The phrase "the elephant in the living room" is a popular idiom used to describe an important issue or problem that is being ignored or avoided. It refers to a situation where there is an obvious and uncomfortable truth that everyone is aware of, but no one is willing to address or acknowledge.The Elephant In The Living Room Meaning
The meaning behind this idiom is that the elephant, representing the problem, is so big and obvious that it cannot be ignored, yet people still choose to ignore it. This could be due to fear, discomfort, or a desire to maintain the status quo.The Elephant In The Room
In 2010, filmmaker Michael Webber released a documentary titled "The Elephant in the Living Room" that shed light on the controversial issue of exotic pet ownership in the United States. The film follows the story of two men – one who keeps a pet lion in his backyard and another who is a police officer tasked with enforcing exotic animal laws.The Elephant In The Living Room Documentary
While the documentary explores the serious and often dangerous consequences of exotic pet ownership, the 2011 film "The Elephant in the Living Room" takes a more lighthearted approach. This comedy-drama tells the story of a man who keeps a pet Bengal tiger in his apartment and the chaos that ensues when the tiger escapes.The Elephant In The Living Room Movie
The idiom has also been used as a book title, most notably in the 2007 book "The Elephant in the Room: Silence and Denial in Everyday Life" by psychologist Eviatar Zerubavel. This book delves into the reasons why people often avoid addressing important issues and the consequences of doing so.The Elephant In The Living Room Book
Reviews of the various works using this idiom often praise the use of humor and entertainment to address serious and pressing issues. Many also comment on the effectiveness of the phrase in capturing the essence of the problem – something that is hard to ignore or overlook.The Elephant In The Living Room Review
The trailer for the "The Elephant in the Living Room" documentary begins with a man sitting in a chair in his living room, surrounded by various exotic animals such as alligators and snakes. As the camera zooms out, the man is revealed to be Tim Harrison, the police officer featured in the film.The Elephant In The Living Room Trailer
As of 2021, "The Elephant in the Living Room" documentary is available to stream on Netflix. The film continues to spark discussions about the controversial issue of exotic pet ownership and the need for stricter laws and regulations.The Elephant In The Living Room Netflix
The definition of the idiom "the elephant in the living room" is a problem or issue that is obvious and cannot be ignored, yet people choose to ignore it. It is often used to describe a situation where there is a significant and uncomfortable truth that needs to be addressed.The Elephant In The Living Room Definition
The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the story of the six blind men and the elephant. In this fable, each blind man touches a different part of the elephant and describes it based on their limited perspective. Similarly, people in a situation may only see one aspect of the problem and choose to ignore the bigger picture. In conclusion, "the elephant in the living room" is a powerful and thought-provoking idiom that highlights the importance of addressing uncomfortable truths and confronting difficult issues. Whether used in a documentary, movie, book, or everyday conversation, it serves as a reminder that some problems cannot be ignored and must be dealt with head-on. So, the next time you find yourself avoiding a difficult topic, remember the elephant in the living room and have the courage to confront it.The Elephant In The Living Room Idiom