"Mmm, forbidden doughnut": craving and myopia
Homer Simpson once sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for a doughnut.* Those who've seen the classic episode know that Homer in his hunger immediately scoffs most of it, before realising at the last moment that as long as he leaves the final bite uneaten, he gets the best of both worlds: most of a donut and his soul. However, during a sleepy trip to the fridge for a midnight snack, Homer can't help himself and gobbles the remaining morsel, saying "mmm, forbidden doughnut".** Then, of course, all hell breaks loose.
*I could post the clip of "The Simpsons - Donut Hell" from YouTube, but assume it breaches copyright, so I won't.
**He actually says "mmm, forbidden donut", but I thought I would translate for my non-US readers.
Homer's short-sighted stupidity - first in making the deal, then in sealing his own fate despite knowing how to avoid it - is funny because it's true. We make shortsighted decisions knowing that they are shortsighted and will eventually come back to bite us, but, in the moment of decision, the immediate gratification surpasses the longer term consequences.
Now, where's that sashimi?
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Before anyone thinks I am taking a cheap shot at the Japanese, it is worth considering this quote from Kimio Amano, a Japanese tuna trader, who said that banning the sale of bluefin would be "like telling the U.S. to stop eating beef". When we consider the even greater ecological effects of a world increasingly addicted to beef, he has a point; we should do that too.
Since no one else seems to want to comment on this post, I thought I'd add this link to an article claiming that the internet is the biggest threat to endangered species. Seriously.
Bluefin tuna wars.
Japan: loving tuna to death?
Bluefin tuna monitoring full of holes. Conservative estimates of illegal fishing put at US$4 billion annually.
Adieu, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna?
The Conversation: The complexities of tuna conservation and politics.
Guardian: New "Black Fish" activist group determined to take direct action against illegal tuna fishing.
Orion: The Fisher King - Sacrificing the oceans in pursuit of an unholy grail.
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