Vegan vs. Meat Eater - Steven Rinella

As a hunter, the question comes up all the time: how can I justify the killing of animals for food? My reply varies according to the circumstances, particularly to whether or not the person is actually willing to hear my response. Recently, I was posed this question while promoting my new book, Meat Eater: Adventures from the Life of an American Hunter, at a Greenlight Bookstore event in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Here's what happened. -Steven Rinella
Follow us:
Web: www.themeateate...
Facebook: / stevenrinellameateater
MeatEater on Twitter: / meateatertv
Steven Rinella on Twitter: / stevenrinella
Google +: bit.ly/YYdTzv
MeatEater Tumblr: / themeateater
Trophy Country on Tumblr: / trophycountry
Pinterest: / meateatertv
Instagram: / meateatertv

[@xeftones]

Eww gross. Two humans being respectful towards one another. This isnt what the Internet was created for.

[@MoskusMoskiferus1611]

You are truly suppose to be Hunted by a group of Bears

[@keuwlcat1319]

@@MoskusMoskiferus1611 that's racist against bears

[@murrayj420]

this made me lol

[@littleshepherdfarm2128]

Y'all are cracking me up!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ToolforOffice]

Lol

[@dagnastyodi4196]

props to the vegan guy for being very respectful.

[@albertledesma5173]

That wasn’t “respectful”. Like Steve said, he wasn’t REALLY asking a question. He was passive aggressively trying to make a point.

[@joshuapatrick682]

Albert Ledesma that’s still as respectful as I’ve ever seen a vegan act especially when they knew they were being filmed.

[@albertledesma5173]

Joshua Patrick Well if that’s the case, then that definitely doesn’t say much about vegans collectively.

[@clinclin1240]

He knew he would be publicly embarrassed and run out on a rail if he showed his true colors. Besides, did you see how low energy and utterly strung out that dude looked? Veganism really does a number on people.

[@european-one]

@@albertledesma5173 I don't think that was passive agressive at all, it's the most common argument against eating meat and surely addressed in the book. If the guy wasn't happy to answer that question he wouldn't be doing a Q&A. People are allowed to disagree, the fact the conversation was so civil means one read the vegan pamphlet, the other read the book on eating meat. Hopefully both come away with a better understanding of the other. It's how society develops

[@elena-mo9fn]

Hunters are better than people who buy meat from stores.

[@Marinambru]

still has a better option. not only hunt or buy from the store.

[@Variia]

+Elena Smith child rapists who use lube are better than those who don't, right?

[@Variia]

***** in almost every form of animal agriculture animals are raped on a daily basis, so yeah the comparison is pretty accurate.

[@Variia]

***** you're just too dumb to get my point

[@Variia]

***** you didn't respond to reason, so there's really no point in trying to have a discussion with you on any other level

[@Nopperabou]

2:40 I'm moved when I see people respect each other's point of view.

[@jonathanholden6556]

I could not possibly love this video and Steve’s response any more than I do. Often times it’s hard to find the appropriate words when it comes to defending our right to hunt and the level of respect most hunters share for the game we pursue. I’m going to thumbnail this and show it to every person that questions hunting to perhaps give them a new perspective. There is also a beautiful article titled “Blood Brother” that I recommend people read to go along with this video. Thank you Steve

[@tylermaly1390]

I miss the time when we could actually have a nice conversation like this.

[@elijahb9767]

All points were understandable other than the canine one. Our canines, molars, incisors, and jaw structure are optimal for tearing plant food, similar to a gorilla (also for display). They’re different than the teeth and jaw structure of a lion, for example, which is optimal for tearing into meat. There’s a reason that if you put a bowl of fruit and the raw unskinned thigh of an antelope in front of both a hungry lion and a hungry human/gorilla, the choice of what to eat would be different. Also, the sense of flavor and satisfaction would likely differ between the two.

[@sickpuppycody]

Your a true inspiration Steve. I strive to be the type of human you are.

[@schawnfleites1555]

Wow a vegan and meat eater talk without a flip out, truly is a nice thing.

[@tgbeam]

Cause this was in 2012. Flash forward 7 years, and we have outrage culture with a society that wouldn't be able to hold a conversation like this without slinging some political slur or freaking out

[@steveclarke1857]

Truthfully, people aren't interested in listening anymore. We as a culture tend to take what we want from the things we see, read and hear, and then reject everything else that goes against our opinions. I agree with you, this was a nice exchange. I was expecting it to be a closed minded yell fest aimed at masturbating egos. I was really happy to hear Steven Pinella outline a world view very similar to mine as someone that is basically vegan (outside of game meat I or my friends). If we keep approaching everything as an opportunity to try and build up our egos instead of expand our understanding, we're truly doomed as a culture and society.

[@steveclarke1857]

​@Laurent Courtois Eating meat doesn't make you a bloodthirsty tyrant, and neither does not eating meat.

[@steveclarke1857]

@Laurent Courtois That may have been your intent, but it wasn't what you said.

[@steveclarke1857]

@Laurent Courtois Mate. You brought up Hitler's diet and then his like of animals and dislike of people. It's not between any lines.

[@chasescanlon6488]

“That’s a deal man, I’ll read it tonight I promise” When that old man smiled after he said that my heart got warm

[@pinchJMAN555]

u go to Carmel?

[@StabbyJoe135]

A 2 minute vegan info learning experience in exchange for a book sale? Sounds worth it to me

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

That's what got me. With the current situation in my country, his smile felt like a hug.

[@samuelan5996]

@@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS this is unfortunately very true

[@AJohns47]

That wasn't an old man it was actually a 19yr old woman but that's just how unhealthy she looks being vegan

[@ytehrani3885]

This was really respectful - both sides - well done.

[@dr.tragedy1941]

It’s a question. He never accused. He said “isn’t it murder”. Seems pretty respectful on both sides. No tantrums. No interruptions.

[@ericpauly311]

@Phillip Mullis please calm down

[@mannox775]

@Phillip Mullis so true

[@mannox775]

Ye

[@shon5960]

Fuck the vegtard

[@ac060]

Perfect example that we can disagree with people and still be respectful.

[@european-one]

A rarity these days

[@charlestolley2294]

The trick is that neither wants to force the other into compliance. If you actually hope to convince someone, reason is the best tool

[@rodneypratt7082]

I'm 63 years old and I was raised that way you're supposed to agree to disagree and not be all shity about it, what a concept

[@hardwatercamper]

@@charlestolley2294 I like that.

[@sirdavidr6064]

Except that’s not how the world works. People aren’t meant to disagree but still be respectful on every topic. Which fruit taste better, sure but when it comes to health and survival, respect is something that shouldn’t be shown.

[@guitarjeffy4966]

Steve didn't debate. He mearly presented an acurate and valid point of view without invalidating or insulting the vegan. A true ambassador for the cause. I enjoy his videos immensely.

[@kendahomie]

Guitar Jeffy The cause?

[@guitarjeffy4966]

Ahh...going for a little troll Ken? Meh. Not worth the time. Nice try though.

[@kendahomie]

Guitar Jeffy As is your cause....

[@guitarjeffy4966]

My cause? Do we know each other? Any ways leave me alone that's all i got to say to you. And go ahead and prove to the world that your a narcissist get the last word in.

[@kendahomie]

Guitar Jeffy You win bud

[@REMY_L3beau]

Damn, you know this is old when people actually respect one another’s opinion 😂

[@REMY_L3beau]

@Sparka J it’s more of this leftist culture not realizing that other people have thoughts and you should respect them. Our fake news is brainwashing insignificant people who are always told what to do. Can’t think on there own

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

There's nothing respectable about needlessly killing animals. 🤷🏻

[@henryybenryy6575]

@@NoInjusticeLastsForever oh would you and your man puss get out of here.. It’s hunting and it’s not murder... Human nature

[@Buckwheat0]

@@NoInjusticeLastsForever A bullet is a pretty great fate compared to life at a factory farm or violently ripped apart by another predator, ngl

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

@@Buckwheat0 It's still needless and murder. No excuse for such uncivilized behavior. 🤷🏻

[@KenDBerryMD]

Great debate. Handled very well.

[@bigpat989]

This is because what they had was a conversation it wasn’t one side screaming at the other. They probably walked away with both of them not changing their opinions but at least they have a little more insight into each others mindset

[@strings1586]

@@bigpat989 that older gentlemen didn’t even really know what he was talking about but they still tried to empathize and understand each other. Great conversation between two adult human beings

[@user-yp3oj5se1i]

@@strings1586 The older man was very clear. The babbling meat eating man kept going off point during his answer. One of the reasons he gave on why humans should eat other animals was because it's been happening a long time............... . That's not a reason to keep eating meat. Pro meat eaters act that way as they have no case. There is no reason to keep eating meat other than how it tastes to them ( although most meat eaters add herbs to improve the taste of meat) and how full it makes them feel as it takes longer to break down meat. All the nutrient/vitamins are in fruit/veg. The highest b12 source is found in seaweed. Plants also have far more protein then any red meat, pork, chicken or fish. Many animals that are hunted by humans have better characters than the humans themselves.

[@kingrider75]

@DK It is quite amazing what can be accomplished when one side doesn’t attack the other.

[@threezerol944t]

@@user-yp3oj5se1i You're delusional.

[@jasonkubichek6702]

Steve is ridiculously intelligent and a person we should all strive to be like. Awesome watching this!

[@hendersonx]

I stumbled across Steven and meat eater on Netflix. After binge watching the three seasons available (5/6/7) and being in awe of his respect and outlook on hunting, conservation and life itself, I have changed how I view hunting and am now in the process of getting my firearm licence. He is an amazing ambassador for hunting.

[@UnspokenWilderness]

I would hate to see 10,000 Steve Rinellas running around and having to subscribe to them all. I strive to be myself and continue to make strides in life. I very much appreciate Steve. There's a big difference.

[@thats70sraptor30]

From harmony fl?

[@joshuasteele5108]

@French Frys nobody cares.

[@joshuasteele5108]

@French Frys you apparently have a lot to say haha. Please mindlessly ramble on some more for our entertainment please. And also Epstein didn't kill himself.

[@lipripnc9366]

I've grown to greatly admire Steve Rinella. He's one of the most well articulated men in the world of hunting. Each of his novels are well worth the read.

[@austinholm-mcrae2777]

Yes, he does appear to have very well functioning joints.. quite flexible...well articulated...

[@josh_da_boss_hello4571]

Probably cause he’s a English grad from UM.

[@bigamigo4863]

Totally agree been a fan of his for a long time. people don't know how good of a writer he really is. His books are really good.

[@SaileAway]

He writes novels?

[@zachphirman6219]

@@SaileAway I'm only aware of nonfiction

[@adamduncan6513]

I wouldn't even call this a vs moment. They were just having an honest conversation. Nice to see it

[@cartergomez5390]

Yes!

[@ElliotScottDating]

Respect to the older man if anything. Usually people aren't that open minded.

[@joshuafurlong5270]

for real, He came off a bit strong, I wont lie. As Steven said he was really asking a question, he was making a point. But he was very respectful in the way he made his point, and was no way aggressive. He also didn't refute anything Steven said, he wanted his answer and he got it. Great conversation on both parts.

