Sunday, November 13, 2011

Should states ban the sale of shark fins?

Students,

For this week's blog post, please read the assigned TeenBiz3000 article: "Shark Fins Off The Table?" about a state's controversial move to ban the sale of shark fins used in the cooking of a traditional Chinese-American soup.  After you read the article, complete the activity and then explain which side of the controversy you support and why.  Should Chinese-Americans have the right to sip shark fin soup?  Explain your answer using relevant details and examples.

http://bushwarriors.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/shark-fins-on-sidewalk-photo-credit-felix-wong.jpg

As always, make sure to proofread your work for CUPS (Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, Spelling) before submitting, and make sure to click "Include In Your Answer" on the Thought Question to make sure you've completed all aspects of the assignment.

66 comments:

  1. I Disagree, I disagree because how would you have felt if that was to be your culture and you wouldn't be able to celebrate without the ingredients you need to make it. Like the article says "Used for special occasions". I also disagree because why would you even start cutting fins if you knew it was wrong in the first place? You're just going to have to deal with it because if you thought it was wrong you wouldn't have done it in the first place and if you were so against it then just stop go on strike if you believe it's that outraging.So i agree with the side that doesn't want the law to pass because if that was my culture i know i would be mad if they took something away that has been celebrated for an while.

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  2. Now that I have fully thought about the consequences shark finning has on the environment I am completely against it. I think that if you can still have the same taste with any other seafood that it is not necessary to kill the sharks for a taste it doesn't even provide. I also think that if the Asian people want their shark fin soup then they should go back to china where they can eat it all they want. This is how I feel towards this issue.

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  3. I think they do because, The people in California should not be worried about what the people in China are doing and it helps their culture in certain ways. they have had this soup for a very long time. So why are they worried about it now? They should not throw them back into the water to leave them to die but at least save the rest of the animal or use the rest of it in different way, or add it to the soup..

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  4. I think that the ban is� a great idea because they are killing more sharks and some day we well run out sharks. plus the price is alote of money but i don't think its wright for them the lest they could do is lower the price its really at a high price its $100 dollars whats up with that its to much for the chines to pay. The store most be getting rich fast. so ill end it with stop it our killing mother neuter.

    from Bobby

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  5. I support the bill and think that shark finning should be banned everywhere in the US. The process of shark finning is thoroughly disgusting and if I had seen that video, I probably would've thrown-up. I also think that shark finning is unnecessary. When the chefs put the finns in the soup, they only do it for texture, not flavor. The amount of shark finns in the soup is a disruption to the ecosystem, as well.

    Shark finning is also causing a disruption in the sharks' national habitat. When the fishermen throw the sharks back into the ocean, sure they are providing food for the other creatures, but the amount of sharks in the ocean off the coast of California, is diminishing.

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  6. I believe that the number of dying and injured sharks is amassing every year and that that is a very big problem in todays marine ecosystem. There are already way too many species that have gone extinct or that are heavily endangered, sharks among them, and we don’t need another species wiped out, especially not one of so much importance. And what if it causes a chain reaction? A lot of species are depending on sharks and it could be even more devastating to our environment if this important beast disappears from the ocean. Imagine if this act of “shark finning” went on, the children in another 5 or 10 years will be talking of the last 100 sharks on the planet and how they used to roam the ocean. And since this is also a very cultural and racial topic, many people have changed their religious ways for the greater good of the world, so there is no excuse for keeping up this inhumane act. For example, whaling used to be a very popular sport and was even used for some oils but was banned and stopped in most countries for the greater good of the ecosystem. I believe that this is what is necessary for our already struggling environment, and that the legislature these days should be painfully aware of the struggling marine ecosystem and should be doing all it can to help. This is just the chance that they need to help the environment.

    Of course, a lot of the people these days are saying that their culture is more important than the environment and that not a lot of sharks are being hurt by this age old practice. Well, todays environment is on its last legs and this age old, apparently harmless ritual is slaughtering about 73 million sharks alone a year. Think about the main issues that sharks face: fishing, abandoned ships, nets and other equipment, and especially the waste that we humans leave in their ocean habitats. We could easily let 73 million sharks a year live just to leave a little texture out of our special soups. I think that the cultural reasons that this practice should be left alone are almost insignificant to me when I think about the consequences.

    Maybe the economical reasons will be a little more supportive of the other side of the argument. Nope. If you think about the maybe 50,000 jobs that we are saving b keeping this shark finning, shark fin selling, and shark fin soup producers, it really isn’t worth it. You could supply those jobs to marine law enforcers or ocean clean up crews. It would be the exact same amount of jobs but for a much better purpose. I think that the ecosystem, especially marine ones like the ones in California with all of the illegal poaching and fishing, is in a predicament much worse then our economy. We don’t even need money to survive. All we really need is the ocean and its nutrients to survive. Of course, it would be much more useful to ban all shark fishing and poaching, but for now it would be a good start to ban shark finning, especially because it will be leading us on the right track.

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  7. I agree with the ban of shark fins. I think that if sharks fins keep being taken, than there will be a great decline in sharks. Also with less sharks it could disrupt the seafood cycle, therefor harming other fish. Also if we keep hunting shark fins, people who hunt sharks for a living, could lose there job because people are wasting sharks. In conclusion I agree with the ban of hunting shark fins.

