Arne Kalland Bücher

The book delves into the complex communication surrounding whaling, highlighting its role as a symbol for both supporters and opponents. It examines how environmental issues are selected and how knowledge is disseminated by various organizations and activists. Through fieldwork in Japan and Norway, the author explores the constructed image of a "superwhale," which has overshadowed traditional whale commodities. The analysis reveals how the whaling debate serves as a platform for NGOs and authorities to forge alliances and negotiate legitimacy in a contentious landscape.

Exploring the history of Japanese whaling, this comprehensive account delves into the cultural significance of whaling practices and their impact on local communities. It examines the organizational structure of whaling operations, the influence of whaling companies on economies, and the whale's role in community identity through rituals and traditions. Additionally, the book addresses broader political and environmental concerns related to whaling, highlighting the tensions between cultural heritage and contemporary challenges.

Whaling has become one of the most controversial environmental issues. It is not that all whale species are at the brink of extinction, but that whales have become important symbols to both pro- and anti-whaling factions and can easily be appropriated as the common heritage of humankind.