The Editor,
Re: "Wong defends decision to eat shark fin soup," Online, Oct. 13.
Speaking as a Chinese-Canadian, I find all Chinese people opposed to banning shark fins a disgrace. They think that they are standing up for Chinese rights and tradition, but in fact, what they are standing up for are their own votes, popularity, ego and profit.
What they are in fact doing is trashing the Chinese reputation in Richmond, B.C., Canada, and worldwide.
I am ashamed to be associated with them by race and culture, and I believe that I stand for the large majority of Chinese-Canadians who want the atrocity of shark-finning, shark-fin consumption and the shark fin trade banned.
A recent San Francisco poll found that 70 per cent of Chinese-San Franciscans are in favour of the California shark fin ban. Species like the Great White shark is 79 per cent gone, the Tiger shark 97 per cent gone, the Scalloped Hammerhead shark 97 per cent gone, and the Smooth Hammerhead shark 99 per cent gone, to name just a few.
If, due to the continuation of shark fin consumption, some of these species are driven to extinction, the Chinese reputation will be forever muddied, and I will hold them personally responsible.
I will also consider the entire Richmond council a coward if it bows to their hideous displays of self-centredness and ignorance.
Anthony Marr Vancouver Animal Defense League