    I also don't think they should have the ban. If its important in Chinese culture, I think they should not get rid of it. Imagine if there's a ban that proposes to not to slaughter cows for burgers. I think a lot of people would disagree because burgers are like a part of our culture. I also think some chefs or fish hunters might lose there jobs simply because they don't have shark fins anymore. Finally I understand why people don't want to ban shark fins, but I still think they should go through with the ban.

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  8. I support the side that is trying to ban the sale of these poor fish fins. I agree with this side because, what makes people think that they will be fine when they throw these poor creatures back in the ocean. Sharks never stop swimming, NEVER.They can't survive without their fins. Don't we have enough sea life to eat. Why sharks? They are beautiful creatures who won't harm unless threatened. I know that this is a Chinese delicacy but it is creating an unequal balance in mother nature. This is a water angel being killed for an $80 soup. They said that the shark fin is just for texture NOT flavor. The picture in the article shows that it cost $100 for one pound of fins. In this economy the shark fining business will collapse. Not a lot of average Americans can afford that. To conclude I VERY strongly disagree with this delicacy.

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  9. Well I think we/California should ban sales of shark fins because sharks have the right to stay alive but still it's not just sharks other animals have rights too. But 73 million sharks are killed a year plus any other animals that are killed so people could eat. How would it feel if people were instead of animals then what would people say.

    Instead of putting shark in shark soup put different things in shark soup like something other than something that was living. And I just have to add that in my opinion I think shark soup is really nasty.

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  10. I do not support the new law of banning shark fins.I don't support this law because they are abusing sharks by taking off their fins.They do that so that they could just make more money.then they make shark fin soup out of the shark fins.Another reason I don't support this law is because it requires taking sharks out of there water homes.Is that what you want to see happen.See sharks get there fins taken of by some money hungry people in the seafood company.Sharks are animals too.So we should treat them with same respect as we treat our cats and dogs and other pets.So if you don't support the new law,sharks will be happy with you.But if you do then I got to say that your just sad.

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  11. I support the side that wants the bill to pass. Animal rights is much more important than any tradition. It's more important because, we need sharks around to help own ocean ecosystem. If anything in own ocean ecosystem went away, everything will get messed up. Also, "The bill has gained widespread support from animal activists, who call the practice of shark finning inhumane." as stated in the article, and I agree with that 100%(100 percent). Also they said, "According to Ong, it's the broth that provides most of the dish's flavor. Shark fins, he said, are practically flavorless. They just provide texture." so you don't need shark's fin. Use another ingredient and you'll be just fine.

    I don't agree with the side that wants the shark's fin because, they don't need shark's fin. I know it's called shark fin soup, but you need to understand that we need the sharks in our ocean ecosystem so, everything will be balanced. It may be really old tradition but sharks have been around for a longer time. If more people wanted the bill then have the bill passed. This is the right thing to do.

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  12. Personally, I think that they should band should band the sale of shark fins because animal cruelty isn't fair. I think its not fair at all because if you were a shark you wouldn't want to die that way. I think that its unfair to the sharks they could still sell shark fins but, i don't think isn't fair to harm another animal who hasn't hurt you but, you wont say anything when they eat you take a look at the movie jaws that represents allot. I think a tradition is not that important than animal cruelty





    Goodbye fellow bloggers

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  13. In this article "Shark Fins Off the Table?" i did NOT agree with the many Chinese-Americans who bought shark fin soup. For one, don't think its humane for any reason at all. One way to think about it is someone chopping off your legs. After doing so letting you go off on your own without trying to help you. No living creature should have to go through that therefore i think they should ban anything that has to do with that.
    I can understand when California State Senator Leland Yee called the proposed law "an unfair attack on Asian culture." it is their culture and everyone should be able to express how they feel about who they are or where they come from. But i don't think it should be at anyone or things expense. Another thing it mentioned in the the article is the only reason they use the shark fin soup is for texture, not having anything to do with flavor. this can easily be fixed by using different ingredients to have the same texture. then the number of sharks death can decrease while people eat happily.

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  14. I support the side that bans the sale of shark fins.I'm on this side because I think it's very bad for people to be,first of all,cutting off shark fins,and second of all,to be selling them for money.It's bad to be cutting of shark fins because it's decreasing the amount of sharks,which increases the amount of fish and other underwater animals.When they cut off the fins,the fishermen just throw them back in the water and they aren't gonna be able to swim.And they make soup with the fins.Which makes no sense because the shark fins are just giving the soup texture not flavor.They could add other things that won't harm the ocean,to add texture.So that makes no sense.And to be selling them is bad because like I said before ,for the soup,its just adding texture.I think that is pretty dumb.

    There are some people that don't want to ban the sales, because they say it's a tradition.I understand that but I still think its wrong.And that the environment is more important.Like really,cutting of fins for no reason.Well,a no GOOD reason,I should say.So I think that they should ban the selling of shark fins,because it's bad. and harming many people and things.

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  15. I support the side who wants to ban sales of sharkf ins. I am supporting that side because I do not think it is right to kill any animal. I definitely do not think It's right to kill a animal for its body parts to eat. That animal have a life to live an haves a right to live. I also support those who think killing sharks is wrong because i'm pretty sure they wouldn't to be killed and have their body parts sold to eat.