[@saschasingsong5868]

I really liked that "converstation". I was eating way too much meat and I did buy it, where it was the cheapest. Since I got a bit older and have more money in my pocket, I really question myself "do I want THAT meat?". I looked around my city and found farmes, that have "happy" cows and pigs and I am willing to pay more money for that animal (for its meat). I don´t like the pictures you see from big factories and how they handle the animals. Right now I am finishing my hunting license, to get even more in touch with it. So yeah.. it is nicer to sit with someone who does see the living animal behind the meat.

[@Paulpoission]

Imagine if we had elected officials that spoke this way?

[@digitalhippie2336]

Actually that's exactly why people like him, almost always try to stay away from politics I've seen comments a lot of times about different cool folks, like "why people like you don't run for president" or "I'd vote for you" People like that have a really very different point of view about life and things, and have a good understanding what a mess politics is, and that they should stay away from this dirty swamp to stay who they are There's plenty of examples when cool people get themselves into politics as well, to really make an impact and change things for better, but they either realize what it is made of on the half way and simply quit, or accept it and decide to play by those rules, and become one of them so they can keep moving forward It's all about what you believe in and how you want to live your life. And I don't blame any of them 🙃

[@hahnsmantra7276]

I don't vote for them....therefore I don't have a problem with em None of what they do affects my life...in any way.

[@CodyMoore1987]

I would certainly vote for Steve!!!

[@Rips4Days]

@@digitalhippie2336 shroood

[@digitalhippie2336]

@@bdoll121212 Never heard of that one. Which is true as well I guess

[@Nordicrancher]

Ethical hunters and vegans have more in common than we think. At the root of things, we are both motivated by a desire to think deeply about the origin and ethics of our food sources and the relationship we have with animals through our food choices. We both value a human-animal relationship that excludes suffering. In this case, vegans chose to avoid eating animals, while hunters chose to pursue a way of gathering their own meat that gives hunters greater control over ensuring that the animals we eat are killed ethically.

[@aidankelly198]

Penis ASMR- despite the name of your profile, that is very wise and well put

[@kyanberusama8847]

@@aidankelly198 🤣🤣 agreed

[@Nordicrancher]

ORYX X There are many types of vegans out here. Im sorry that you only have met the wrong ones.

[@alexcontreras6103]

I think hunting is far more ethical than having an animal live in a pen it's whole life then get slaughter, at least it roams free before getting killed. And in many regards the shot placement hunter place on animals ends them with little suffering

[@dahliaserrato1706]

This is incredibly well said. I’m primarily a vegetarian. Not because I think eating meat is necessarily wrong. I think factory farming is disgusting, unsanitary, and inhumane not only to animals but to humans too. If I had the resources to hunt or raise my own meat, 100% I’d eat it.

[@IHMadeThis]

After watching Earthling Ed videos, all of the meat eater's arguments are just flimsy.

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

Or if you watched Cosmic Skeptic's response to this. He absolutely wrecked this hunter guy!

[@GuitarBloodlines]

Earthling Ed is a middle class joke tbh, as is Cosmic Skeptic

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

@@GuitarBloodlines You can't dismiss what someone is saying by saying they're a "joke". That doesn't mean anything. This hunter is a joke too. It's a meaningless statement.

[@GuitarBloodlines]

@@NoInjusticeLastsForever nah, the hunter has done more for animal conservation than Ed, the Cosmic Skeptic, Joey, James, and all the saviour squad put together

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

@@GuitarBloodlines He kills for fun and tries to martyr myself like he's doing something good for humanity. This has been debunked countless times by everyone you just mentioned LOL

[@GunslingerOfficial]

Vegan Club is opposite Fight Club. The first rule of vegan club is to tell everyone.

[@keenl4057]

@Dr. Tyler J. Mazzoncini just because you believe something doesnt make it correct

[@TheVeganeater]

Science believes it too but what do they know right? Meat has good qualities but they come at a cost (heart failure is a biggie ) . I here heroin is a relaxing high but also has bad qualities. Smoking is proven to be stress reducing but does that mean it should be something people do all the time.

[@TheVeganeater]

Just because some think animals are just objects and we can do with them as we like doesn't make it correct. Nazi's had a belief that most didn't agree with .

[@keenl4057]

@@TheVeganeater meat doesn't cause heart failure

[@WizzardOfOzz1]

Keen L, it's OK, Vegans don't understand natural balance, they are just extremists of a different flavour. The more vocal ones are far more violent than most people that live a balanced life.

[@V3Valhalla]

"Really? How long is your pamphlet?" Lol, gotta love Steve.

[@jamie4390]

Nice guy(vegan), waited until the questions before making a statement, then was accepting of the answer and was willing to read another perspective in exchange for his. Might not have same views, but equal respect.

[@AKarnold1010]

Yeah that was a solid positive interaction between two people with different lifestyles. No bitching, no arguments, nobody getting ridiculous and losing their cool. I dig it

[@thumper9633]

I know the elderly gentleman, he's a really great human. Very impressed with the tone of Steven's response, so nice to see two adults with diverging perspectives have an authentic conversation with mutual respect.

[@auto_5]

Awesome.

[@weathp]

That’s so crazy you know him. I believe you when you say he’s a great human. He definitely acts like it here.

[@emerginglobster2075]

How do you know him?

[@gandalf2256]

​@emerginglobster2075 it's true, I know him too. I jerk him off in a toilet block off I95 every second thursday

[@firelord1125]

This is how you’re supposed to debate someone.

[@yovalks]

If only every debate were so amicable - hell, if only every argument was a debate where both sides were allowed to speak...

[@ashtonoates4798]

i wouldn’t even call this a debate, just a sharing of ideas. debate to me implies a winner and a loser, which is not a productive way to discuss with people

[@mikejessmax]

Take notes Joey Carbstrong

[@duanevigue1603]

Sharing different perspectives and wanting to understand where the other person is coming from isnt a debate.

[@earthpart3]

How is that how you're supposed to debate? He didn't even have any good defenses, just the same lame "arguments" made by brainwashed meat eaters.

[@abasin08]

This is one of the most sophisticated explanations of knowing your “why”, Steve not only defends his reasons, but kills two birds with one stone. He explains, and invites an adversary to the table, that’s how you do it…politicians take notes. Is just people having a discussion respectfully. Good job Steve!

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

Much respect for Steve!

[@ilovegunsandhuntingandradi5912]

hi

[@codymoore8648]

The was he not only admires the animal but admires other people for having a perspective different than his own is asotonishing

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

@@codymoore8648 You're brianwashed if you think you can "love" someone while also killing them. Is this the twilight zone??

[@codymoore8648]

@@NoInjusticeLastsForever it’s not about the love for a single organism it’s about the greater love for the species of the organism and the thought of. Just because one hunter goes out and harvests his own food the most natural way we possibly can does not make him a monster. It strictly shows that they are involved in the circle of life and population management and want to learn more and more about the organism and Mother Nature. Of course there are people out there that kill things for the wrong reason... however in a lot of cases such as this one it is completely ethical and for conversation and education. I can assure you that Steve knows more about wildlife than you ever will from his experiences in the wilderness. I appreciate the way you look out for wildlife 100 percent and the care you have for animals. That is awesome however it doesn’t make someone a monster to be involved in something that we have been a part of our whole time on earth😁❤️✌️

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

@@codymoore8648 Go watch Cosmic Skeptics breakdown of this hunter's argument. Him knowing more about deer doesn't justify killing needlessly. I'm sure a doctor who eats his patients knows much more than me about medicine. Who cares? Needlessly harming someone is always unethical. 🤷🏻

[@ceoofworldpeace8901]

This is why the Native Americans got it right with hunting. They respected the spirit of animals that they killed.

[@yomamasapeach]

Pro hunting so long as the meat goes to good use.

[@bradxenomorph5066]

If I respect a human, can I kill and eat them?

[@yomamasapeach]

Adam Felcyn If you eat a human, you are exposing yourself to microbiological germs that can actually kill you. Second, eating your own species isn't the same as eating another species for survival. Learn the food chain mate, we aren't all mad vegetarians crying about eating tofu.

[@bradxenomorph5066]

yomamasapeach "If you eat a human, you are exposing yourself to microbiological germs that can actually kill you." I wasn't talking about the nutritional aspect, but the moral aspect. Try to stay on topic. "Second, eating your own species isn't the same as eating another species for survival." Sure it is, if all the other factors are equal. What's the moral difference between eating the family dog and eating your human neighbor's kid? None. They're both sentient, innocent, and you shouldn't need to eat either one of them if you do a little research into veganism.

[@yomamasapeach]

Adam Felcyn Tell me, in a natural aspect of the real world, do animals of any sense not eat each other for the nutritional aspect of sustaining calories and fats? We need to eat other animals for the purpose of survival, and that's what we've been doing since the age of man that's made us so successful. Secondly, eating a human isn't a decision of morality, ethics is nothing more but perception and psychological thinking. No, We decide not to eat each other because our biological framework is to propagate our own species, and this means that we will not devour ourselves to bones because it's against our own basic nature (unless put into a situation of our own basic survival). Secondly, you suck as a troll

[@heethen112]

All I ask is open minded conversation, we don’t need to agree.. 10 years later it’s almost not the subject that moves me..

[@calmdown3545]

if you didnt know...youtube commenting is a very bad platform for intellectual debate. Nothing will be accomplished.

[@sallyW.]

True

[@ibrahimelzaim1622]

Comments like that should face repercussions.

[@Socialdfan323]

Ibrahim Elzaim He should be able to say what he wants. I mean it doesn't make what he said ok but are you really going take to heart what someone who wright's like that says (which i understand some people do) but people like peter are usually just ignorant, stupid, lack empathy or could be part of his brain didn't fully develop.

[@Jeffersonyuvens]

thomas mills you should try facebook next time

[@clucl3]

I watched this video thinking, wow that was a great example of a respectful back-and-forth among two people with radically different views.This exactly the kind of attitude we need in American politics, right now. Let's see if the comment section reflects the kind...nope... There should be a comment section just for serious comments.

[@christiankelley3729]

Wow. This made my eyes water a little. If everyone who disagrees on things could just sit down and talk rationally like this, the world would be a better place. People would still dislike each other for sure, but they would understand why the person they dislike believes what they do.

[@ravenfist]

+christian kelley i agree, but the problem with vegans is there seem to be so many that tries to force their "belifs" unto others, whenever you try to force stuff unto ppl and at the same time says ppl that dont belive the same thing as you are "stupid" when it has nothing to do with intelligence, ppl tend to dislike you :P (not saying everyone is like that) but for me, i definitly understand the hatred for veganism.

[@famulepeterson9369]

Veganism isnt a "belief" though, it's pure facts that meat eaters are afraid to accept.

[@ravenfist]

famule peterson what belifs are you talking about though? That the meat farms are bad for the world? I agree with that and we as a race should most def eat more veg. But its also a fact that pure meat is the best way for humans to get the nutritants we need. And regardless no one is gonna listen to a person who tries to force their thinking unto you, be he vegan or not.

[@famulepeterson9369]

Viktor Gustafsson False. It is a fact proven by scientists that meat increases the risk of fatal diseases, heart issues and of course obesity. It's also been proven that the absolute best diet for a human being is a plant-based diet (veganism)

[@ravenfist]

+famule peterson tjat has actuallt bern disproven

[@bonjovisleftnut8954]

Damn Steven that’s how you get it done . Respect on both sides for being able to have civil conversation over opposing views.

[@user-ru9gf7ky2y]

Steve Rinella has absolutely made a huge impact on my adult life. I can not get enough of his knowledge. I'm so glad I am alive to witness it.

[@mrzjohnson4]

I love Steven Rinella! He’s educated, articulate, and is a great example of a hunter, or as we’re also known, conservationists.

[@mathewdavis2427]

Fight Milk Watch Cosmic Skeptic’s video on this. He destroys all of Steven’s “arguments” point by point. These are all very low-level “arguments” that any remotely knowledgeable vegan would destroy.

[@ArnoDJ]

@@mathewdavis2427 bullshit 😂

[@MrMalicious5]

Mathew Davis Any knowledgeable vegan but not you, though, right? 😂

[@hlteh76]

Mathew Davis Watched it. It’s full of supposition and straw man arguments.

[@saoirse7167]

@@hlteh76 Really? In what way did he unfavourably misrepresent the arguments?

[@dtigert233]

The amount of respect in this video is what should be admired

[@Thejigholeman]

"don't the creatures you kill want to live as much as you do?" doesn't the deer want to live as much as the bear that kills it?

[@hippibunni3689]

Are you really trying to compare humans to bears? Thats so idiotic. A bear hunts because its a carnivore, and bears eat fish anyway. You clearly don't know what your talking about.

[@Thejigholeman]

Skylar Taylor "a bear hunts because it's a carnivore" this guy eats meat, he hunts animals. i know your type. you are a religious vegan or vegetarian. in you eyes hunting is bad because EVIL HUMANS!!! HOOMAN KILL ANIMAL BAD! ANIMAL KILL ANIMAL GOOD! do burgers trigger you my little snowflake? also, does the fish want to live? or do fish not count because fish aren't as cute as deer and rabbits?

[@hippibunni3689]

+zomberz von zombycow Nope not even remostly religious :) good job trying to label me as a piece of snowflake tumblr bullshit though. I'm sure the fish does want to live, the bear hunts because it has no other choice. It knows no other type of food. Its body isn't built to break down anything else. Human's on the other hand, are capable of remorse and guilt. And we have more options for food. We know the difference between wrong and right.

[@Thejigholeman]

Skylar Taylor "we know the difference between wrong and right" that's an odd statement to make when talking to someone with an opposing view on a matter. you assume that what you think is wrong to YOU is wrong to everyone else. if we knew that eating meat was wrong, wouldn't we feel guilty every-time we ate a burger, or some sushi? "humans are capable of remorse and guilt" not an argument for why people should not eat meat.

[@hippibunni3689]

+zomberz von zombycow Well i just assumed that most humans wouldnt want to kill an animal with their bare hands like a bear would do. But there are the hunters out there who enjoy killing animals for no reason what so ever. For their own entertainment I assume. My bad. The reason people dont feel guilt when they eat animal products is simply because they dont think in depth about it. That what was once on their plate was living and breathing. They put these bliders up and choose to ignore anything that opposes their lifestyle. Similar to how heavy christians refuse to hear anything about other religions and atheism. If you dig deep into where your food came from im sure the way you look at a big mac would change.

[@suqma]

why does he look vaguely similiar to Elon Musk

[@ChrisSmith-iv7no]

It’s nice to see a smart discussion of two different views, men like Steven that can get the point across that hunting is a justifiable pursuit, will keep hunting safe for many years.

[@DivyenduKashyap]

Hunting free animals really is a lot more ethical than torturing animals throughout their lives and later eating them. However, even that is nutritionally unnecessary today, justified only by the selfish desire for "tasty food".

[@janieswanson2549]

How do you justify your use of animal products? Is it selfishness?

[@DivyenduKashyap]

@@janieswanson2549 I don't use animal products

[@janieswanson2549]

@@DivyenduKashyap Sure you do. Smart phones, computers, routers, and servers are all made with and contain fat, gelatin, and bones. Every time you make a comment you're using animal products. So.... How do you justify your use of animal products? Is it selfishness?

[@rbljackson]

Steve, you represent us (the hunting community) so VERY well. My hat is off to you sir. Of ALL the hunting shows on tv, yours stands heads and shoulders above the rest. WHY? Simply because you represent the hunting community correctly. A deep respect for the animals and the land, not to mention the willingness to work for the meal! Two thumbs up....and your response in this video was first class!

[@MinimalistOutdoors]

@@diracismyhero I'm sorry , but we don't aim for the head we aim for the heart and lungs just behind the shoulder. Can't afford to miss because that's meat we rely on.

[@Bergerac82]

@@diracismyhero precisely the level of totally uninformed I expect from someone trying to bash Rinella.

[@Bergerac82]

@@diracismyhero because you think hunters are blowing animals brains out... It's a fairly high level piece of bullshit. If you think that, you clearly know astoundingly little about hunting.

[@connerenglish2135]

I remember watching this video a few years ago and it was the first exposure I had to Steven Rinella. I’ve grown to be a really big fan of Steven and his MeatEater crew. Rinella is assertively articulate. My admiration for communication has been stoked again in life because of the way he portrays his thought. Just wanted to say thank you Steve for all that you and your team does for preservation of wildlife and our right to access land that can put food on our tables. I have learned a shit ton from this guy over the years, if you’ve never listened to his podcast, check it out. -Public Land Owner

[@xxanonymousbeastxx5566]

Life is sacred? Plants have life too... Smh face it... We cant eat shit.

[@dracava]

The difference is emotion, the ability to feel pain and if the food actually tries to defend it's life.

[@xxanonymousbeastxx5566]

Good point... but no one is really fully a vegan... Like toothpaste contains gelatin, which is found in pigs.

[@dracava]

Gelatin is found in pigs??? Gelatin is made from the excessed body parts from all animals in the meat industry, besides there is vegan toothpaste so don't even start.

[@xxanonymousbeastxx5566]

Dracava Yeah.... Like if every vegan buys vegan toothpaste

[@dracava]

Guessing they're not really vegan then after all.

[@ellistarceansa8182]

*Cosmic Skeptic* has just completely destroyed the hunter here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roG5fJaXq6msaM0

[@TheLukejitsu]

I don't why this video popped up on my feed, but it led me to finding CosmicSkeptic who just dismantled in very polite manner every point made by the chap talking in this video.

[@iloatheyootoob6954]

This was a lovely exchange, respect and civility all around. Wish we could see more of this these days.

[@JTPLetsPlay]

A very respectful interaction. People should talk about their differences more like this.

[@jafrost1328]

I was anti hunting until i heard steve speak. Never saw a need for it but he's just so measured, intelligent and articulate that his perspective is never lost in emotion or misinformation. One of my favourite tv personailities and i only just found the guy. People assault his way of life probably daily and his grace never falters

[@jafrost1328]

@Table-Country pinxing THRYM Firearms 27 ahh man where I'm from there are a LOT of simple scumbags around that just want to shoot things, but they're easy enough to spot, they'll brag about all the illegal/unethical shit they do to anyone who acts half interested

[@Bsmd25]

@@jafrost1328 yeah, those guys are hated by other hunters too😂

[@jafrost1328]

@@Bsmd25 im from Australia too, so really they have no excuse. Is it invasive? Yes? Then feel free to shoot it unless it's a Brumby

[@cshepard09]

@@jafrost1328 you're generalizing an entire group of people based off the experiences you've had in your life, i'd say its a fair statement to say people who spend their life in the outdoors care more for wildlife than the average person who doesn't. 99% of people who think hunting is wrong don't know anything about wildlife or ecosystems they just know the hunter is always the bad guy in their favorite Disney movie

[@jafrost1328]

@@cshepard09 yeah? No shit? I wonder if that might have been my entire point...

[@dmarti47]

Great answer to the man's 'question.' Very articulate and well argued but, at the same time, respectful of the man's beliefs.

[@goodtalker]

It seems to me that the "default" position of humans is carnivorous. Meat is supposed to be a part of our diet. I've killed deer and eaten them and also worked in the beef industry. Honestly, the deer have it much better than a steer.

[@sinahamedani7927]

I would disagree with "default" since humans don't have the basic traits of most carnivores (keen senses for hunting, canine teeth, strength, speed). Our "default" would most certainly be herbivores as we have a way better ability to produce crops than hunt at any given moment

[@goodtalker]

@@sinahamedani7927 Producing crops requires a stable community that does not move around. For hundreds of thousands of years man moved around.....a lot. Farming is a relatively new human activity. Those instincts that predators have that contemporary man does not more than likely disappeared through evolution as man indeed discovered agriculture. Native Americans not so long ago were exceptional predators even before the assistance of horses or rifles. I have canines. My lower right is capped.

[@juliosanchez2411]

@@sinahamedani7927 yeah running for hours, eyes straight forward and great intelligence are not traits of a hunter 🥱😒 In all seriousness anywhere you go, ANYWHERE. You can always kill something make a fire and eat it. Very default if you ask me whereas eating vegetation requires quite a bit of knowledge.

[@GuinessHangover]

@@sinahamedani7927 How do you explain native people's living in an arctic or subarctic climate, surviving almost exclusively on meat, as edible vegetation is virtually nonexistent year-round?

[@sinahamedani7927]

@@goodtalker I agree humans were nomadic before agriculture but like you said that was during a homo erectus, neanderthal time where they were more adapted to hunting. Also big part of nomadic lifestyle was gathering wild crops. This is also what makes us omnivores

[@coldworld5]

Even as a vegeterian I think hunting is a better way of eating meat than farming, it's a respect for the food cycle.

[@HugsmadeDrugs]

Depends on what farming also... Eco farming it's like neo farming, when you farm all natural and give the cattle a greater life... It all comes down to give a relatively good live to your livestock as a farmer.

[@erectiondisection8105]

Its better than factory farming but that isnt saying much. Hunting is still ultimately immoral when you can just eat plants to live.

[@AlphaWolf096]

Erection Disection Hunting is also necessary for wildlife management. More humans and deer would die in deer-induced road collisions if we didn't hunt, than the number of deer that die or even get wounded due to hunting.

[@MertAtakansscryp]

Well it's not like he throws out any meat or would stop hunting. He enjoys it and turns the experience into an educational show which is enjoyed by many. This show is way more ethical compared to the ones profit through human psychology exploitation.

[@candykanefpv]

Allisonom A the question you have to ask is if there wasn't the exposure would he be doing things any differently. And he wouldn't. He would still be going out there to harvest animals. They may not be in as remote areas but he'd be doing the same thing.

[@sirnolacketh2176]

People been eating animals for centuries. And it's delicious.

[@coocoo9120]

Yeah but is it worth the taste? I've made vegan food that tastes just as good if not better!

[@sirnolacketh2176]

KayKay Well since you can make tasty vegan food, you should invite me for dinner.

[@coocoo9120]

+Odell Beckham Jr. Haha ok, as long as you go vegan! ;)

[@sirnolacketh2176]

Lol so are we on or what?

