Wednesday October 14, 2009, 12:34 am
These annual brutal bloody slaughters (See Pics/Video on link) take place in the Faroe Islands, which belong to Denmark. To initiate into adulthood it is mandatory to kill a dolphin or a whale.

The Faroe Islands, sometimes Faeroe Islands, Faroe(s), or Faeroes are an island group situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The Faroe Islands are a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark proper and Greenland.As explicitly asserted the Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union.
This atrocious slaughter has been practiced since at least the 10th century. Nearly 1,000 are killed annually in the “grindadráp” — whale hunt — typically occurring during summer months.
Whaling in the Faroe Islands has been practiced since 1584. It is regulated by Faroese authorities but not by the International Whaling Commission as there are disagreements about the Commission's competency for small cetaceans. Around 950 Long-finned Pilot Whales are killed annually, mainly during the summer. The hunts, called "grindadráp" in Faroese, are non-commercial and are organized on a community level; anyone can participate. The hunters first surround the pilot whales with a wide semicircle of boats. The boats then drive the pilot whales slowly into a bay or to the bottom of a fjord.

Most Faroese consider the hunt an important part of their culture and history. Animal-rights groups criticize the hunt as being cruel and unnecessary, while the hunters claim in return that most journalists do not exhibit sufficient knowledge of the catch methods or its economic significance.

As of the end of November 2008 the chief medical officers of the Faroe Islands have recommended that pilot whales no longer be considered fit for human consumption because of the levels of toxins in the whales.

Islanders in motorboats first drive the whales into a bay. The chase may be lengthy. The whales are eventually driven into the shallows. The islanders hammer 2.2 kg metal gaffs into the flesh of each whale until the hooks hold. A 15 cm knife is then used to slash through the blubber and flesh to the spinal column. Next the main blood vessels are severed.

The Faroese treat the hunt as a festive occasion. Children are often given a day off school.

According to Faroese legislation it is also permitted to hunt certain species of small cetaceans other than pilot whales. These include: Bottlenose dolphin; Atlantic white-beaked dolphin; Atlantic white-sided dolphin; and Harbour porpoise (There are also specific regulations for the hunting of harbour porpoise. Harbour porpoises are killed with shotguns).

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 2:02 am
I think that's a terrible way to enter adulthood ~ with murder.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 3:00 am
Noted. Sick,sick,sick. When is it ever going to STOP.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 3:42 am
We REALLY are still in the Dark Ages as the human race goes, as advanced and evolved and superior as we would like to believe we are... just.... TOTALLY BARBARIC PRIMATIVE.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 3:45 am
I thought that this kind of festivals to proof manhood only happens in 3rd world countries? What a shocker to know that it happens elsewhere. Proof your manhood by behaving MATURE and RESPONSIBLE.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 3:51 am
I looked at all the pictures. Should it not be a festival to proof who is the CHAMPION SERIAL KILLER?. I saw old men there too. Shame, they still have this identity problem not knowing whether they are a man or a nothing.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 4:31 am
Cultures are going to have to adapt people this crap cannot keep going on..between people, overfishing, climate change, ships all will be lost....

Big Gorilly Hugs

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 5:53 am
Unbelievable...what a load of nonsense....not for the poor whales though!!!

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 6:40 am
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse even if it does happen every year. What morons, this is so wrong. It is they way they do it. I say what man should do to make it fair would be to be in the water with the whale, forget the circle with the boats; lets try the circle with only men and their bodies. Oh sure that will happen. The chicken s*i*s.
This is sad Claudia, but thanks for the in sight.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 6:58 am
If this has been going on since the 10th Century and it may or may not be incorporated into their religious beliefs, we need to be a little understanding to these people that are cut off from much of the world way out in the ocean.
I would say that in order to "change" people we first must "understand" why they have this tradition going back for thousands of years. This is ALL they know and have been conditioned to believe is the way to live for them. We can not take our cultural attitudes and immediately attack them for all they know is their total culture.
Once an understanding as to why they do those things then those who want to share that the whales are toxic now or the whale numbers are bringing them to extintion can be shared. Also if this is tied to their total economy, they need a way to sustain themselves, how else can they sustain themselves being located where they are. Perhaps this going into manhood slaughter is the entire winters supply of food for them. If they do not do this they may starve to death.
We need to be careful on how we speak about others if we do not totally understand their culture, their way of feeding themselves, and how it is tied into their economy. With an understanding we may be able to move forward and away from a custom that has perhaps gone beyond a time frame it should exist....perhaps another way of promoting being adult could come forth. But one can't beat or belittle them out of their customs and culture, one must educate themselves first about who these people are and why they do what they do, then educate the people based on what was learned, and then find an acceptable substitute for the custom into adulthood that these people can agree on to be reached. If the ritual ties into the economy what can be put in its place for these people to sustain their lives with.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 7:36 am
now these is totally disgusting and barbaric. for an uneducated indian in the jungles to do something like this you can almost understand. but for a civilized nation to allow this horror for such a stupid tradition is simply unspeakably stupid and callous. this tradition needs to be stopped and some other form of manhood rites developed.