    I think they should ban the sells of shark fins. 73 millions sharks are killed every year to sell and be eating. That's a lot. Also if every year the number of sharks are decreasing that's bad. I think its bad because they are a living thing for a reason and they do not deserve to be killed and eating. Whats also making it worst that the people who are shark fining are just tossing their bodies back in the water to die. I think that is wrong and that is why I support with the people who are against killing sharks just for their fins.

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  16. Although I do not like sharks I feel that it's unfair to kill them for their fins. I think this because if sharks go extinct it would mess with the whole seafood chain, making other seafood company's go out of business. Also chef Alex Ong says that shark fin doesn't have much taste so it would be easy to replace it with other seafood.

    I still think that we should stop slaughtering sharks, but I agree that it is unfair that we're trying to stop cutting off shark fins while there is no law against people using their skin as handbags or eat their meat. If you're going to make a law against cutting off shark fins why don't you make it about using any part of the shark. In conclusion I think that you should stop killing sharks for their fins.

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  17. I disagree because I think that they should not ban the sales of shark fins but they should ban cutting off just, the shark fins .It is not fine to cut off the shark fins and use the and just leave the shark to die in the water. They should let the rest of the shark for something else but it is not fine to cut off the shark fins and leave the shark to die. I think it would be perfectly fine to kill the whole entire shark and then just cut off the fins for the soup. If they banned the just cutting off the fins then people will not be able to have their soup and maybe less sharks would die sharks would die but if they let the people kill the sharks and then take off the fins everyone could be happy(except the sharks) and not that many sharks are dying(which is the main problem). In stead of banning shark finnig they should say that if you want the fin of the shark then you have to have the whole shark and not only just the fin.

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  18. I would agree with banning the new law because I think it is cruel and unusual punishment. I support the new law because the shark fining can be very harmful to the ecosystem and also to the sharks.I think the law should be passed. I also think it is very mean to shark fin a shark and then through it back into the ocean. The ocean would be filled with died sharks and it can be dangerous to the ocean's ecosystem.The amount of sharks that are being killed is dreadful and I think it is very sad too.So, that's why I would want to support the ban.I also think that shark fin soup sounds nasty.

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  19. I think that the ban is so cruel and just downright evil. To think that sharks have to die just for us to eat a highly expensive meat at $80 a bowl is not cool. One such supporter of the ban is Alex Ong, who actually saw crew members cutting off sharks' fins and tossing back into the ocean to die, angered him so much that he promised to work to bring and end to the practice and if I was there I would try my best to help him do so.

    The fact that 73 million sharks are killed every year is very upsetting not only to supporters of the ban, but the nature's sense of balance worldwide, even though down the line this could harm other seafood businesses. After hearing all the facts and downside of this practice, I would have to agree with the ban of selling sharks' fins because of the way its been down and the fact that they are still doing even though the practice is fading.

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  20. I support the side that agrees that the law should be passed. I agree with this side because like it says in the article without those 73 million sharks per year slaughtered from their shark fins being cut off it doesn't help the ocean life. Also, it's just inhumane because you have this living creatures who are help this world and killing them is just mean especially when you just throw them back into the water to die. I know that shark fin soup is important to the Chinese cultures but like it says in the article young Chinese Americans are losing interest in the shark fin soup meaning that it may not me around in a couple of years. It also states that during the survey 70 percent of Chinese Americans wanted to pass this law while the other 30 percent didn't want it to be passed. In conclusion, when you have a heated debate of something so important to this world it will cause people to follow their heart for what they know is good for this world and the future even if it interacts with their religion.

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  21. I support California's proposed ban on sales of shark fins. I believe that it's important to preserve sharks and prevent the estimated 73 million sharks being killed a year, and I think it's inhumane to capture a shark, cut off their fin, and release them back into the ocean to die. I agree with Henry Cheung-- I think it's unfair to ban shark fins, yet not ban shark meat/ or shark skin. However, I think that when your are cutting off the shark fin, and not using any other part of the shark and releasing them back to the ocean to die, you are doing something that should be considered unlawfully inhumane. When you are using shark meat and shark skin, you are using a lot more of the shark--in fact, almost all of it. I think it's good for this ban-- I think it's healthy for sharks, and the ocean ecosystem.

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  22. I think that California plan to ban sales of shark fins should happen because cutting off shark fins is hurting the life style of sharks and other sea creatures. Another thing is that they just throw the sharks back into the ocean and let them die. I think they shouldn't just leave the shark there. Why don't they just eat the rest of shark? Also if they do ban people from eating or selling shark fin's I think that there wouldn't be less sharks like there is now.

    I also think that California shouldn't ban shark fins because Chinese Americans likes to eat shark fin for like special holidays. Another thing is I don't think it's fair that they're banning just shark fin. LIke what about things made of shark skin and other stuff that people use? I also think that if they do ban shark fin then Chinese Americans would have to go somewhere to get shark fin to make shark fin soup.

    So if they do ban shark fin then there be more sharks in the sea and the life style wouldn't be messed up, but if they don't ban shark fin then Chines Americans can keep eating shark fin on special holidays.

