Fish feel pain
Posted by teade on Jun 14, 2009 · Member since Apr 2008 · 625 posts
I just read this article by some stupid guy... I don't know if its just me, but his writing was really pissing me off..
seriously, I'd like an unbiased article on the topic...
http://www.slate.com/id/2219276/?gt1=38001
This is ridiculous, and made me really mad.
Hey, let's torture fish some more, to see if they feel tortured. I don't need any animal research (or any kind, or any article) to tell me if animals feel.
yeah, that is super ridiculous.
Uhhh, that guy is an idiot & a jerk. That article was ridiculous. I think I shall write him (and be more respectful than I am in this thread, of course). The little blip where he wrote that "back in the day" he would throw fish on the railroad tracks for "taking up space in the river" makes me so sad/mad.
I felt this article sort of contradicted itself On the one hand, he's obviously done his research and from what he's written it seems like he at least has an understanding of the concept of respect for fish, despite being a fisherman. If you look at what he said about throwing fish on the railway line as a kid, to his "catch and release" system now, it seems like he's grown up. On the other hand he was so flippant and sarcastic throughout that it really ruined it for me.
I likened it in my mind to people who give up red meat and then excitedly tell vegetarians so. I want to be encouraging although I don't understand why they haven't followed the logic right through. Of course I don't agree with fishing, but if he'd written an article stating what research he'd done then coming to the conclusion that, while still a fisherman, he tried to be as respectful and compassionate as possible, I'd have more sympathy. As it is, it feels like he's making half-assed excuses and that's not cool. Silly man :(
I felt this article sort of contradicted itself On the one hand, he's obviously done his research and from what he's written it seems like he at least has an understanding of the concept of respect for fish, despite being a fisherman. If you look at what he said about throwing fish on the railway line as a kid, to his "catch and release" system now, it seems like he's grown up. On the other hand he was so flippant and sarcastic throughout that it really ruined it for me.
I likened it in my mind to people who give up red meat and then excitedly tell vegetarians so. I want to be encouraging although I don't understand why they haven't followed the logic right through. Of course I don't agree with fishing, but if he'd written an article stating what research he'd done then coming to the conclusion that, while still a fisherman, he tried to be as respectful and compassionate as possible, I'd have more sympathy. As it is, it feels like he's making half-assed excuses and that's not cool. Silly man :(
I think you're right. his sense of humor comes off as mocking.
I think the following line takes the cake for me: "hether animals feel pain, and whether humans have the right to inflict pain upon them, is a massive topic." It seems to me that he is indicating that there is actually some fruitful debate to be had about this. His referring here to all animals (except humans) is very telling. He appears to be one of those normies who has yet to make the connection between 'his' dog and the chicken, fish, or pig on his plate. It would be interesting to hear some good arguments from his side about nonhuman animals not feeling pain ... for me believing in the existence of such arguments has taken on the quality of believing in fairies and other mythical creatures. Oh, how I would like to meet a fairy, just once.
This article is embarrassing for our society. What is fishing with a reel and hook/lure anyway besides a vindictive game that takes pleasure in the real struggle of a frightened animal that has been tricked into ingest a sharp metal hook? What a terrible past time! And, what a ridiculous article he has composed.
Thats just the point isn't it, that people who are happy to eat animal flesh make an imaginary distinction between their animal companions (pets, mascots etc..); and their food! Its really a bad case of 'ignorance is bliss' syndrome. Even if a meat eater is made aware of the truth about how an animal product gets onto their plate, it still doesn't register that its wrong. Theres a cultural battle that each individual needs to make when contemplating wether to feel sympathetic to their food or not ! The desire to eat animal products is both physically and emotionally programed into the DNA, culturally hard wired into the brain, but really it becomes an individuals choice, to face the harsh realities or enjoy living in a world of denial.
One statement made in the article which could be debatable is that "according to some definitions of pain, the detection of painful stimuli is not enough''. The keyword being SOME...This would indicate that there are other methods and definitions of pain, but the conclusion of wether fish feel pain or not will depend on who's conducting or even funding the research!
It sounds like the author - Michael Agger, rearranged this article posted on the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/2983045.stm
.... in which the scientific evidence points towards fish being capable of feeling pain.