this is totally barbaric and caveman mentality.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 8:42 am
What are they, in the middle ages. They are not reaching adulthood if they are still this barbaric are they.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 11:48 am
Everyday there seems to be a new story about animal torture and abuse.The brutal torture and killing of bulls in South Africa or the horrific burning of bulls in Spain.After hearing about the skinning of cats and dogs for fur in China I did not think it could get any worse.All over the world there are "ceremonies"or rituals that involve the torture and killing of helpless animals.It is always men involved.This goes back to the original"alpha"male syndrome.Years ago,torturing and killing was how they proved their "manhood".It has no place today in modern society.We have evolved but these countries and people have not.There are many other non-violent ways to celebrate milestones in a persons life.I hope with their education and a new way of thinking we can stop this unneecesary cruelty.Is there some way to contact the president of this country?Is there a petition at the petition site?

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 12:35 pm
These are not men it would be insulting the mouse to call them MICE I think it is Tommy rot that they would starve stop making excuses for them Dandelion yes we must educate them but I find it hard to understand any one chasing and killing animals in the name of tradition and culture Yes in tiny villages in China it does happen where the people can not read or write but come on these islands belong to the Danes I agree with Julie Z but why do these guys need manhood rites. Well said Aliso S Lets start with a petition we have to start some where It really does seem to get worse and worse. Last night my only bit of happiness was a site about caring for baby hedghogs even then some one wrote in who was desperate to keep her lawn trimmed WHACKY PEOPLE around Sorry this week has been terrible I guess the bulls really got to me

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 2:00 pm
For those interested, there are 3 petitions related to this issue which can be found at:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/stop-the-calderon-dolphin-slaughter-in-denmark

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/end-dolphin-slaughter-in-japan

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/stop-the-dolphin-slaughter

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 3:07 pm
Miss Claudia F. comments should be read on this topic...this reeks of the 21st century man's total irresponsibilities. This article truly ticks me off. These supposed European dorkheads who do not live in primitive settings need to forget about deviant tradition and get responsible on life.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 3:16 pm
Thanks for petition site info Carole W.

Although I don't approve of these hunts and killings, I have to let it be as it is their custom and culture. I find this important to respect other cultures, especially the northern latitude indigenous peoples.

I see the BIG picture though. It is the over population of the other portions of mother earth that creates soil, creek, stream, river, sea and ocean pollution. Our crappy toxins find its way to the ocean life food chain. I no longer consume sea food because of this. I used to really like seafood. Well, I still do, it really sucks.

I really like Claudia and all of you people that also like her. If you agree with me, fine. I intend no bad feelings with anyone. Peace.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 5:28 pm
Signed all 3 TY Carole W.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 5:46 pm
I am sorry but I do not endorse Dandelion's and Kelly C's comments-- if we apply that philosophy to people in the Faroes killing whales, then those comments are equally applicable to say the Chinese and Koreans customs of hanging dogs and boiling cats -- its their "tradition". The Faroes people are under Danish law-- Denmark is part of the European Union. Also, the Faroes Islands are nominally Christian, so it is not about religion. Its about time these cowards found a ritual or tradition that does not harm animals. Traditions do not need to go back to dark times when animal -- and human --sacrifices took place.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 6:18 pm
I am not in any way saying this practice should continue on forever. All I am saying that we need to be a little more understanding and not so much attack our brothers and sisters around the world for doing something that has gone on for thousands of years.
If you have never lived where they do how do you know what they think, what access they have to food sources, trade and commerce. Just because they are under the Dutch flag does not mean they have everything modern.
It hurts me to see the blood soaked waters, I do not condone what Susan said of hanging dogs and boiling cats. But, people tend to listen more when you are NOT attacking them, when you try to understand why they do things. Some of the best Generals will tell you.....KNOW your enemy well.....for by knowing your enemy you can defeat them.
Know these people, then when you understand you can speak to them in an educating way to turn their minds around. That is all I am saying.
I just get very upset that so many people who claim to love so much get very hateful in their comments. I can understand being upset, but these people are living in a whole different place and under whole different conditions than many others, so we need to obtain change through a way that will really afford change....not to have them dismiss the change because people hate them and attack them. The old "you get more flies with sugar than with vinegar.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 6:23 pm
Oh and I'm not saying any of your comments on this thread were bad. I have seen other threads that people get very angry and want to tear people apart. I guess I am seeing too much of that hatred coming forth and it is bothering me as badly as the poor animals that are being killed and maimed.