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  23. I support the side to ban the sales of shark fins. Except i believe that if they are going to ban the sale of shark fins they should ban the sale of sharks in general. And though it is not good and many people will loose jobs we could create many jobs trying to crate an alternative to shark meat. Though there are negatives we can create a lot of positives.
    Some other reasons i believe they should ban the sale of shark fins is shark fins do not have a strong or any taste at all. For example shark soup the broth has a very strong taste and the shark fins simply add texture. I do agree that it is a culture but most people saying that just like shark fin soup. I do not blame you it is good to fight for what you believe in but think about the sharks.
    Maybe the sharks are thinking the same thing "maybe we could find an alternative to people." Or maybe they are only eating us to give us a hint to stop eating them as soup. I have learned to look at both sides of the situation before deciding who i agree with. In this situation i agree with the group supporting the sale of shark fins.

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  24. I think the government should ban the sale of shark fins in California. It is inhumane to cut off the sharks fins then leave them in the water to die. It's extremely cruel and no living thing should ever have to go through such a thing.
    It may be Chinese tradition and culture and they have a right to be upset it's almost making a part of their culture illegal. This may be the case but as I said before it inhumane and no living creature should have to go through this. The article said that every year 73 million sharks are slaughtered and the majority is for shark fin soup, if sharks go extinct that could potentially mess up our entire ecosystem. San Francisco chef Alex Ong says that sharks fins really have no flavor and are just there for he texture. I hope the bill is passed for the sake of those sharks and saving the ecosystem

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  25. I think that what the Chinese are doing is wrong. I think that killing sharks for soup is wrong. I think this because it disturbs the oceanic life cycle. Less sharks could mean less of other fish that feed of sharks.

    I also disagree with what the Chinese are doing because even though it is a tradition it is not okay to let animals die for something so small. If you were to use a small part of the shark, but it would still die, how would you feel. Henry Cheung asks why it is okay to use shark meat or shark skin purses. I think that is fine because you are using all of the shark for two different things. Therefore you are not disgracing the shark.

    Another reason that I feel the Chinese were wrong is because shark fin soup is considered a deliquesce. I believe, even though it is a deliquesce, it is not worth killing animals. Is 80 dollars worth a sharks life? I don't think it is. This is why I think what the CHinese are doing is wrong.

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  26. I support the side that disagrees with the new law. I disagree with the new law for three reasons. The law is attacking the Chinese tradition by saying that the only part of the shark that is off limits is the fin, the only part of the shark the Chinese use. Also, I think the entire shark should be protected or else there is no point in banning anything because the shark would die anyway. My last reason for disagreeing with the law is that I do not see a difference between killing a shark and killing a cow. Millions of cows are killed all the time but there is no law against selling them!
    The law is attacking the Chinese because the law only bans the park of the shark the Chinese use. Other parts of the shark are not banned. Things such as shark skin bags are still being made. I think this is unfair towards the Chinese.
    I think the entire shark should be banned so that the shark can be saved. When the fins are taken from the shark, the shark dies. This is a waste of the shark. They should save the shark's life instead of just using a small part of it.
    I also do not see the difference between killing sharks and killing cows or pigs or sheep. All lives are equal. Millions of cows, pigs and sheep are killed to eat all the time. There are no laws against killing them. This is unfair to the sharks. This is why I disagree with the new law.

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  27. I have no position in this surrounding controversy in California's proposed ban on sales of shark fins. I have no position in this argument because there are many major pros. Also there are many cons about this problem. In conclusion, I have no position in this argument due to many pros and cons.
    This argument has many pros. Some of the cons is that by this ban it would save the oceans ecosystem and save sharks. This new ban would save the oceans ecosystem because if sharks continued dying then the food chain would be off balance. Also because by saving sharks we would be saving them from being an endangered species. In conclusion, this argument has many pros.
    This argument has many cons. Some of the cons is that by this new ban people could lose their job and limiting these people to their culture and the people that like this soup. People could lose their jobs because if you work cutting off the fins of the sharks and they go through with this ban those people will not have jobs. Also they are limiting those people to their culture of eating this soup and therefore could possibly be offending them. In conclusion, this ban has can also have many cons.

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  28. I'm going to represent the side that represent the ban of shark fins. I agree with that because sharks feel pain too it isn't like they don't. Imagine someone cutting your hands or feet off how would it feel. I'm sure it is very painful. Like the article said it is inhumane.

    Animals should have rights just like us humans do. If you think about we're animals in our on way. People just don't come to us and cut our hands off, Sow why should u kill them? Animals wasn't put on earth to be eaten they were born to live like us.

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  29. I have two opinions why they should ban shark fins and why they shouldn't ban shark fins: they shouldn't ban them because they didn't ban killing fouls and mammals and feeding it to us humans.But if i hear another goods reason then i can determine my final opinion.

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  30. I do agree with this proposal because killing sharks is cruel and inhumane. They are just killing the animals just so people can eat something that isn't even necessary in their lives. In my opinion humans are egocentric because they think their lives are so much more important then any other animal like cows, dogs,cats, and sharks. Humans eat animals and then also sometimes try to kill animals that eat or kill them. When they cut of their fins the sharks die. It isn't fair that humans have the right to kill other things just so they get what they want.

    Humans are just killing sharks for money and don't care about how it affects the world. Lots of companies sell shark fins for profit and do not care if it is humane or not. It seems to me that they just care about the money. Sharks are main component in the ocean. It could also affect other seafood business.

