Shark Fin Soup: A Cultural Norm

In Asian cultures, particularly China, the practice of shark finning is not problematic, as it is necessary in order to serve shark fin soup as a symbol of wealth and status. Shark fin soup is especially a symbol of generosity among older generations(Shark Truth 2014). These generations are filled with people who immigrated to various countries, such as the United States, in pursuit of a better life. Though many of these people fell on difficult economic times at the begin of their lives, affording and providing shark fin soup for their families at special events is also a symbol of pride. Not only is it thought to promote wealth, but shark fin soup has supposed health benefits, and many believe that it has the ability to increase lifespan (Schneider 2011). Shark fin soup is not viewed as problematic, especially by older generations in China. Thus the shark fin trade is not inhumane or troublesome, as it facilitates a centuries-old tradition.

Traditional Shark Fin Soup

Works Cited:

Schneider, A. (2011) Shark Fin Soup: War of Culture, Politics, Business. Food Safety News. Food Safety News. (Date Accessed: February 20, 2014.) http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/06/shark-fin-soup-a-cultural-war-environmental-nightmare-and-multi-million-dollar-business/#.UwdS20JdWUB

Shark Truth. (2014). Shark Fin Trade. Shark Truth. Shark Truth. (Date Accessed: February 19, 2014.) http://www.sharktruth.com/learn/shark-finning/