Tradition, culture, and common sense

(This blog posting, in addition to representing the opinion of the organization, will also benefit from and draw upon the author's experience and perspective as a member of the Chinese-American community.)

Tradition... that word has been tossed around quite a bit lately. It has been used as a crutch, it has been used as an excuse, it has been used as justification, but most disturbingly, it has been used a a distraction and diversion.

Using the term in its real sense though, traditionally, Chinese people do not like to waste, and they especially do not waste when it comes to food. Anyone who has been to dim sum can attest to this. We offer things like tripe, pigs' knuckles, and chicken feet. Nothing is wasted. Absolutely nothing.

This is what makes the "tradition" argument in support of shark fin soup so ludicrous. The demand for shark fin drives the practice of shark finning, which is arguably one of the most wasteful practices in which mankind has ever engaged.

The irony slapped me in the face at a recent event held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in celebration of sharks. Those of you familiar with COARE's tabling efforts know that we often offer gummi sharks as a treat for those who stop by and engage in conversation with us about shark conservation. Since we were running low on supplies, one of our volunteers, Jilian, offered to procure additional gummis to replenish our "shark bowl".

She returned with plenty of gummi sharks, but also brought back a small selection of other gummi shapes, including gummi worms, cola bottles, raspberries, and chicken feet. Yes, you read that correctly – gummi chicken feet.

gummi chicken foot gracing our newsletter signup form
photo ©2011 Christopher Chin

Earlier that morning, we were discussing distinctive chinese cuisine, (i.e., the "weird stuff" we eat), and how Chinese are, culturally, practically, and anecdotally, not wasteful. The aforementioned dim sum offerings entered the discussion that morning, so when Jilian discovered the chicken feet, she could not help but to buy a few to bring back. The fact that the chicken feet are so celebrated that they deserve their own gummi shape is very telling. . .  and that is what prompted me to write this blog.

We already covered most of the relevant issues regarding California's proposed shark fin ban (and dispelled opposition arguments) in a previous blog, and still feel strongly about all of those points.

In that previous blog, I spoke of the two basic positions: people who understand the issues and support the bill, and those who do not yet understand the facts, the situation, or the consequences of shark fin soup. Basically, people who support the ban of shark fins, and people who do not YET support the ban of shark fins. It really is a "no-brainer" decision. I alluded to a third position – those who have a financial interest in the short-term slaughter of sharks and choose personal financial gain despite the societal and environmental costs In closing that blog posting I chose to remain optimistic in humanity indicated I would continue to lump that third category in with the second, considering them misinformed or misguided.

It's become more apparent, with this fight, that greed and special interests play a larger role. Hiring two of the most high powered and influential lobby firms in the State to kill the shark fin bill is certainly not the work of mom-and-pop restaurants or concerned citizens; clearly, much is at stake for those profiteering from what amounts to the trade of endangered (and near endangered) species.

What is particularly offensive to me, both as Chinese-American and as a reasonable person, is the use of cultural sensitivity as a distraction, and the use of fear as a tool to incite people towards opposition. Fear is a powerful tool and has been used for political, personal, and financial gain by infamous figures throughout history. Whether it's fear of economic collapse, xenophobia, or political or cultural oppression, fear has been used to rile and beguile unwary citizens into tacit and active participation in some of the most horrific campaigns in history, including widespread genocide. By suggesting to people (in this case, Chinese-Americans) that they are the target of a racial affront, it's natural that they will want to react negatively. This exploitation of fear is truly the only reason why some otherwise uninformed Chinese-Americans choose to oppose this measure.

In reality, 70% of Chinese-Americans in California support a legislative ban on shark fins, according to a poll conducted by Fairbanks Maslin and commissioned by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.... and that poll was conducted before AB 376 was even introduced. Now that people know more about this bill, and now that even more people are aware of the issues surrounding the shark fin trade, that number would most certainly be higher.

As far as the discrimination argument is concerned, common sense reflects the legal definition of discrimination, particularly with regard to law and established practice. AB 376 is not discriminatory because it does not affect Chinese or Chinese-Americans as a class. AB 376 merely asks to prohibit the trade and consumption of a luxury product. The fact that more Chinese-Americans consume shark fin than other ethnicities does not give a delicacy protected status. Moreover, only some Chinese-Americans consume shark fin, not the average Chinese-American, and certainly not on a regular basis.

Prominent Chinese-American and Asian-American civil rights leaders also support the ban, and actually find offensive the use of cultural discrimination as an argument in opposition; if anything doing so trivializes civil rights matters of real significance, and "crying wolf" is not a game to play with civil rights.

This is a really simple matter, and the vote truly is a "no-brainer", but special interests and powerful lobby firms are attempting to sway our lawmakers. What helps make a difference for legislators is hearing from their constituents.

If you live in California, please be sure to call your State Senator and let them know how you feel. It will take you less than ONE MINUTE, quite literally, and will make a tremendous difference. For detailed and easy-to-follow instructions and to look up your Senator, visit our previous blog posting: http://blog.coare.org/2011/08/calling-all-californians-its-time-to.html

 - Christopher Chin
   Executive Director
   info [at] coare.org

(If you're visiting this blog well after it was published, perhaps the Senate vote has already taken place. You can visit this page for status.)

Calling all Californians - it's time to save some sharks!

Last week, the California State Senate Committee on Appropriations voted (5-2) to pass Assembly Bill (AB) 376 to the Senate floor.

You've all waited patiently (and some of you have helped) as we've battled through the State Assembly, and in the policy and fiscal committees of both Houses. . . . but now we're in our final stretch and VERY MUCH need your help.

The full Senate will be voting on this matter soon, and we need every Californian to contact his/her Senator to urge support for this matter.

California State Capitol in Sacramento

If you're looking for talking points, watch this space; we'll post comprehensive arguments in the next day or so.  These will be useful for anyone desiring to write articles, for those taking interviews on the matter, or anyone who may be meeting with legislative offices for more in-depth discussions.

However, you don't need any of that for this push, and you don't need any of that to help!

Making a difference is easy!  You don't need to know details, and it doesn't take much.

If you are a California resident, take your hands from the keyboard, and pick up the phone.

Step away from the keyboard.  Really.  Signing petitions may feel good (and may certainly help in the beginning stages of legislative efforts), but what really makes a difference is individual and personal contact with your legislator's office.  You may send a letter of support if you feel your position or status is influential, but it's probably simplest just to call.  Just a simple phone call that only takes two minutes.  You can spare two minutes to save sharks and save the ocean, can't you?

Your two minutes can (quite literally) help save millions of sharks!

If you don't already know who your legislative representatives are, you may use this form to look them up.

Simply call and emphasize that, as one of his/her voters, you want him/her to support AB376.

Not sure what to say?   It's simple.   Just follow these suggestions; you won't need to go into great detail when you call.

When you call, an office staff member will answer.

Simply say:
    "I am a member of your district and I urge you to support A.B. 376, the bill to ban shark fins in California." 

That's it!   You've helped!

Now, please pass this page on to other friends who also live in California.