1) Do you agree with the Norwegian and Japanese position on permitting the hunting of non-endangered species of whales as a cultural exemption?
I do not agree with their position on permitting the hunting of whales as a cultural exemption. I understand that each culture has its own unique activities, some that stem from its time of origin. Additionally, one would consider the legal hunting of game and ask,” Why is that accepted, but the Norwegians and Japanese aren’t allowed to hunt whales?” However, if one keeps thinking in this manner, you might as well start hunting all animals for sport/food – which would be atrocious. There has to be a limit somewhere, for everything.
Another point to consider is that there has to …show more content…
It is often sacred and defines its culture (Levin, n.d.). It is also not something which is easily changed, since it has been performed by generations within the culture.
5) Does the economic impact of whaling on the small fishing villages weigh into your decision?
The economic impact of whaling is a rather important aspect of this issue. These nations will be suffering with higher rates of poverty and unemployment if they are unable to hunt/sell whales, due to it being their primary source of income (Levin, n.d.). However, these negative impacts could still be prevented. If these nations were to provide proper education for these small fishing villages, or to help them find another way to earn their incomes, they could still be able to survive, with minimal costs involved.
6) How should these claims be balanced against world opinion – which is generally very supportive of whales?
Although every culture has to adapt or accept the inevitable, they are still entitled to their rights. Hence, when an international panel should weigh the validity of the claims, people from different cultural backgrounds, morals, beliefs and professions should be sufficient to balance their claims against world opinion. However, everyone’s votes should be equal and there should be no more than one person from the same cultural background with similar beliefs. Thus there should be profile for each person on the