It was heartbreaking! I cried shamelessly, blubbering about the poor dolphins and porpoises. My heart went out to Ric O'Barry, struggling with guilt to undo what he has started. Before The Cove, dolphins were just another sea mammal to me. I always thought they were cute but it has never generate any real interest before. I know that Whales were hunted and various consumer products are produced from the subsequent act of cruelty. I never knew the same treatment has been done to their smaller cousins.
Prior to this, I decided I must help somehow. What do I do? I wished I could have given tangible donations to make a difference. The whole dolphin/whaling issue just creates a moral dilemma for me. The movie mentioned that the Japanese Government told its fishermen that the Dolphins are pests that dwindled their lucrative fishing industry. Its ridiculous, but it just struck a cord in me. Its a never ending cycle. Is it ethical for me to stay with my current diet or should I be a vegetarian? Would it help with the cause?
I chose to give Vegetarianism a try. FortuneCat decided that he would help me in my endeavor as well. Bless him! Anyways, so the first week of being a vegetarian I faltered and started to crave steak and chicken fillets. Everything around me tantalised and tempted. How does a girl that has eaten meat all her life stop craving meat? It was doomed to failure. One night I confessed to FortuneCat that I can't do it anymore. Shame on me :(
I think the best way to help is to create awareness. Since watching the movie, we have told friends and family about The Cove. Every little contribution helps and in the end it would lead to big things. I believe whole heartedly that everything in moderation is the best way to create balance. I also realized that I need to try and live a more sustainable lifestyle i.e; be a conscious consumer thus reducing my ecological footprint. Support local farmers and avoid factory farms that resulted in incredible pain and suffering for the animals being farmed.
I hope anyone that come across this humble blog would stop by The Cove's official website here and eventually watch the eye opening documentary The Cove.
