lizardmarshhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/valentina-crast-7b427349_stopthegrind-share-7402330364125298688-Sq-G?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=android_app&rcm=ACoAAAEYHy4BntiRb2Gssg9JQIyRb42l66wKPJM&utm_campaign=share_via
#stopthegrind | Valentina Crast
Great coverage in Oceanographic today on the fantastic progress in the Faroe Islands. https://lnkd.in/dQZ4BrCr These are genuinely exciting times. I can see real potential for change in the near future, and the way forward is for local voices to engage, with the international community supporting in any and all ways possible. This morning, Faroese news station KVF called me and asked whether I could share contacts for local Faroese who would like to contribute to the public conversation happening right now. KVF acknowledged that the coverage is one-sided, but they cannot find anyone willing to go on camera and say they believe pilot whales should be protected under the animal welfare law. Crazy, right? The truth is, I do know plenty of people who feel that way. But unfortunately, they do not feel comfortable speaking up. Why? Because speaking out against the killing of dolphins in the Faroe Islands can get you in trouble with a minority of whalers who are fighting with everything they have to keep opposition silenced. You might think it is not a big deal, that people should just “toughen up”. But I have seen the consequences of speaking up and assuming it would be fine. Some years ago, a friend of mine did exactly that. He expressed being anti-grind and dared to be seen with Sea Shepherd in public. In less than a year, he had been bullied and harassed, his kids were bullied at school, and the family ultimately decided to move to Denmark. I mean, can you imagine being pressured to move out of your own country? He is back in the Faroes again after being away for a few years, but ever since that experience, we do not speak publicly. And just a few weeks ago, a police officer was doxxed, with his full name and photo posted online in a whaling group known for harassing anyone who does not agree with them. He was accused of being a traitor and a “mole” for Sea Shepherd. He was not. I did not even know who he was. But he still felt the wrath. So when KVF asks whether I can connect them with anyone who will speak openly against the grind, I have to say: most likely, I cannot, yet. But we are working on it, empowering people, offering support, and hopefully helping them build the confidence to come together and speak out. It will happen. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon. Shared Planet Sea Shepherd Global Sea Shepherd Conservation Society dominic dyer #stopthegrind Image: Sea Shepherd / Alice Bacou
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