    Some people might say that shark fin soup is important in Chinese culture. They also say that interdicting sale of shark fins is a insult and a attack to Chinese culture. They are also saying that it isn't necessary because interest in the soup is already going down. I do not think it is a attack of Chinese culture. According to a poll 70% of the Chinese-Americans who voted agreed with the ban. So most of them probably wont think it is a attack.

    In Chinese culture the soup is a viand, but they just use the shark fin. They cut the shark fin of and throw the shark in the water to die. If they are going to kill a animal they shouldn't just waste the rest of it. Even if they aren't going to use the rest of it they should kill the sharks in a quick and painless way. Then the sharks wouldn't suffer pain and then just die instead of not feeling pain but still dying.

    In conclusion, I do agree with the proposal. I agree because killing sharks is cruel. Also it affects the ocean. Since they only use the shark fin they waste the rest of the shark and instead of using the rest of it leave the shark to die painfully. They should also make a law banning the sell of the soup. It would discourage people from buying shark fins because they would be useless.

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  31. I would like to be on the side that disagree because the only thing they are banning is shark fins. If they ban shark fins they should ban everything else. They only ban it for the chinese reasons. People make bags with sharks they not banning nothing else but shark fins. They should not ban them for chinese reason. If they do ban the shark fins jus let it not be for chinese reans.

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  32. I support a band on shark fin soup because it hurts sharks. First, fishermen they cut off the fins and throw the rest of the alive shark in the water and leave it to die. So, they waste the shark instead of using all of it. Also, they are ruining the animals peace and habitat. Sharks are getting endangered especially white sharks which is bad for the world. Finally, it can harm the environment and affect our future.

    Opponents of the shark fin ban argue that shark fin soup is a Chinese tradition. Shark fins are used in soups for special occasions. The Chinese have been eating shark fin soup for a long time and some Chinese Americans do not want to give up the tradition. They think the ban is an insult and an attack on their culture. I understand it is important, but a Chinese chef said the soup can be made without shark fins. Therefore, I think shark fins should be banned to protect sharks and the ocean.

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  33. Lawyers are trying to ban the sale of shark fins. Now people are jumping and screaming at the idea of it, animal activist are against it saying that it is inhumane, and some critics argue that it is a venerable Chinese tradition which is necessary. Personally I agree with the animal activists and think that the ban of shark fins is the right hing to do.


    Alex Ong a chef at Pan Asian viewed the video of shark finning. This process includes slicing the fins of and throwing them back in the ocean to die. This is completely inhumane and not moral at all.


    Another reason I think this law should be passed is that sharks are an important part in our eco-system with shark finning their population has been plummeting to the bottom. This is because 73 million sharks per year are slaughtered mainly for shark tail soup but are also used for bags and such. With the drop of the population of sharks the seafood business could be affected.


    Last but not least, shark fining is horrible is because three fourths of people voted with the law. Some reasons people agree with the proposal is that 1st its wrong but also the soup can come to be expensive (paying $80 or more) and in a not so great economy paying less money is better.


    In conclusion I agree with the proposal going against shark banning. These are only a few of the reasons why: it is not moral, they must kill the whole shark just to get its fins, sharks will eventually become extinct, it is expensive and last but not least most people agree with the proposal.

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  34. I do not think shark fin should be ban because it is apart of the Chinese tradition and to them it may not be fair because it's a tradition that they might do all the time, and it's like if someone had a family tradition that every one loved that would not be fair to ban that tradition, also it's not really affecting anyone.
    Miecha

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  35. I support the side of which selling shark fin should be banned from the state of California. People are saying that traditions are more important rather than animal rights, even though they only use the fin for texture since it has no taste. Once the fin was cut off they threw the rest off the shark's body back into the ocean. People don't imagine if they were getting their heads off then thrown into the ocean. All animals deserve respect, no matter what.

    They should ban the sale of not only the fin, but the entire shark. I believe that we were all put on this Earth for a reason; which is not to be killed just for a soup. A tradition is something that will keep going on for years, but a shark's life is permanently gone once you take it.

    I agree that they should find a new ingredient to give the soup the same texture that they would get if they used the shark fin.
    The culture to use shark fin then just throw the body back into the ocean is simply inhumane. I believe that traditions are very imporant but what they do to sharks is just unnacceptable and ludicrous.

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  36. I support people wanting to ban shark soup. I'm on this side because to me its wrong on sea creatures and its not fair for them to suffer in that type of way even tho some people disagree they should think about how it causes popularity on sea creatures with out them we probley would have dirty water and such. People should make anything that harms animals and sea creatures because when people do that that makes our world even smaller because we need animals and sea creatures because they help out world become cleaner and healthier sometimes. So they should just keep on trying to band shark soup even tho its a tradition to come cultures they can find new ways to celebrate there culture.

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  37. I am against the controversy of selling shark fins because, as they stated in the article, it's inhumane. What if the roles were reversed? What if we got our legs cut off and they were eaten for TEXTURE! THEN we are asked to swim along and continue with our lives like we don't need our legs. What about you, California State Senator Leland Yee, do you want your legs cut off? Or what about Henry Cheung, President of Charlie Seafood Inc? No? Interesting...

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  38. I think that they should ban sales on shark fins.I don't think it's right to kill any animal.The only animals that i think is okay to kill are animals like chickens or turkeys.in the article it said that shark fins don't even have any taste.they just use them for texture.i understand that it's a Chinese tradition to eat shark fin soup.but i don't think it's right to just cut off a sharks fin, then toss it right back into the ocean to die.Sharks play a big role in the food chain.They kill a lot of animals. without them, a lot of different animal species would become overpopulated. That's why i think they should ban the sales on shark fins.

