Road Reporter
Posts: 1729
   
Location: Baltimore, MD | Jay Jay had an interesting conversation with the Sea Shep. folks.
It went like this:
"Are the Faroe people depleting the natural resource of whales?" "No."
"Are they killing the whales for sport?" "No."
"Are they creating a disruption in the environment or the natural balance of things by killing whales?" "No."
"Are the whales they kill an endangered species or at risk of becoming an endangered species?" "No."
And that was the end of that discussion.
We talked to a lot of folks, and mostly just listened to them talk about their way of life. They only kill the whales needed for food, and only those that swim into the shallows. They kill in the most humane manner possible--yes, it's terribly bloody, but it's a whale. You can't exactly take it inside and butcher it. If we butchered cows and sheep out in the camera eye, most people probably would be horrified. They eat and use every part of the whale, and one whale can feed hundreds and hundreds of people, it's a way of life on the islands that has been around for over 1000 years. The entire way of life on the Faroe Islands revolves around two things--husbandry (Sheep) and the sea.
The people of the Faroe Islands were very respectful of the protestors, and allowed them to voice their opinions and share their viewpoints. I can't say the same of all of the protestors.
The biggest complaint we heard was regarding Pamela Anderson, who they felt was a complete outsider, unfamiliar with their way of life, coming to the islands and trying to dictate how they should live their lives.
This is just MY opinion-- the whale is part of their food chain and village survival, as well as a part of their sacred traditions. They aren't depleting a natural resource, hunting, or impacting the environment. They take what they need from the sea and give back the rest. They use every part of the whale without waste, and they kill it in the fastest, most humane way possible. I love marine life--and personally, I love whales--I would not opt to participate in killing one, but I'm also not a part of that culture. I would not tell a culture of people that have thrived for over 1000 years how they should live their lives.
The United States has a FAR WORSE track record of demolishing the environments of protected species, and our country here raises cattle, hogs and poultry in horrific conditions for the food supply slaughterhouses. Pamela would better serve her cause by protesting the conditions of the meat industry here in the U.S. and leave the ancient practices of the Faroe Islands alone.
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