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 7:38 pm
Hmmm they should prove their adulthood by showing respect for God's species! This really makes me feel so upset :(

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 9:38 pm
At this point in time I am really tired of hearing about "oh we do it because it's part of our culture"! This the 21st century, and apparently some countries haven't noticed this fact yet. Killing just for the sake of killing is not a sign of manhood, adulthood or anything else, it is still not right. If we were talking about a third world country, far from any sort of knowledge of the rest of the world, we might be justified in allowing for it being "just" a part of their culture.

Lync

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 10:29 pm
Horrible. Barbaric. Senseless. Irresponsible. Utterly wrong!

If only someone here has the means/possibility to have some of pictures of this appalling slaughter into mean stream media - CNN, BBC...; major newspapers...

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 10:41 pm
How about the way to becoming a man is planting a tree (or trees)? Or cooking dinner? Or doing the washing up? (more than once) Or treating women with respect? Or saving the dolphins?

It's difficult to comment on others' cultures (as whose culture is perfect?), but the oceans and their creatures are under so much pressure already, it pays to rethink what humans are doing to them.

Thursday October 15, 2009, 12:33 am
Horrifing, I wish to that people all the worst.

Thursday October 15, 2009, 12:39 am
my grandmother had a saying when she saw cruelty" people are gods mistake " this makes me believe it

Thursday October 15, 2009, 2:29 am
Don't you know this is killing the planet killing sea life like this it is eventually going to be these mammels will become extinct, maybe you idiots who are doing the killing don't care about the planet but there is people who do so why should we except what you are doing which means our lives are in your hands. I always new men are a bit backward and not as brainey as woman but if this is what it takes to prove your a man I'm sorry it does not it only proves you are a murderer of innocent animals, does this make you feel proud there is no competition you are killing the dolphins which love human company and many people have been saved by them. Shame on you for killing such innocent mammels it is truly barbaric what you are doing. What is wrong with the huiman I thought we were supposed to me humane people but the human is not living up to that. This has to be stopped I looked at the pictures and felt sick to my stomach to think my fellow humans could be so cruel.. Why is it nessecery for them to prove they are a man who to hell cares. The only way a man can prove that is in bed.

Thursday October 15, 2009, 7:19 am
heartless idiots !so how do the women proove their womanhood- cleaning up the man's massive mess ? what will these morons do/ kill next to proove they are a man ? It's easy to kill- its done everyday around the world even so killing human babies- saving a life is being godlike & supreme- these heartless bastards have no valour or manhood ! even a worm can reproduce.

Thursday October 15, 2009, 9:39 am
utter cruelty!

Thursday October 15, 2009, 10:00 am
Is there nor a better way to prove that one is a man? Why not go back to the days of Braveheart and see who can throw the biggest, heaviest stones, and if they feel the need to inflict pain, which they are most definitely doing to these beutiful and defenceless creatures, why not throw them at each other. Man will not go extinct, unless by his own stupidity. Let these whales and dolphins whom are almost extinct have a chance at life, to say the least. Oh, and when I say defenceless.. they are and I do not see how one can call himself a man when killing something that cannot fight back. My God!!! It never ceases to amaze me how thoughtless and irresponsible, cruel and downright ignorant man can be in this day and age.

Thursday October 15, 2009, 10:09 am
Oh.. and I did visit the site, very digusting to say the least...It seems that they also judge manhood by seeing who has the mostblood on their hands and to say the least, the rest of their bodies as well. Why not take up mud or jello wrestling, it would have the same effect.

Thursday October 15, 2009, 10:22 am
I don't think "tradition" is a good excuse in this case, as "tradition" isn't a good excuse in Spain for bullfights. These people aren't ignorant natives from some poor 3rd world country. They're European. They could base their economy in eco-turism, since now people pay to see whales and dolphins ALIVE.