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  39. In my opinion, I agree with the California lawmakers, chefs should ban shark fins from there soup. I understand that it's a tradition in China, but it's not a tradition in the USA. It's lowering the shark population which isn't good at all. In the article it says that the shark fin only gives texture to the soup not taste. I think that China should be the only country that should be aloud to make shark fin soup, and no other country. If that came true than the population of sharks wouldnt lower as much, but just a little...its a start.

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  40. I agree with banning this law. I think that because 73 million sharks per year are slaughtered and made into soup. Also I think what chef Alex Ong said is true that they can always make the shark fin soup with another seafood ingredient. Because like he said the shark fin doesn't add any flavor and that it just is for texture. If they don't pass this bill many fisherman could lose their job because all the sharks would vanish and they wouldn't be able to fish for them. That is why I think that they should pass the law that you can cut of shark fins and sell them.

    I think they shouldn't pass the law because like many people said that its a tradition in the Chinese culture and that wouldn't be fair to take away something that is apart of where they come from. So I think that they should make a new bill saying that you can only slaughter a certain number of sharks per year and if you exceed that limit you will be arrested.

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  41. Even though I hate sharks, I support the side that wants the ban of shark fins. For example, it's cruel to the sharks. For another example, it can become a very big problem for the ecosystem. Some people oppose the proposal, but some people are for the ban. In conclusion, I support the proposal for the ban of shark fins.

    Getting the shark fins is cruel to the sharks. For example, a chef had seen a video of some people taking off a shark's fin and then THROWING the shark back into the ocean! If that isn't cruel, I don't know what is! Many people also call it "inhumane." In conclusion, I think that taking off the sharks' fins is cruel to the sharks.

    Killing all of these sharks can become really bad for the ecosystem. The shark is a very big predator on the food chain and if the sharks aren't there to eat all of their prey, the sharks' uneaten prey can overpopulate which can become a very big problem. The article states that the main reason for all the killings of the sharks is so that the sharks' fins can be made into shark fin soup! The sharks' population decrease is even a global concern! In conclusion, I believe that killing the sharks for shark fin soup can become really bad for the ecosystem.

    Some people disagree with the ban. A man named Henry Cheung thinks that this proposal is racist and unfair. He believes this because it's a Chinese tradition and because it is viand. He even says that there shouldn't be a ban because "the interest in shark fin soup is already waning." In conclusion, some people do not agree with the proposed ban of shark fins.

    I believe that there should be an interdiction on shark fins. I believe this because it's cruel to the sharks. Also, it can become a very big problem for the ecosystem. Not everybody agrees with the ban, like Henry Cheung, but, like Alex Ong, others do. In conclusion, I think that there should be a ban on shark fins.

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  42. I think it should be banned. It's cruel to take away a sharks fins then dump him back in the ocean for texture in a rare soup. Even as much as i hate sharks it still is not fair to do something like this.

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  43. Personally, I think that they should band should band the sale of shark fins because animal cruelty isn't fair. I think its not fair at all because if you were a shark you wouldn't want to die that way. I think that its unfair to the sharks they could still sell shark fins but, i don't think isn't fair to harm another animal who hasn't hurt you but, you wont say anything when they eat you take a look at the movie jaws that represents allot. I think a tradition is not that important than animal cruelty.

    I think that like i said to keep the tradition alive but not use shark fins this time they should use another creature out of the sea. I think that they don't need shark fins they just need each other. I think since they are all in the same place they should have a parade or festival instead

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  44. In the state of California there is a huge debate on whether they should ban the I support the banning,distribution,and possession of shark fin.I supports this because it's wrong to be killing sharks just for their fins and they're decreasing the amount of sharks in the ocean.I also don't support it because it's a Chinese tradition to eat shark in and if you take that they won have the religion.So maybe if they just use the shark fin and the rest of the shark it would be a little better than just taking them for their fins.Although they will still be decreasing the amount of sharks we won't be just taking their fins and leaving dropping the rest back into the ocean.

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  45.   I think that the ban is… well depending on if a Chinese person in charge I truly think that it should be the Chinese should decide. They,re the ones who put the shark fin on their menu, they should be the ones who take it off. For example, it is just like if a restaurant only served fish and a member from the city council is angry that all that restaurant serves is fish and choose to close down the restaurant.   

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  46. I think that they should ban shark fins from being made into soup, and other things. Because most types of shark are endangered, and cutting of shark fins can kill the shark.
    So, I think the idea of making shark fins into soup, is a bad idea.

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  47. The people who are with the banning of shark fin think that it is a good idea because they think that the selling of shark fin is unnecessary because shark fin has no taste.Alex Ong is a chef who saw a video of people cutting a shark's fins off then tossing it back in the ocean to die. He implores chef to change the fins in shark fin soup with other seafoods. Seventy three million sharks have per year are slaughtered for mainly shark fin soup. People are saying that removing such a main componet of the ocean is upsetting nature's balance worldwide. This are some of the reasons why people think shark fin should be banned.     
        Some people are against the banning of shark fin because they say it is apart of their traditions. They say say it is at wedding, banquets, and speacial occasions. They think it is wrong to ban shark fin and not shark meat or making handbags of shark skin. This are some of the opposing ideas of banning shark fin.
        I agree that lawmakers should pass the bill banning the sales of shark fin. I think this because it is cruel because in the artical it says that there was a video of people cutting off the fins of the shark and then throwing it back in the water to die. I honestly think that is stupid because why throw the shark back in the water when you can eat or sale the other parts of the shark. Also people say that shark fin is flavorless so i don not know why it will make a big difference, if you can not even taste it in the soup.This is my opion of the banning shark fin.

