INFINITE PATIENCE
BP
MAKING SURE THE JAPANESE POPULATION IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS SITUATION MIGHT BE ONE OF YOUR BEST WEAPONS AS WELL. THINGS NEED TO CHANGE ‘HERE’ TOO.
MS
There is an increasingly large number of activists and volunteers from Japan involved with not only Sea Shepherd but other organizations to end the slaughter. They are also working on educating the Japanese population. Since I have been here in Taiji, I have seen an increase in Japanese support for Sea Shepherd.
Also, in larger cities, people are more aware and they speak out.
However, in Taiji, the locals are afraid to speak up. Media exposure is limited. The news are very biased. The population needs to know and understand more about the ‘captive trade’ of the dolphins. It is more than a 'slaughter'.
It’s a long and gradual process.
Hence the term infinite patience.
The campaign is definitely on a sprint.
BP
IT IS A BIG COMMITMENT FOR YOU TO BE THERE FOR THAT LONG - YOU CERTAINLY HAD TO SACRIFICE – AND STILL HAVE TO DO SO EACH DAY. SIX MONTHS IS A LONG TIME.
HOW DO YOU COPE BEING AWAY FROM HOME FOR SO LONG?
MS
Being here has definitely changed me as a person.
I grew up in Los Angeles and had the best of everything. I was willing to sacrifice the comforts of living a very nice and comfortable life. Here we don’t have some of the simple things like a manicure. None of the little things we pamper ourselves with.
Here we are isolated from friends and family. I have my animals at home – I miss my fur kids so much. It is the hardest part about being away.
I’ve also learned to see what’s important in relationships, friendships and within myself.
I am stronger. When volunteers come here and struggle being away from home, from their family, spouses, I can share with them my own experience here and the strengths of our work, and of their work. The importance of it.
There is a bigger cause.
It is bigger than us.
All materials are Copyright ©Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Perreault Magazine / March 2014 55