Japan Dolphin Day: A Call for Altruism

From Richard O'Barry

I would like to make a suggestion:

If we really want to abolish the dolphin slaughter, it's best to draw attention to the actual slaughter and not to ourselves and our various groups DURING the October 8th demo.

Let's put the focus on the largest dolphin slaughter in the world and expose it for what it really is. By doing so, we have a chance of abolishing this cruel and inhumane practice once and for all. Our game plan must have an impact in Tokyo. Bringing local attention to ourselves won't help the 20,000 dolphins that have been issued a death sentence this year.

Promoting our various groups during this particular event won't change a thing for the dolphins.The only thing that matters to them is outside pressure to stop the killings. That's what Japan Dolphin Day is all about: Putting the focus where it belongs -- on the annual dolphin slaughter. The key to our success is showing up in HUGE numbers and presenting a united front. To be successful, we must practice altruism on October 8th.

We can promote our various group in our magazines, newsletters and websites. Nothing wrong with that.

Keep in mind, the Japanese embassies and consulates EXPECT the animal protection community to protest the dolphin slaughter. They know that's what we do. They don't, however, expect regular, concerned citizens to speak out against these crimes against nature. The same can be said for the international media. Therefore, I suggest we all leave our group logos and banners at home for this event.

To the 20,000 victim dolphins, it really doesn't matter what flag you are flying. They don't care what your T-shirt says or what your group's logo might be. The only thing that counts to them is the message on your protest sign.

By the way, if your message is in Japanese, it may show up on the front page of a Japanese newspaper. If it's in English, French, Spanish, German or Dutch, it most likely won't be heard outside your country. Please remember, we are trying to reach the Japanese decision makers, not the locals.

I'll be protesting in Paris, my wife Helene will be protesting in Miami. We won't be flying the One Voice flag. We won't be wearing a One Voice T-shirt. We will be blending in with all the other regular people who have gathered to call for an end to the senseless dolphin massacre.

Domo arigato,
Ric

Source: Richard O'Barry - contact:
Author: Richard O'Barry

Link: Dolphin Day


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