have as much support as we think.  Next
>someone will be saying that 'War Dance' is exploitation of american indian
>culture."
 
My Polly was *not* warlike.  She was sweet, cuddly, funny, curious, and
loving.  I had only seen a few other ferrets when I got her (1977) and they
were all the same way.  No one ever called them ferocious, or thought of
them as warlike.  They were clearly joyous creatures who reveled in life,
not creatures who would dance to "psych themselves and/or their tribe for a
killing raid or war against another group" which is what real "war dances"
are all about.  Not about stealing socks from an owner, but about raiding
and killing.  This is not funny, cute or glamorous, and I think any American
Indian who did read it might be angry at the undignified reference to a very
serious business.
 
All the ferrets I've ever known danced for joy, excitement, and pure love of
life, hence joydance is what we always called such a frolic in the 70s and
80s.  I said as much to "Missouri Bob" Church when he was here, he
essentially agreed with me that it was a better term, and that got included
in the original post.  I also noted that we always said our ferrets "chirk"
rather than "dook".  Thank goodness no one took offense to *that* and wanted
to "dook" it out!  Of course I'd win... note my last name.  It's pronounced
the same way, and "Duke of Earl" jokes have followed me everywhere...
especially when I taught high school in California!  In fact, I can't
believe I've been on this listserv for 7 months, and never seen anyone post
a song to that tune ("Dook of Earl" or "Dook of Pearl" or "Dook, my Girl"
or... :-) )
 
Anyway, regarding what ferrets are feeling when they're dancing... If you
aren't sure, ask your ferret...  ;->
 
JodyLee
 
JodyLee Estrada Duek                            520/626-2203
Faculty Development Specialist                  520/626-6707 (messages)
Division of Academic Resources                  520/626-4879  (fax)
University of Arizona College of Medicine
1501 N. Campbell Avenue
Tucson, Arizona  85724
 
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[Posted in FML issue 1579]