Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

this is sad.

it's kind of bizarre from a mile high view, but all so normal too, that no one comments on the sacrifice of a pig, i found myself observing.



I think most take it as a given that human life > swine life


However, if it had been a dog's heart that was used, there'd be without a doubt at least one comment - probably several - expressing either kudos or sympathy to the "donor" dog.

I love dogs (especially mine), but there's no objective reason a pig's life has to be worth less than a dog's.


> no objective reason

Why would the reason have to be objective? It's perfectly fine that the reasons are subjective. We're talking about people's emotional responses afterall.


Sadly, speciesism relies on the same foundational arguments that were prevalent when slavery was also still prevalent (in the west, at least) - which is why slavery was so prevalent. I'm sure those having their organs harvested in China are the subject of similar specious (ha) reasoning, which humans are all to ready to accept uncritically, as it benefits us too much.

There's no bias stronger than self interest.


The pig i don't care about. But I would really really like to know if David Bennett lived his life being healthy and fit.


I would also be happy to go vegan, but I don't see a way to be healthy that way, so..


If it’s specifically pigs up for discussion, vegan and vegetarian are the same, and vegetarian is easier — I’m vegetarian, and AFAIK there’s no food made from pig’s milk (certainly nothing I’ve seen in the local supermarket).

But as for healthy? That’s the easy part, there are so many healthy vegan options it’s silly. Food cravings however, that’s hard (and also why I’m only vegetarian, not vegan — I’m looking forward to improvements to vegan cheese[0] in particular given everything else on sale around here now has good enough non-dairy alternatives — though the other part is that I’m not hugely concerned about the ethics of free-range no-kill eggs).

[0] smoked tofu slices is good for sandwiches, but it doesn’t melt nicely on pasta


I tried vegetarian for a year and it was hard (this was 30+ years ago, and so much has improved!), but my current flexitarian diet is easy to maintain and a healthy option.


Have you tried being vegan for a month? I thought I felt worse after it, but that was several years ago and I think I should give it another shot.

I'm sure you have your reasons for thinking that.


Pescatarian?




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: