Reflection about Whale Whores ( South Park)

Whale Whores" is the eleventh episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 192nd overall episode of the series. It aired on Comedy Central in the United States on October 28, 2009. In the episode, Stan joins an anti-whaling crew in order to save dolphins and whales from Japanese whalers.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_Whores)

 It is equally condemning of all sides involved in this matter, including the Japanese whalers, anti-whalers who fight against them and also the media. The episode also reflects a confusing picture where different sides only do and fight for their duty, their interests and cannot find a common voice.

Firstly, Japanese whaling is their culture. Personally, I think people cannot accuse them because they do it.  Killing chickens or cow for human foods still likes the Japanese who kill the whales or dolphins for meat. Why do people think it is two different actions? Actually, they are same, just the way people see, think and feel about it. Why do people feel guilty when watch whales or dolphins killed instead look dead chicken? For me, the answer could be included is the emotion and empathy through communication. People sympathize with whales and dolphins because their reproductive urges cycle similar to human, whales give birth to a single calf and nursing time is more than a year. On the other hand, chickens or cows grow up and breed much faster than the whales or dolphin, As a result, people do not feel bad when they kill chickens. Moreover, whales and dolphins are more intelligent than cows or chickens; they can express their feeling through their eyes and the sounds. When a dolphin or whale nearly dies, we can see a sadness and endless suffering through their eyes so we feel guilty and sad. However, chickens or cows are not, they just have the lifeless eyes which are unable to express any emotion so people hardly feel guilty when kill them. If chicken or cow can also express their emotion, maybe everything would change to the other way. In summary the main difference is observed, the Japanese observed the killing of dolphins or whales in the physical aspect which to them that dolphins, cows, chickens are the same comparing as the other one observe that in terms of soul.

Next, I want to mention about anti-whalers. With a glimpse, most people, including me will support the action of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Those people who work in the spirits of voluntary and non-profit.

Who they are?

Sea Shepherd's Mission Statement

Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. 

Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

 (http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/)     

                        

However, disrupting whale hunts by at times attacking and sinking Japanese whaling ships can be closed to crime. For me, their actions exceed their authority, which can negatively affect many different aspects surrounding whale hunt. Besides that, description about Captain Paul Watson making the watchers in doubt whether he is able to protect the whales or just bragging is wrong. Personally, his appearance may not accurately reflect the real ability of him. It is ad hominem fallacy. The following are the awards and accomplishments he has achieved in recent years of his tireless dedication.

For 31 Awards and Commendations

Watson has received many awards and commendations over the years. In 1996, Watson was awarded an honorary citizenship to the French town of St. Jean Cap Ferrat. Previous to that he was made an honorary citizen of the Florida Keys in 1989. Other awards include Toronto City TV's Environmentalist of the Year Award for 1990, the Genesis Award in 1998, and he was enrolled in the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also awarded the George H.W. Bush Daily Points of Light Award in 1999 for his volunteer efforts with conservation activism. He was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the environmental heroes of the 20th Century in the year 2000. (http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/captain-watsons-biography.html)

Third of all, the last side must be also mentioned is the media, who plays an important role in the whaling war. People can easily see that, initially, the media completely ignore the whale hunting. They only begin to participate when it becomes the focus of public. It is seen clearly that the purpose of the media involve the whaling war is making the view increase and earning profit from that. They absolutely do not care about it.

In conclusion, maybe to somebody, the uses of words, images and action in South Park offers uncomfortable feeling when viewing. However, the episode plays an intermediary role and reflects a fairly realistic picture about what is happening around this problem. These really is what we want to know in 21^st centuary.

Reference

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_Whores)

 (http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/)                             

 (http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/captain-watsons-biography.html)