Baleen whales, also known as mysticetes , do not have teeth. Baleen whales have plates of baleen that hang from the upper jaw. The baleen is used to filter food from the water. In the past, whales were hunted for baleen. Before we had plastic, the baleen was used to make corset stays, combs, even buggy whips.
Some cultures still hunt whales for food.
This subsistence hunting is regulated and does not affect the population as a whole. The term friendly whales usually refers to the gray whales. In the lagoons in Mexico sometimes gray whales will approach small boats. This phenomenon was first observed in the 1970's. Individuals and whales with calves get close to these boats, sometimes close enough to allow delighted passengers a chance to reach out and touch these exquisite animals.