This might have to be a regular category here at PCrank as this particularly exemplifies the real harm that is done to animals in the name of superstitious beliefs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine continues to take it’s toll upon the wild populations of endangered tigers. “Alternative medicine” is popular amongst the vegan camp and although they know all about beagle punching in animal testing labs they seem to be blissfully unaware of the real harm done in the name of exotic ancient wisdom. Vegans allowing such unfounded beliefs to propagate are complicit in these acts. If they want to up their own veganositude like in avoidance of sugar with bone char and beer made using isinglass then they should just as well boycott all superstitions that have medical claims. Otherwise they may as well get a matching tiger throw rug on their next visit to the acupuncturist[1].
With all the animal testing that was probably involved with Viagra at least we ended up with something that has a measurable result instead of decimating a wild population in hopes of a placebo boner. But who are we westerners to judge such acts? It’s just a natural part of a rich eastern cultural tapestry.
[1] to be fair, the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies denounced using parts from endangered wildlife. This still doesn’t excuse the continued practice of superstition in medicine.
[...] and Dave D. of Pythagorean Crank, who helped greatly with the research. Read Dave’s article on the illegal tiger poaching trade that is destroying the tiger population for literally nothing. └ Tags: asiatic [...]