Is elephant leather unethical?

[kpeezy]

Originally Posted by acidbasement

Some will likely disagree here, but a huge community of scientists has all but proven (absolute proof being impossible) that every living entity on Earth is as it is as the result of evolution by natural selection - survival of the fittest, as some call it, but it's more about reproduction than survival. In other words, "we" are here because not every living being survives long enough to reproduce. If there were no death, "we" would still be a bunch of simple, self-replicating carbon-based molecules, completely incapable of having this discussion. Death is one of the most essential components of any ecosystem and any society - without it nothing we know would be recognizable. How, then, can anything, human or otherwise, me or you, have an intrinsic right to life?

I consider myself an environmentalist, and I would never willfully purchase something made from an endangered species, but I'm pretty sure that's mostly because I like seeing them alive, not because they have any intrinsic right not to be made into silly little trinkets for our petty enjoyment.

This is exactly how I feel about this issue.

Originally Posted by acidbasement

Come on, are we having a debate or are we just repeating opinions ad nauseum? Luminette, we know you think killing things is wrong. Now tell us why, and be logical about it, or you will not convince anyone.

Steve, if I shoot a critter and leave it to the coyotes and maggots, does that satisfy your requirement that the life energy be passed on? I probably won't do it, but I'm curious anyway

This is kind of a fun thread.

Word. TWO quotes from you! You are too good, my friend.

AAAAAND I'm done posting in this ethical thread. I'll laugh at you all from the sidelines.

[penguindude]

Originally Posted by immtbiker

Have you read the thread and my post!!! It is not from elephants, it is from cows and pressed with an elephant-like look. Hello!



Politics and ethics are two entirely different issues. This thread can remain politic-free if people don't want it closed.

If I go to a bank ATM and I go to make a transaction and B4 I start, the machine issues me $200, it is an ethical decision to give back to the bank, something that doesn't belong to me. It is not a political one.
It is also called "scruples".
Since a cow is bread and raised for it's meat and hide, then it's up to you whether or not you believe it's OK to support and utilize these actions. This is whether or not a government sanctions it. It is a personal belief, not a political one.

Also, please don't bring religious beliefs into this.

Politics and religion cause huge "un-win-able" arguements on Head-Fi and are against the TOU.

This is rather disturbing on how mods are trying to dictate what we're discussing on an open forum - a place where people are supposedly free to express their views. I don't see why we cannot discuss politics while we are allowed to discuss ethics. We are neither using vulgar and disrespectful language nor are we resorting to petty personal attacks. I do not see a reason for you to lock this thread down. But if you wish, be my guest and go right ahead. If you are trying to unreasonably dictate what I can say, I'd rather not say it at all.

[Samgotit]

Originally Posted by penguindude

This is rather disturbing on how mods are trying to dictate what we're discussing on an open forum - a place where people are supposedly free to express their views. I don't see why we cannot discuss politics while we are allowed to discuss ethics. We are neither using vulgar and disrespectful language nor are we resorting to petty personal attacks. I do not see a reason for you to lock this thread down. But if you wish, be my guest and go right ahead. If you are trying to unreasonably dictate what I can say, I'd rather not say it at all.

This sticky has been there since 2005. If you don't like the rules, why did you register?

No Religious or Political Posts/Threads Are Allowed

[bigshot]

Originally Posted by Happy Camper

If the hides were harvested from naturally dead animals, would it be ok?

All the ebay seller needs to do is add this simple explanation...

The elephant used to make this wallet was not needlessly butchered for commercial reasons. You'll be happy to know that he died in a freak waterskiing accident.

See ya
Steve

[immtbiker]

Originally Posted by penguindude

This is rather disturbing on how mods are trying to dictate what we're discussing on an open forum...
... I do not see a reason for you to lock this thread down. But if you wish, be my guest and go right ahead. If you are trying to unreasonably dictate what I can say, I'd rather not say it at all.

First of all, I am not locking it down, I am being a mod and pointing out that (and I'll repeat):

Politics and religion cause huge "un-win-able" arguements on Head-Fi and are against the TOU.

Second of all, if I am (in your words) "trying to unreasonably dictate what I can say, I'd rather not say it at all" then why did you just say it, if you'd rather not say it at all. That is a contradiction of your own terms.

Usually, most forum rules are a result of previously unmanageable situations.

That, and the fact that this is an audio forum.
I'm sure there are plenty of other forums where you can talk about the politics of faux elephant skin products without being stiffled in your expressions.