Should Gordon be fired?
Prima vista, I would have to concur with Patric.
But then, I had to think about the many prominent Shark advocates that have started out as Shark killers - mainly because in those times, Sharks were being viewed as villains, killing Sharks was in no way being frowned upon and they just did not know better. Yes that was a long time ago and one would presume that in this day-and-age, people would be better informed.
Which begs the question, have things really changed?
Despite of improvements, the mainstream media like Discovery continue to propagate the negative stereotypes and thus the average public is very likely still poorly informed and very much anti Shark. Also and despite of knowing better, many charter captains like that guy in Florida (let alone this despicable individual) are obviously not educating their customers - and why would they as long as those Sharks are not being protected and a VIP is offering them money and exposure.
Solutions? (yeah I know I know)
With that in mind, can we really slam Ramsay for not having known?
It's a difficult one and it boils down to a personal judgment call.
What pushed me to the side of Ramsay was the generally libelous undertone of the article that broke the story. I believe Ramsay's spokesman when he states that Gordon would no longer support any type of shark fishing and hopes viewers who watched Shark Bait will be educated, like he was, to support these endangered species, and concur with Richard Peirce that the man has very likely changed his ways. One thing is clear, he has since done great things for the cause and deserves our gratitude for that. Plus, I must confess that I just happen to like people that use strong language (see above) in this age of politically correct wishy-washyness! :)
Long story short - in my book, Gordon remains a good man - for now!
But that would just be me!
Prima vista, I would have to concur with Patric.
But then, I had to think about the many prominent Shark advocates that have started out as Shark killers - mainly because in those times, Sharks were being viewed as villains, killing Sharks was in no way being frowned upon and they just did not know better. Yes that was a long time ago and one would presume that in this day-and-age, people would be better informed.
Which begs the question, have things really changed?
Despite of improvements, the mainstream media like Discovery continue to propagate the negative stereotypes and thus the average public is very likely still poorly informed and very much anti Shark. Also and despite of knowing better, many charter captains like that guy in Florida (let alone this despicable individual) are obviously not educating their customers - and why would they as long as those Sharks are not being protected and a VIP is offering them money and exposure.
Solutions? (yeah I know I know)
With that in mind, can we really slam Ramsay for not having known?
It's a difficult one and it boils down to a personal judgment call.
What pushed me to the side of Ramsay was the generally libelous undertone of the article that broke the story. I believe Ramsay's spokesman when he states that Gordon would no longer support any type of shark fishing and hopes viewers who watched Shark Bait will be educated, like he was, to support these endangered species, and concur with Richard Peirce that the man has very likely changed his ways. One thing is clear, he has since done great things for the cause and deserves our gratitude for that. Plus, I must confess that I just happen to like people that use strong language (see above) in this age of politically correct wishy-washyness! :)
Long story short - in my book, Gordon remains a good man - for now!
But that would just be me!
