Fish sympathy?

Question

I recently became a vegetarian simply because I feel bad for the animals. But I just can't - for some reason - feel bad for fish! I even have 2 pet goldfish who have been alive for years... but I'm feeling like it is ok to eat them. Is there something wrong with my logic? The fish don't have eyebrows...I just don't feel sorry for them.

Do you feel bad for fish? Gah! They're just fish!!!

Oh, I don't mean to say that I would eat my goldfish - more like salmon and tuna...hehe.

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with your logic. A lot of people (vegetarians included) find it difficult to understand how it is possible to feel bad for fish. Unlike intensively farmed animals, fish are able to live most of their lives in freedom in their oceanic homes. In that respect they are lucky. On the other hand, fish and other seafood are probably some of the most tortured creatures eaten. Imagine yourself being submerged underwater, fully conscious, until you drown (sorry, I know its not a nice thought, but I'm just trying to illustrate). The vast majority of the fish humans eat (from supermarkets and restaurants) are from commercial fisheries. These fish are caught in large nets, and suffocate from being out of the water. it is not a nice way to die.

I do feel bad for fish. They live, eat and reproduce like any other organism, they should be treated with respect.

Answer 2

Didn't you ever hear that plants have feelings, too?

Interesting criteria for compassion: "They don't have eyebrows"...

Sometimes I do feel sorry for fish. When we go fishing I always practice "catch and release" when I am lucky enough to catch a fish, that is. The pet fish I've had on the past have all had their own personalities and I've always felt bad when they eventually joined that "big aquarium in the sky".

I am not a vegetarian but I do love animals. I thank the spirit of the animal who has died for my food use. And also the plants.

In Japan (or it could be China--I'm sure someone will know out there in "answers land") there is a huge annual festival that does just this: thank the spirits of the animals who have died for food use.

Be aware of the nutritional needs of your body when you become a vegetarian. You'll need to start taking a supplement called TAURINE if you are giving up meat, for example. Consult your local health food expert if you are serious about taking the vegetarian path, for whatever reason.

Answer 3

I understand. My daughter is a vegetarian. It started with a pig. A cute pig owned by someone she worked with. Eventually the pig was sent to market and a vegetarian is born. That was 4 years ago. First she couldn't eat pork, then beef (cows can be endearing). Then all mammals. Eventually she became a full-fledged vegetarian. And I've asked her, "Well, why not fish and shrimp, they just aren't all that endearing. And they don't trust humans anyway." But she can't. She says everything fights for it's life. She told me, "Mom I found a salamander in my bathroom the other day. I picked it up to take it outside. It was dehydrated. It turned on it's back and I could see it's heart beating fast. It was terrified that I was going to kill it." So, she realized that every creature values it's life, not just the cute ones. I think it's a gradual thing that just takes some people over.

Answer 4

Logic you ask? If you read your question, you will see the answer to that. Feelings have nothing to do with logic. If you want to invoke logic, then learn about the nutrient requirements of your body and consume the foods that will give you those nutrients. Eating according to your feelings will more than likely get you into serious trouble, even if it might take several years for the problems to show. Being a Vegan means more than not eating animals, you should really understand the diet if that the way you want to go. Consultation with a dietician would be a good beginning, you need more information than there is space here to give it to you... happy eating!!

Answer 5

I wouldn't feel bad for fish.

I don't think you can actually be mean to them though, in that I don't think they can suffer. Oh, they can feel pain, of that I am in no doubt, but I don't think they are conscious. That they aren't conscious means that they don't know they exist, and as such they can't comprehend pain.
Imagine someone in a coma. If you were to go and stick a pin in their arm, knowing they couldn't feel it, would it be mean? Of course not; their nerves would still carry the message of pain as before, but they, being unconscious, wouldn't be able to feel it or suffer. It's the same for fish.

Any movement a fish makes is governed by instinct, albeit very complex instinct, but that alone. They react to a situation in much the same way as, were you to stick your hand over a flame, you're pull it back instantly. That they can react to situations doesn't mean they are conscious. They can't adapt to unfamiliar situations. They can't do anything other that what comes natural to them. Although they are very much alive, they don't know that they are, and as such they can't suffer. Therefore, why should you feel bad for fish, when they can't?

Answer 6

For me personally, not eating seafood is about not supporting the industry. There is a huge difference between hook and line caught fish, and farm-raised fish. On a side note, I'm sure it sucks to be "caught"!

Answer 7

yeah,they don't seem like they have feelings,but they do.When I was little,my dad took me fishing,we caught a couple of fish.went home,my dad made me gut the fish,stick the knife in the hole on the stomach,pull the knife up to its chin,then rip and scoop out all the insides,guts and all,all while the fish was still moving.they are helpless outside of water,all they can do is try to breathe and flop around.A fish is still a delicate form of life.

Answer 8

It relies upon. a individual would view it precise, others as incorrect. it somewhat is genuinely our complication-loose want for succorance that makes us ask for symphaty extra. during the symphaties gained, one would sense protection and protection. So if one begs on your symphaty, supply it to them yet clarify that they shouldn't in all probability on it because it is not constantly volountarily given. each and each human beings desires interest, the asking of symphaty is one among our suggestions on a thank you to be attended to. So whether it somewhat is below a situation wherein the sufferer is requesting it, or the culript, do no longer deny it to them yet in addition clarify that the subsequent time you will no longer tolerate it lower back.

Answer 9

Im a meat eater and dont really feel bad for cows and pigs but i understand how others can but fish and mollusks i dont understand how people feel sympathy for them.

Answer 10

i feel bad for fish. i havn't eaten fish for years. sense i was like, 8 years old. but all this info coming out saying that fish is really good for you i may just suck up my "fish sympathy" and eat a darn fish.
but fish are just like chickens, cows, pigs, ect, they have a life too.