i got an argument today that i am unsure of how to navigate. i was trying to convince a vegetarian to consider giving up honey as it is exploitive to bees but was countered by the argument that bee labor is used in a lot of produce production (almonds, cranberries, broccoli, etc.) how should i tackle this?
Although it need not be, it is. We should work to alter that; giving up on buying honey and supporting the bee industry is one way to do that. Like any other animal, they are raised for food. I would question how you could possibly and practically stop eating things pollinated by farmed honeybees if that is what they are suggesting. However, we may be able to practically eliminate honey.
I understand that they transport the trucks around while maintaining the hives on them. Taking the bees’ honey is not the same as that. In contrast to extracting their honey, leaving the bees alone while you rotate their hive does not remove anything from them, limit their freedom of movement, or interfere with their regular life cycle. Rather than commodifying and exploiting the bees, it is more of a means of cooperating with them in a symbiotic relationship. That’s my two pennies worth on the matter.
Although I don’t consume honey, isn’t the bee industry generally moral? They receive protection and a place to live, but they are free to leave at any moment if it is not sufficient. Rather than the parasitic animal industry, it is more akin to symbiosis. Additionally, it preserves the bee population.
(Edit): Although I no longer support my first statement, I’ll keep it there for historical context. Kindly view the movie that is linked or read the responses below.)
This is not someone who is going to be persuaded to give up honey. I would not squander my strength. They will most likely not care about bees if they have no regard for animals.
I like to think philosophically about things, and honey makes me feel like I’m robbing others who are less fortunate than me. They create it for themselves, their family, and their community, and we just think that since we’re stronger, we should be entitled to it. Because humans are stronger, we take away an animal’s habitat, ruin their bonds with their families, and even just remove their bodies. Then, we act as though everything the animal produces or does belongs to us.
Honey bees are only one pollinator among many thousands, and because of their artificially inflated population, they outcompete natural bees and decimate the latter, with far-reaching ecological consequences. Every pollinator has a different method that they have developed especially for their surroundings and that the ecosystem depends on.
Acknowledge their correctness and think about the steps you’re taking to improve your decisions. It is impossible for a vegan who purchases almond milk to criticize the honey business.