25.5.08

Seal Hunt Essay

The seal hunt in Newfoundland Labrador is a highly debated topic amongst people all over the world. Traditionally, the seal hunt was a way for men in NL to make some cash. during the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries while the seal hunt was flourishing, men of all ages eagerly awaited news that hey were assigned to a berth. The opportunity to make some money for themselves and prove their manhood made the seal hunt very appealing to men during this time. Since then the seal hunt has remained a cherished part of NL culture. In the last few decades debates have arisen, claiming the seal hunt is inhumane and unnecessary. However, I firmly believe that the seal hunt is productive and beneficial to the province, and should remain a major part of our NL heritage.

Each unique place in the world has it own unique traditions. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians view the seal hunt as a tradition. When it began it was a valuable resource and allowed poor fishermen to bring cash home to their families. It was highly anticipated and exciting to everyone. Even young boys tried to sign up about lying about their age! Despite harsh working conditions and hard labour, men looked forward to going out on the ice. The seal hunt has always been appreciated and respected by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Seals are an ideal resource for NL because our agricultural industry suffers due to rocky land and cold weather. Sealing has always been beneficial for the NL economy. Seal oil capsules are sold in most pharmacies and are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. This is good for your brain, eyes and cardiovascular system. Having a balances amount of seal oil can prevent and assist with such mental and/or mood disorders such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Dyslexia, and Schizophrenia. It can also be beneficial to people who suffer from rhumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, and asthma (Seal Oil. http://www.sealoil.com). Another use for seals are the pelts. They are soft, warm and water-proof, and are sold in different forms at top dollar. I believe that an industry is great if it brings money to the province. Seal skin coats are an expensive luxury, but they bring lots of revenue to local businesses. Some may argue that it is wrong to wear seal skin coats. However, people have been wearing fur from animals since the beginning of time and will continue to do so forever. If someone thinks it is wrong they can avoid it themselves, but I don't believe it is wrong if people choose to wear the skin of animals that aren't endangered. Perhaps people are against it because seals have a cute and innocent appearance, but they are no different than the cows we slaughter for beef or the chickens we breed for our Sunday dinners. All animals are equal regardless of if one has a more appealing appearance.

Ironically, the controversy surrounding the seal hunt has in itself brought good things to Newfoundland Labrador. Media and publicity of this issue has turned many eyes toward NL. Whether people are for it or against it, the controvesy that has arisen because of the seal hunt has allowed NL to the pleasure of 1) Higher news ratings, and 2) More publicity. No publicity is bad publicity when you're a place that creeps in the shadows of Canada. Lets face it, there is a vast majority of people who don't even know what Newfoundland Labrador is, let alone be interested in it's political or economical world. The controversy surrounding the seal hunt has been beneficial in these ways!

The Atlantic seal hunt in Newfoundland Labrador is a beneficial industry for us to have. It's been a part of our heritage for hundreds of years and has provided income, food, and warmth to many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for many years. Seals can provide things we need such as vitamins and clothing, and in turn creates a good market for local businesses. Regardless of the controversy that surrounds it, I believe that it brings far more good than bad. I hope that it continues for the years to come, and maybe one day I'll be able to afford a seal skin coat!




The seal hunt in Newfoundland Labrador is a highly debated topic amongst people all over the world. Traditionally, the seal hunt was a way for men in NL to make some cash. During the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries while the seal hunt was flourishing, men of all ages eagerly awaited news that they were assigned to a berth. The opportunity to make some money for themselves and prove their manhood made the seal hunt very appealing to men during this time. Since then the seal hunt has remained a cherished part of NL culture. In the last few decades debates have arisen, claiming the seal hunt is inhumane and unnecessary. However, I firmly believe that the seal hunt is productive and beneficial to the province, and should remain a major part of our NL heritage.


Each unique place in the world has it own unique traditions. Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans view the seal hunt as a tradition. When it began it was a valuable resource and allowed poor fishermen to bring cash home to their families. It was highly anticipated and exciting to everyone. Even young boys tried to sign up about lying about their age! Despite harsh working conditions and hard labour, men looked forward to going out on the ice. The seal hunt has always been appreciated and respected by Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans.

Seals are an ideal resource for NL because our agricultural industry suffers due to rocky land and cold weather. Sealing has always been beneficial for the NL economy. Seal oil capsules are sold in most pharmacies and are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. This is good for your brain, eyes and cardiovascular system. Having a balanced amount of seal oil can prevent or assist with such mental and/or mood disorders such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Dyslexia, and Schizophrenia. It can also be beneficial to people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, and asthma (Seal Oil. http://www.sealoil.com). Another use for seals are the pelts. They are soft, warm and water-proof, and are sold in different forms at top dollar. I believe that an industry is great if it brings money to the province. Seal skin coats are an expensive luxury, but they bring lots of revenue to local businesses. Some may argue that it is wrong to wear seal skin coats. However, people have been wearing fur from animals since the beginning of time and will continue to do so forever. If someone thinks it is wrong they can avoid it themselves, but I don't believe it is wrong if people choose to wear the skin of animals that aren't endangered. Perhaps people are against it because seals have a cute and innocent appearance, but they are no different than the cows we slaughter for beef or the chickens we breed for our Sunday dinners. All animals are equal regardless of if one has a more appealing appearance.

Ironically, the controversy surrounding the seal hunt has in itself brought good things to Newfoundland Labrador. Media and publicity of this issue has turned many eyes toward NL. Whether people are for it or against it, the controversy that has arisen because of the seal hunt has allowed NL to the pleasure of 1) higher news ratings, and 2) more publicity. No publicity is bad publicity when you're a place that creeps in the shadows of Canada. Lets face it, there is a vast majority of people who don't even know what Newfoundland Labrador is, let alone be interested in it's political or economical world. The controversy surrounding the seal hunt has contributed to bringing light and a new audience into the media world of NL!


The Atlantic seal hunt in Newfoundland Labrador is a beneficial industry for us to have. It's been a part of our heritage for hundreds of years and has provided income, food, and warmth to many Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans for many years. Seals can provide things we need such as vitamins and clothing, and in turn creates a good market for local businesses. Regardless of the controversy that surrounds it, I believe that it brings far more good than bad. I hope that it continues for the years to come, and maybe one day I'll be able to afford a seal skin coat myself!



Bibliography:

Seal Oil. http://www.sealoil.com.

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