[@TheArtofBoxing101]

+Odell Beckham Jr. thirsty ass

[@BrandonPrive1432]

back in the day when you could have debate and both walk away happy and not yelling at eachother, we need this type of debating skills in 2019.

[@musictube17]

Have you heard about 2020?

[@theonetrueeggroll4252]

@@musictube17 Have you heard about 2021?

[@nschott13]

It’s still out there, you just see and hear more of the conflict.

[@zachdidow2441]

Steve is arguably one of the most wholesome humans alive.

[@jaredbowen3527]

Besides the hunting stuff maybe...

[@zachdidow2441]

@@jaredbowen3527 I feel as if maybe you missed the point of the debate he had. Again, if you look down on someone for something that humans have done for thousands of years as a cohesive part of the food chain (When done properly) then that says more of you than them.

[@andrewhofinger4673]

@@jaredbowen3527 you are the definition of what is wrong with people nowadays

[@hugharrdum889]

@@jaredbowen3527 Then there's people like you.

[@benwilliams584]

@@zachdidow2441 superbly said

[@macaron3141592653]

This is the best disagreement I have seen in my life like after wrecking the guy he said he Appreciated his perspective - Like, when the hell does that ever happen????

[@bradleypeterson2208]

+macaron3141592653 When two open minded, rational people have a debate.

[@ART_EYELAND]

All Steve wrecked was logic with his 2 very obvious logical fallacies(the Appeal to nature fallacy and appeal to tradition fallacy).

[@jamx97]

When a wolf kills a deer is it murder? No. So why does this old geezer call eating an animal murder?

[@radzio1488]

becouse old geezer is deluded. He want everyone to act like him, live like him, eat like him. This is what nazis and commies wanted.

[@Staticseven1]

I look at it like to each his own. We live in a time were some of us don't have to hunt for survival. I know ppl who hunt, but I don't do it myself and don't have a problem with ppl that do. I just don't have that feeling to do it. To wake up one day and say hey, I'm going to kill something today for whatever reason. I don't have to kill for survival, so I don't.. it's pretty simple. But for those that do, to each their own.

[@jamx97]

diracismyhero That's my point, animals have no ethics and have no moral obligations. Hence we shouldn't equate them in the same category as human beings when we eat them. Therefore it's not murder when we kill an animal for consumption.

[@jamx97]

diracismyhero Are you paying attention? I never said or implied that we should base our ethics on what animals do? where are you getting this from? My response was to the old geezer calling the killing of animals for consumption murder when clearly it is not. Premise A is easily solved by giving animals a quick and painless death. The issue then is the method and not necessarily the killing itself. But what about the people in remote areas who rely on meat for survival? Often they would kill the animal with a knife or a blow gun and death is slow and painful for the animal. Are they morally wrong too for eating the meat of their kill? Let me ask you, what is the basis of morality?

[@tankalank72]

IASKWHY no one has time ti read all that. Fuck off

[@sethskeens9945]

I really like the guys reaction to Steven's response I thought for sure this was going to go the wrong direction but it ended very well. Good job on both sides.

[@Matthew-zk4qr]

Who else gat this recommended 8 years later

[@mstiff402]

“I respect where your coming from.” That’s all it takes to be heard and better yet understood.

[@sixmanfootball]

I'm sure I've commented before, but this is still one of my favorite MeatEater videos. The respect both men showed one another during this discussion was something we could use a lot more of, especially in today's society.

[@StandWithRussia]

He made a really great point. Vegans who owns cats and dogs go and buy meat for their pet from supermarkets. Haha

[@mls01981]

I don't think vegans necessarily care that other animals eat meat. Yes, there is the whole "vegan cat" bit by Rogan, but that is the exception. Vegans have issues with humans killing animals for their own food. They believe that humans should obtain calories and nutrients from plants and spare animal lives. I am a meateater, but I can see the merit in some vegan arguments. Does that prevent me from eating meat? No, but has made me think about the ethics of factory farming. Likewise, I tell vegans about the problems with monoculture commodity farms and how they are bad for the environment and humans. There are many ways that vegans, carnivores, and those in between can find common ground and use our time and effort to improving life on earth, instead of bickering on the internet.

[@fanwee5048]

@@mls01981 you seem to be open minded, care to have a discussion on why you continue to eat meat given your knowledge of veganism?

[@mls01981]

This is a great topic of discussion, but it is far too nuanced to have over an internet forum. Unfortunately, both teams have dug in their heels to make polite conversation rare and both teams cannot separate their own biases when looking for rational evidence when considering an extremely personal life decisions. Here's a few thoughts. First off, I believe if we really wanted to save the world, we would just kill ourselves and remove humans from the planet. We utilize too many resources for a sustainable future. Second, all living forms have learned to survive at the expense of others, but it's a matter of opinion which life forms should not be eaten. We all agree not to eat each other, many not to eat a cow/pig, some not to eat crustaceans/fish, few to none not to eat insects, and none not to eat plants. Lastly, animals cannot live forever and I can accept that many will die to feed me. We will have to agree to disagree on that fundamental issue. If someone is compelled to be a vegan, kudos to him or her. I won't criticize those who are on the far end of the spectrum either.

[@phillewis2630]

@@mls01981 Actually vegan pet food is a thing. I saw it when I used to work at a grocery store. Which makes absolutely no sense, especially for cats which evolved to be pure carnivores.

[@fanwee5048]

@@mls01981 how about this, yes it’s a personal choice, however I’d like to ask you if you are going to eat meat and partake in needless suffering then would it or would it not forfeit your right to have an moral opinion on something in regards to animal rights or even human rights. Though I acknowledge I value a human more than an animal, I want to ask you within the moral context do you think it does forfeit someone of this argument?