BTW, in the poor Spanish province where my mother was born during Franco's dictatorship, people had to eat animals, but still they tried to kill them as fast and painlessly as possible. So, poverty and ignorance are not an excuse for animal suffering either. It's about empathy.

Thursday October 15, 2009, 12:14 pm

I'm waiting for Wolfweeps Pommawolf to come here definding "native rights" because she did this on another thread regarding the very same action, just a different group of people, where she defended a 4th grade Alaskan boy's "right" to kill a cetacean solely because it pertained to a particular group of people.

There's no excuse for this, it's disgusting and there's no place for it in human cultures, regardless of whose culture it is. To define one's self by the killing of other beings and then "celebrating" over the blood is vicious and bloodthirsty, regardless of which group of humans engages in it.

There is no such thing as "native rights" when it comes to the killing of other creatures, it's merely arbitrary human whim to "do as we please, because we please" and nothing else. The sooner we as a SPECIES - I don't really care who segregates themselves into nationalities and races because it's irrelevant - get over ourselves and accept the fact that we don't have any inherent rights to do as we please to other beings, the better off all life on earth will be.

Friday October 16, 2009, 4:33 pm
Animal cruelty is one of the early markers of psychopathic personality disorder (also known as sociopathic personality disorder). Most serial killers and many other violent criminals have a history of animal abuse, with animals often being used as a “rehearsal” for later crimes against people.
Read more:
http://cats.suite101.com/article.cfm/animal_cruelty_linked_to_violence_against_people#ixzz0U91zwVWZ

Friday October 16, 2009, 10:30 pm
thanks CAROLE for the petition links, signed all 3, wish i could do more !

Saturday October 17, 2009, 1:30 am
Gee,I thought we were in the 21st. Century. Looking at th pictures,I felt as if I was in the 10th.Century.Gee,how barbaric.

Saturday October 17, 2009, 3:56 am
Sick and disgusting.... Don't destroy but protect our earth, its resources and its living creatures.

Tuesday October 20, 2009, 7:53 am
this is fucked up

Thursday October 22, 2009, 2:33 am
Thanks for this article, Claudia.

Thursday October 22, 2009, 2:48 pm
Bloodshed for showing how adult they are, I knew about this and spreaded the word, now this can't be, the more they kill each year the least whales and dolphins every year. is like bullfighting in my country, they reach manhood killing beautiful animals, what's wrong in their heads!?

Friday October 23, 2009, 4:02 am
The fact that the Faroese claim this slaughter is part of their culture has nothing to do with the cruelty and barbarity of such actions.It clearly belongs in the dark ages and has no place in a civllised country.If some thing is known to be wrong then tradition is no excuse for continuing with it.These people still remain barbarians.

Tuesday November 10, 2009, 3:05 am
Human as we called ourselves as we belong to the species Homo sapiens which means "wise man" in Latin. How could a wise man do such an act of merciless killings of these innocent mammals? More so for the reason of entering into adulthood. This is a very illogical and irresponsible way to enter adulthood!

Tuesday November 10, 2009, 7:39 am
That's why my cousin and I have renamed our species as "Homo stupidus". It's more appropriate, I believe :-)

Monday November 16, 2009, 4:34 am
This is so disgusting...how can ppl be happy of festival in which killing is involved..

Thursday November 19, 2009, 11:53 pm
While there has been a almost universal condemnation of this event, what is even more surprising is that it is still going on. Dear friends the killing of animals is always cruel and barbaric, whether it is the killing of dolphins in denmark or the killing of millions of cattle and chicken for daily human consumption.
The outrage by all readers for this act in denmark is because we are seeing the photographs of the cruelty. what we dont get to see is how millions of living creatures meet the same fate each day in slaughter houses across the world.
The difference between man and animal is the sensitivity man has towards other living creatures. Once this sensitivity is lost there is no difference between a man and an animal.

Tuesday December 1, 2009, 12:40 pm
I think I would understand a little more if the animals were actually being hunted. To force animals into shallow water, and trap them there to be killed is horrible. This is what makes men? sounds to me like taking candy from a baby.

Wednesday December 30, 2009, 8:26 am
These atrocities against highly intelligent animals are morally so bad that even medieval people would blush. Danish culture like Japanese (Tajii) are magnificent. Like so many others it can become infected with an illness, like these atrocities. It can be excised from Danish and Japanese culture, just as aparteid and racism were exised from cultures in South Africa. Also female mutilation in Uganda --part of Ugandan culture--has now been outlawed.

Alex Antonites,
South Africa