libraryg
Well-Known Member
A lot of our attitudes about dolphins have been shaped by FLIPPER, as you mention, and other films and TV shows about dolphins PLUS the numerous aquatic parks in the U.S.
I'm not sure Japanese culture has portrayed dolphins in the same light; the public there may not see them as we do.
Which is why international pressure is so important. The Japanese have a history of sensitivity to being "shamed" by the international community. (Unfortunately, that same tendency may encourage the Japanese to cover up the slaughter rather than to end it.)
Nova, one of the most interesting things I noticed while watching The Cove, a key point really..........is that while those participating in the yearly dolphin hunts were proclaiming their actions a part of some Japanese tradition.........when the average "man on the street" was asked about/ informed of these hunts, nobody had ever heard of this so-called "tradition".
You make a wonderful point about keeping up international pressure, and an equally valid point of this very action may drive the "hunters" further underground in their attempts to cover things up/save face. I wish I had some idea of what we, just average but concerned citizens, can do to aid in an end to this barbaric practice?