Self-Reflection

This project definitely made me think about sharks in a deeper perspective. I was already aware of the shark finning issue, but I did not fully understand it. Also, given the fact that we live in the Midwest, there is not much talk about shark attacks in this area. However, sharks are a popular species that have made its mark around the world. There is definitely a lack of understanding when it comes to these species, which leads to the way that they are viewed in society. There is a strong speciesism against these species because of how they are perceived. In order to combat this problem, education and outreach is important in informing society about the impact that sharks have to the community. 

Moral Vision Statement

1.      Society’s perspective on sharks today is viewed at a negative light, and this must be changed. In order to promote sharks and change their perception of being viewed as “man-eating” creatures, more education and outreach must be implemented. By doing so, people will be more aware of the impact sharks have on society.

Compromise

1.      One thing that can be improved in order to benefit sharks is to ban shark finning as a whole. By doing so, sharks can be saved from being on the brink of extinction. This ban will also benefit the entire aqua ecosystem, so this could save other aquatic species as well. While banning shark finning will be beneficial for the animals, companies may lose a large sum of money because of it. If this is the case, there is not much that can be done about it. Yes, employees will lose jobs as a result of this ban. However, companies must realize that the harm that they are doing to these creatures is much worse than the satisfaction they receive from their customers. If this were the case, these companies would have to rely on something else in order to gain some profit. The last thing that can be improved on is the target the specific restaurants that sell shark fin soup. If these restaurants can be stopped of selling this product, then the demand for shark fins will decrease.

Controversial Topic - Con

1.      Because of shark finning, tens of millions of sharks die every year. Shark finning is putting sharks in the endangered species list, and if this act continues, sharks may eventually become extinct. Not only is this detrimental to the shark species, it is affecting the whole ecosystem. This is having an effect on other aquatic species as well, causing them to get closer to extinction. This act of shark finning is also simply inhumane. Stripping sharks of their fins and then pushing them back into the water is pointless because it leads sharks to either drown or get eaten alive by other fish. Without their fins, these sharks lose the ability to move. 

Controversial Topic - Pro

1.      One reason why companies have the desire to continue the shark finning industry is because of economic profit it entails. One pound of dried shark fin costs around $300. The demand for shark fin is high especially because of shark fin soup. Shark fin soup is something that only the rich consume as a symbol of their wealth. According to Chinese culture, there is a claim that consuming shark fin provides numerous health benefits for the human body.

Controversial Topic

1.      A controversial topic I would like to discuss revolving around sharks is the concept of shark finning. Fishermen are capturing sharks, cutting their fins, and throwing them back in the water. By doing so, the shark will die in the water. This is a problem because sharks are currently an endangered species. Also, this could disrupt the ecosystem since sharks are the primary predators of the sea. The reason why there is such a high demand for shark’s fins is because of shark fin soup, especially in Asian countries. Shark fin soup is a status symbol. It is a very expensive dish that only the wealthy would consume to show off the fact that they can afford to eat it. Shark fins are implemented in this soup for its texture, not its taste. Usually, it is incorporated with chicken or vegetable broth. The fin only provides a unique texture to the soup. The only benefit I see from shark finning is the economic profit that will be received by companies selling shark fin soup. Personally, I believe that we should do something to stop this worldwide. Whether this is making legislation laws or banning it worldwide, nothing is going to stop it without reinforcement. Companies that support these efforts will be more difficult to persuade since this is their source of profit. This act is inhumane towards sharks, especially given that they are an endangered species and the effects that this could potentially have on the ecosystem. The whole concept of sharks being viewed as evil, dangerous, man-eating creatures is ridiculous. These are all generalizations based on very few stories that media portrays sharks as. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0p_LdfgmxQ

Religion/Mythology

1.      There is a Native American myth that originates from Hawaii, titled The King of Sharks. In summary, the King of Sharks marries a woman, and they have a son. In this society, a problem occurs: fishermen are catching fewer and fewer fish, and society relies on this in order to feed the population. The son is successful in escaping from society, adventuring off to the sea with his father, the King of Sharks. This mythology impacts the way sharks are viewed at this time because of how they are represented in this story. Also taken into consideration is where this story originated from, which is Hawaii. Hawaii is an area where sharks are abundant, so it makes sense that a myth about them came about. This mythology depicts sharks as a dominant species because they have power over humans. Because the King of Sharks has the ability to drive the fishes away, this then causes people to go into a panic. Hence, these people make the decision that the best solution is to kill whoever is the cause of these actions: the King of Sharks and anyone directly related to him. The incorporation of sharks in this mythological story gives rise the meaning that they are creatures that are sacred and at the same time dangerous.