The Whaling Taboo
January 14th 2009 12:56
It seems like it'll be a very, very long time before any form of resolution is set when it comes down to the issue of whaling. However, rather than blubber on about the pros and cons of whaling and Japan’s impact on the ecosystem… I’d rather present some interesting history related to Japan’s modern whaling practices. Well, at least it’s interesting to me.
If for some reason, you haven’t heard of the whaling debate or the animal rights activities speeding along on their boats. You can check here with Greenpeace. Or maybe you'd like to see Japan's POV. And just for good measure, here's a news article (third party).
So you have two arguments. Basically (very basically), they fall under two categories:
The Pro: Japan's whaling practices are a vital aspect of Japan's culture. Not only that, Japan is currently whaling for scientific purposes.
The Con: Japan's unsustainable methods are leading to the destruction of many whale species. This will lead to detrimental effects upon the ocean's ecosystem.
However, not many people would ask: Why?
Why do the Japanese hunt for whales? Why would they want to eat something which hardly tastes any good (according to my Japanese teacher in high school anyway, I'm sure Japanese people who've grown with whale cuisine would love it)?
Well, after digging around and attending a couple of Japanese history lectures at university, I've found part of my answer.
Famine.
In 1946, which was after World War II, Japan's population was starving by the masses. With hardly enough supplies to last them, they were in desperate need of relief. So, they turned to whaling.
The irony here is...
Countries like the US and Australia technically encouraged Japan to hunt for whales in the Antarctic so that they could feed the masses.
It was around this time that whaling was truly established and perhaps more accepted by the Japanese.
Take note: During the early 1900s, many Japanese people were actually against whaling as they believed whales were deities of the seas.
Other Resources:
Whaling in Japan
Whaling History
Human Relationships with Whales
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Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Are they really conducting scientific experiments? I've never seen any documentaries where biologists murder orangutans or anything...
Comment by KaTchI
Japan Slate
I believe they only claim that it's scientific whaling as commercial whaling has long been outlawed.
Generally, most of the Japanese would probably not even touch that stuff. When I was in Japan, I never even heard of it.
However, there have been articles about villages that are situated near the ports. The locals there seem to enjoy whale meat - I suppose it's an acquired taste.
But no matter how you look at it, Japan is taking too much from the oceans.
Comment by Avant
Comment by Anonymous
And yes, whaling is a part of Japan's culture, but it has also been a part of America's culture, and a HUGE part of Britain's culture, and many other countries, but they have decided that not only is it not prudent to destroy ecosystems by depleting the whale populations, but whale watching is a far more profitable market these days.
Japan is no longer starving, so you're right, they are taking too many whales. I read that, back when whaling was in its hay-day, the Japanese were able to form a very expensive delicacy from whale meat, and this is still in some demand today as well.