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  48. I'D support the side that's against making shark fin soup because the way how they treat the sharks is so horrible. I mean the way how the people would just cut off sharks' fins while they're still alive is evil. So I believe that shark fin soup should be banned if the animal is being killed like that. I hope that shark fin soup will be banned.

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  49. In my opinion, I think they should ban the sale of shark fins because its not good for the sharks and for the animals in the oceans life cycle. Taking sharks away from the ocean, activists say, is upsetting nature's balance worldwide. This could affect other seafood businesses. This can decrease the amount of seafood places. Seafood is popular in some places in the world.

    I also feel as though shark fin is not that useful in shark fin soup. In shark fin soup, all it does is give the soup its texture. Normal people don't play with their soup with their hands they just eat it or sip it. Also, the people that make shark fin soup can substitute the anonymous texture of the shark fin with other ingredients.

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  50. I agree to the sale of shark fin be banned because people are just killing the sharks and throwing them back into the ocean. And also people are disturbed by the images and videos of the sharks fin being sliced off and be thrown back into the ocean. Ong a chef says that they should replace the shark fin with other sea foods and ingredients, because its just both and shark fin. He said the shark fin doesn't really have a taste its flavorless.

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  51. Importing shark fins for soup and other things should be banned because too many sharks are dying. Sharks are treated badly when they are killed. The fishermen take their fins and throw them back in the ocean. This kills the sharks and threatens the oceans. The world is not just for humans; it is also for animals, fish and plants. We have to work together. Shark fins should be made illegal or at least there should be a limited number imported.


    Some people do not want to ban shark fins. Shark fins are used in a Chinese soup. The soup is for big events. Is this hurting Chinese culture? There are alternatives to fins for the soup. It is wrong to take shark fins but throw the skin, teeth etc. back into the ocean. Why do they only care about fins! The fins add texture to the soup but no taste. Yes, we should be able to eat what we want but fishing for shark fins is hurting the whole ocean. No more shark fins!

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  52. I don't support the ban. I don't because even though it may reduce the death rate for sharks. It won't go down completely because people still kill sharks. Why go after one part don't leave it half way done. They should ban shark killing completely. Not only the part that has to do with someone culture. Although it may not be that way, it seems like they are targeting that culture only. So I'm against it.

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  53. I support the side that opposes eating shark fin soup because they don't derserve to be killed just so people can enjoy food. When those people cut the fins off of the sharks they are hurting the population of the ocean. They are also polluting the ocean by throwing the remains of the sharks into our oceans. I don't understand why people have to eat shark fin soup. We have many other delicious soups out there. In conclusion , I personally don't think that eating shark fin soup is the right thing to do.

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  54. One group of people believe that sharks fins should be banned for a few reasons. One that it disrupts the oceans ecosystem. Also because they believe that the way to obtain the fins is inhumane. They think it should be illegal to import the fins not only to kill them. They also say that the fins are not even necessary to make the broth. They say it only givers the broth some texture. They also state that an estimated 73 million sharks are killed per year.

    But the people who do not support the ban have their own reasons. One being that it is a Chinese tradition. Another being that the soup is used for many special occasions and that it is an unfair attack on the Asian culture and food. They also say that it is racial profiling. They also think its unfair because shark meat nor shark skin are banned but shark fins are. They believe that that is unfair. They also think its unnecessary because the amount of soup produced is already waning, especially among the younger population.

    My personal opinion is that they should not be banned. I think that the entire shark should be killed and the meat and skin should be taken off. I think it's unnecessary to kill an entire shark just for the fins. I also think it is unfair to only ban that portion of shark product. Especially to the Chinese culture. I do not think we should not make it illegal.

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  55. I think that the they should stop serving shark fin soup. I think that they should stop doing this because shark fining poses a threat to the ocean ecosystem. Also an estimated 73 million amount of sharks are slaughtered every year. Also because the way they obtain the shark fins is inhumane. They also say that the shark fins are not necessary, they just provide texture.

    I do think that it might be an offense to some Asian people but they specifically stated that it is not necessary to add the shark fins. I understand that some do not support the idea of banning shark fining. It is a tradition to some Asian people and that it is for many celebrations. It also is unfair to attack the Asian culture and food. In conclusion I think this law should be passed but with the exception of some celebrations.

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  56. Some people think that it is alright to cut sharks fins and then through them back and let them die. Just so they can have shark fin soup. while others think that's wrong. I agree with the the people that think that's wrong.

    I think this because if you are going to have shark fin soup at least use the whole shark. not eat one little part of the shark then through it away. I also agree because it is not a need to have shark fin soup. people can live without it. My final reason is because it is an animals life that goes to waste.

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  57. I do not think that the banning of shark fins is the right idea. How is killing a shark more important than killing a cow, or a chicken.

