Whale Concern
In the past recent days PETA officials have launched a lawsuit against sea world, demanding that all whales and dolphins should be released due to their mistreatment. This isn’t the first time an animal protection organization was outraged with the safety of big sea creature especially whales and dolphins. Japanese fishermen have drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocacy groups, who claim it involves the cruel slaughter of whales so that meat can be sold in markets and restaurants. Japan has hunted up to 1,000 whales in the Antarctic annually, according to the International Whaling Commission.
The reason whyJapan hunts and eats whale meat is because shortly after World War II when the atomic bomb was dropped, many of the cows were declared unsafe to eat due to toxic radation. With an increase in demand for alternative sources of meat, Douglas MacArthur, former chief of staff of the US army, suggested the Japanese people could eat whale meat. From that point on whale meat was integrated into Japan's society. Every society or community has its own way of life and customs, which may be approved by some and opposed by other. For example, pigs meat is a favorite food choice in Europe and America but in some parts of the Middle East eating pork is completely frowned upon. I don’t eat whale but I refrain from judging another culture that may. There is an overwhelming concern by environmental advocacy groups about the current population of whale, and the possibility of extinction. In such situation absolutely no one would want this species to be wiped off the face of the planet. I'm looking forward to your comment and suggestions to mantain harvest while having a good number of whale at sea. 
By: Jonathan Asfaw
If the information presented in this post is correct, then people need to reconsider their harsh stances on Japanese whale and dolphin hunting, for it is the United States' fault. As the ones who dropped the atomic bomb, could we not determine the many consequences, including a poisoned japanese food supply? We not only killed the lives of many, but we destroyed the sustanance of those who continued to live in the fallout. Then, the United States suggests eating whale meat, and a half century later we make all attempts to stop this whale hunting? I suppose the issue at hand is whether or not a society should be able to dwell on past actions and use that as an excuse to continue a criticized custom, especially when the fallout has all but ended. Do the Japanese still have the right to hunt whales when it is no longer necessary? Does America have the right to drop an atomic bomb on a country? Two good questions to be answered.
ReplyDeleteJohn Gerbino, group awesome
Let me begin to say that this is an interesting read! I highly suggest this documentary not too long ago, called, The Cove. It is about Japan’s tradition on dolphin hunting. The film was documented secretly because they were trespassing. Even though, I do believe that it is wrong, Americans have a similar tradition. Hunting deer, I consider, is sheer sport. People hang deer heads in their living room as trophies. And yet, there aren’t a lot of protestors camping out to film a hunter’s daily activity. Isn’t it similar to Japans tradition in dolphin hunting? Who are we to call out other culture’s ‘wrong doings’ when we clearly have a few faults. Animal cruelty is the same in every culture. It’s all taboo.
ReplyDeletekatrina castro-team one