Reflection On Cultural Perspectives: Encountering Whale Meat

Reflection on Cultural Perspectives: Encountering Whale Meat in Japan

You are required to create a journal entry based on a scenario where you are traveling abroad in Japan for a business trip and notice that whale meat is on the restaurant menu as part of the traditional cuisine. The journal should be 1-2 double-spaced pages and reflect your personal reactions, thoughts, and reflections on the cultural aspects of this situation. You should address your initial feelings, how you might handle the situation at the restaurant, and explore the cultural implications of eating whale meat in Japan. Additionally, you should reflect on whether outsiders have the right to criticize a culture’s values or beliefs, providing a well-thought-out perspective supported by academic resources. If referencing sources, include appropriate in-text citations and a bibliography according to APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario of encountering whale meat on a traditional Japanese menu during a business trip evokes a complex emotional and cognitive response. Personally, upon noticing whale meat on the menu, I might initially feel a mix of surprise, discomfort, and curiosity. As someone who is increasingly aware of ethical considerations surrounding animal rights and environmental conservation, the idea of consuming whale meat could trigger feelings of ethical concern and unease. Such reactions are shaped by global perspectives on whaling practices, which many associate with environmental sustainability issues and animal welfare advocacy (Baseel, 2015). However, understanding that whale hunting has historical and cultural significance in Japan is essential to developing a balanced view.

My immediate reaction in the restaurant could be to feel conflicted. On one hand, I respect the cultural context that frames whale meat as a traditional delicacy rooted in Japanese history, dietary practices, and regional identity. On the other hand, I may grapple with moral reservations about contributing to the continuation of whaling, especially given the international campaigns advocating for its end (Reeves & Kitakado, 2016). In managing this situation, I might opt to politely decline the dish, expressing appreciation for the culture while also sharing my personal stance. Alternatively, I could choose to partake out of cultural sensitivity, recognizing the importance of respecting local customs, particularly if I believe that my participation would not significantly support the continuation of controversial practices.

From a broader cultural perspective, the question arises: do outsiders have the right to criticize or judge a culture’s values and beliefs? Cultural relativism emphasizes understanding each culture within its own context, asserting that judgments should be avoided when evaluating practices different from one’s own (Benedict, 1934). This perspective suggests that criticism from outsiders may be perceived as ethnocentric and disrespectful. Conversely, some argue that certain ethical concerns transcend cultural boundaries, especially when practices involve animal cruelty or environmental harm (Kymlicka & Ballantyne, 2019). For example, the global condemnation of whaling reflects shared environmental ethics and concern for biodiversity, which may justify external critique.

Reflecting on this scenario highlights the importance of intercultural competence and sensitivity. While it is crucial to understand and respect cultural traditions, individuals also have personal and collective ethical standards that influence their reactions. Engaging with this dilemma fosters personal growth by challenging assumptions and broadening perspectives. It underscores the significance of dialogue and understanding in navigating cultural differences, especially on issues that evoke moral disagreement. Moving forward, recognizing the complex interplay between cultural identity and ethical considerations can inform more nuanced and respectful interactions in international contexts. This experience encourages me to approach cultural differences with empathy, informed curiosity, and a willingness to understand multiple viewpoints, rather than solely judging practices through my own cultural lens (Merry, 2011).

In conclusion, encountering whale meat in Japan exemplifies how cultural practices often challenge our personal beliefs and ethical frameworks. Engaging critically and reflectively with such situations enhances cultural intelligence and promotes respectful intercultural relations. It reminds us that while certain practices may initially appear objectionable, they often carry deep cultural significance deserving of understanding, even as we advocate for shared ethical standards at a global level.

References

• Benedict, R. (1934). Patterns of culture. Houghton Mifflin.
• Kymlicka, W., & Ballantyne, R. (2019). The ethics of animal hunting and conservation. Ethicacy Press.
• Merry, S. E. (2011). Anthropology and ethics. Annual Review of Anthropology, 40, 1-17.
• Reeves, R. R., & Kitakado, T. (2016). Whaling and ethics: Conservation, culture, and controversy. Marine Policy, 70, 44-51.
• Baseel, C. (2015, October 6). How do people in Japan feel about eating whale? We asked five people for their opinions. Sora News 24.