    I am a man who thinks that tradition is important. That it is not fair to take tradition away from families, just because of animal right reasons, when thousands of cows die every day to be eaten as well.

    I love animals as much as the next guy, but a world without meat in it's food would be dull and boring. Sharks have no significance in the world, I do not want them to be extinct, but what harm will happen to the world if sharks die.

    I would actually love to try shark fin soup, I love Chinese food and think this will be no exception to the great Asian cuisine.

    In conclusion, I think It is not a good idea to ban the sale of shark fins because of two things, tradition, and the hypocrisy of the people who are for this bill.

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  58. I agree with the side that wants to ban the sale of shark fins. I think that cutting off sharks' fins and throwing them back into the water to die is inhumane. Though I do agree with the side that upholds the legislation, I can understand some things that the other side is saying. Another reason why I agree with the legislation is that shark fining is bad for the ecosystem.

    Though i do agree with the legislation, I can see what Mr. Cheung is trying to say. Banning only shark fins could be seen as racial profiling if you look at it a certain way. California does not want to ban frog legs or fish eyes, just shark fins. But I think the reason for this is because of the inhumane way that they cut off the fins. If when they cut off the fins they killed the shark as well, I think that California would be off their backs because then they could use the meat and the skin and other organs. Not that I think that it is right, I'm just saying that that would be more humane in my opinion.

    Another reason why I agree with the legislation is that killing so many sharks is bad for the ecosystem, and we should really be conscious of the ecosystem. Especially now that we have global warming and other eco-problems. If the natural ecosystem gets really messed up, then that could create more problems that we might not be able to fix. Sharks are a big part of the oceanic ecosystem, and if they were to go extinct, that would be really bad for the ecosystem.

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  59. I think that they should ban shark fin soup and distribution and possession of shark fins. I think that because i think its inhuman for them to cut off the animals fins, then they would toss the sharks back into the ocean to die. I also agree with the supporters of the ban who say that shark finning is bad for the ocean ecosystem. Also in the article it says that 73 million sharks per year are killed.
    Additionally, i think that this is true as it says in the article that shark finning is "upsetting nature's balance worldwide". So this would indeed, decrease seafood businesses. Cheung said "The law doesn't ban shark meat or a handbag made with shark skin—just fins. I myself believe it's unfair." I disagree with Cheung because they probably don't skin the shark off then throw it back in the water, im pretty sure. In conclusion that's why i think that they should ban shaark fin soup and distribution and posession of shark fins.

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  60. I like California plan to ban sales of shark fins because only mostly Asian people like it and if everyone else don't what's the point of killing sharks. I think it's parsimonious to just cut off a shark fin then throw it back in the water. It can make other sea animals sick. It's bad for the ocean ecosystem. In conclusion, these are all my reasons why agree with the new law banning the sales of shark fins.

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  61. ecause if someone was to have this going on for years then why would they just know realize they don't like it and if you were to celebrate it and someone took it away from you how would you feel? I know that i wouldn't like it because if i were to have it going for along time and someone decide to ban me from doing it i know that i wouldn't like and i would also go against the people that are trying to do it.

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  62. I must say, this debate in the article is quite hard to choose a side because to me both sides are right. I agree that the way they fin the shark is terrible and that the sharks not should be over fished.But, i also agree that the state should
    not ban a tradition away from the Chinese culture.After thinking about it a little I thought of a solution , I think that there should be a law that says that you are only allow to fish a certain amount of shark and that the fisherman is require to take the whole shark and kill it so it wont be left to die and the shark death rate will decrease.

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  63. i think that it is not o.k because it is nasty and disgusting for a person to eat a shark fin. I disagree mostly because i think it is nasty and disgusting it is OK to eat see food but there a time when you have to draw a line. A s
    hark really you have to be sort of a weirdo is sort of eat a shark if you don’t like hearing about a shark eat a man, woman,kid how do thin do you think a shark family feels about you killing there dad mom friend of other family member, did you ever think maybe that is the reason that they kill human besides that cannot help them selves to blood and human flesh.

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  64. I'm on the animal rights side because people are killing sharks by cutting off their fins and just throwing the sharks back into the ocean to die. We need to ban the selling of shark fins. The decrease in the sharks population is dropping fast. I agree with the people of California that we need to ban selling shark fins because if you'er just going to cut off the fin then you might as well take the whole thing.

    This is why I agree on taking down the selling of sharks fins. I hope that we can stop the shark fin selling so the animal rights won't be disturbed.

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  65. I think that the correct side is the side that says that say that they don't like the ban on shark fins because in other country's the shark fins cost more than other country's in the world.And if you wanted a bowl of shark fins they would be $80.00.California wants to ban the sales of the shark fins so that would mean no more shark fins in the whole state.A lot of the shark fins are sold in San Francisco.Some sharks are caught and their fins are already cut off they would just put the sharks back in the water because their tails are already cut off.Thats why I think that side is correct.

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  66. I think that this shark finning is wrong. I think it's wrong because they're killing poor sharks just for some soup. Also just like Alex Ong said the shark fin doesn't provide any flavor, it just makes a nice texture.

    I also think that it's unfair to Chinese tradition. That only their food being used from shark fin is banned but not shark meat or shark skin used for accessories. I just think that they should stop using animal products for clothing and stuff like that. But i understand for food.

    That is what I think.

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