Blackfish

 

Recently in my class while learning about persuasion we watched the documentary Blackfish which focuses on killer whales being kept in captivity in SeaWorld. During and after watching the film I was shocked. I never knew or could even imagine that these things were currently going on in SeaWorld, and that most people including me don’t know about it. I never knew the extent of the conditions the whales went through such as living in a concrete pool their whole life, having their babies taken away from them, and being attacked by other whales. Not only that, but SeaWorld is covering it up to save themselves instead of thinking of the poor animals. Even

Growing up I loved watching the Shamoo commercials on TV, and when I got to go to the show I was excited, and even took home a Shamoo stuffed animal. Why our animal-based amusement parks such a big part of our culture? Why do we love going to an amusement park to watch animals being kept in small enclosures for our own amusement instead of seeing them in the wild. What gives us the people the right over animals? After animals have been on the earth long before humans. Many people might argue that animals live longer in captivity so it’s justifiable, but is it worth keeping them alive longer if they aren’t happy, and have a miserable life?

Even though the documentary upset me I recommend for everyone to watch it not only to understand what I’m talking about, but to understand what our country is allowing us to do to these animals, and that I believe it’s ethically, and morally wrong. Although, humans have indeed been on this earth for billions of years, animals have been on it longer. So what gives us the right to control these animals? What gives us the right to dictate these animals, and their future lives? Why are our lives more important?

Blackfish although is an upsetting documentary, but I recommend that everyone watch it not only to understand where I’m coming from, but to witness what is currently happening in our country, and to open your eyes to all the possibilities of things that are not only going on at SeaWorld, but zoos and other animal  based theme parks across America.