[@jamesmswenko8292]

Meat eater made dumb points, people still clapped.

[@NoInjusticeLastsForever]

It's a circle jerk for a reason. No brain cells.

[@jmbromley84]

Both parties very mature to one another, while respecting the others viewpoint. Great job to both men, and having the ability to "agree to disagree. " Love ya Steve! Keep up the good work!

[@berzerk217]

in the words of George Carlin: if everything that lived died and everything that lives or will live, will die, where does the sacred part come in?

[@kramniboh1189]

The cycle of life and death is the sacredness.

[@be_hoppy5395]

@TheEnd bit of a nihilistic pov, eh? Hahaha

[@The2highProductions]

I don't like vegans who push their ideas on hunters, but I also don't like hunters who push ideas on vegans. I, personally enjoy hunting, but as an educated hunter you need to realize how to argue your point, and not harass and push your views on others. Hunting licenses and tags are responsible for over 75% of the wildlife rehab funds, and gun and ammo tax makes a big dent in the rest. Hunting tags are sold after surveys are taken on how many tags should be sold that year. Hunting helps control populations, if there are too many deer, more predators will be born, reducing the number of deer in that area to near extinction, then reducing their population to near extinction as consequence. When you hear "it's the circle of life", it's not chiche, its scientifically proven. If you don't like killing animals, that is perfectly o.k, but understand what hunting does and how it effects the animal kingdom, then make a logical, calm argument on your views.

[@d00mg4ze]

Appeal to emotion much?

[@scottblack8266]

Anthony Cannatella Gun hunting is for those folks that can’t get close enough to kill them with a stick and string .

[@screamingbanana4391]

They were both very respectful to eachother and didn’t push their beliefs to much. I love civil conversations.

[@screamingbanana4391]

Also I’m vegan

[@tylerschroeder3722]

Steven handled that like a champ, he articulated his point and message extremely well while being respectful. Very nice job.

[@wesschimpf5155]

RESPECT to both men! The question and answer were respectful and intelligent. I watch Meat Eater because of Steve's values and approach to hunting. A true professional and you can feel the respect he has for an animal when he does harvest.

[@adammcclellan3968]

Wow...what's next, a democratic and republican sitting down together and having conversations?! Someone better start yelling before we have a peaceful earth!!

[@tariqmohamed]

It happens every day, it's just more profitable to feed us the shouty mcshoutersons

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

My mom's a Democrat and my dad's a Republican. Every year they set their political signs out next to each other in our yard. There's more important things than politics.

[@maggot1111666]

right off the bat, factually incorrect. "not hunting" is not new. jain acharyas have been vegan for thousands of years. Beyond that, becoming peaceful is the next evolutionary step for humanity on the Dashavatara, which also dates back thousands of years

[@zoeyredmond5501]

wrong, you lack the ability to understand reality in our brutal and imperfect world, being vegan is a luxury only afforded to those that live in very wealthy countries and is propped up off the foundations of a very complex system of distribution and production that has animal use at its core…. You are delusional, you don’t live in the world you think.

[@kbangfpv6226]

Wow first time I hear a vegan that asked the question and sate there and listened with out trying to yeah down the the meat eater nice on both sides 👍🏻👍🏻

[@JTAspra]

K bang FPV only because he’s in a room full of “murderers”

[@kmansfield8770]

@@JTAspra what about the bugs you have killed or the animals killed by the chemicals used on your food or the animals killed by the equipment used to harvest that food or even the animals that are shot so they don't go into the fields of crops

[@JTAspra]

k mansfield Learn what sarcasm is, dumbass.

[@deltronzero9]

Handled like a gentleman.

[@duckheromb]

Yeah it was handled respectfully but what Steve said was still stupid as hell

[@hansenbee123]

It really isnt. maybe you just didnt understand what he was trying to explain. It happens to the best of us at times.

[@greenworkslm434]

You're right.

[@a0um]

“Innocent animal” is already a projection of a human where it doesn’t belong. This is not killing for punishment, it’s killing for feeding oneself. Life is sacred… if life is intended as ecosystem, I agree. But life is individual creatures is not sacred: that’s the nature of life on Earth. Some creatures eat and kill other creatures. I think we should protect the ecosystem, not the individual animals. In fact, herbivores destroy the ecosystem because they reproduce and, lacking natural predators, they wipe clean the vegetation, destroying the habitat for other animals… so we have to kill some of them to preserve the life of other species.

[@myfightchannel777]

Very well said Sir

[@craftylemon2460]

One thing many vegans don't get is the following. Lets say that no humans hunted animals, do they think that the animals will live a happely ever after? The death they get from a human hunter is the best death an animal could wish for. Those that are shot don't end up being eaten alive like the rest. Death by nature is often horrific.

[@myfightchannel777]

@@craftylemon2460 another great point, that I've often used when debating anti-hunters.

[@kekonator8262]

@@craftylemon2460 yet you wouldn't have to kill them, i think the only real justification for hunting, if it's not to keep yourself alive, is to preserve ecosystems in which humans eliminated the natural predators thus creating an overpopulation of harbovours with all it's negative implications. Otherwise there is no need to kill and hunt in the western world. If an action has no valid justification but a victim, one shouldn't pursue it.

[@craftylemon2460]

@@kekonator8262 Death is part of life. The whole of nature since the beginning of time is life consuming other life, even plants are something that is alive. What we can do is to end the life we want to consume in a humane way, we are the only ones capable of this. Lets pretend that no predators exist, how do you figure all the plant eating animals will die in nature? On a green meadow surrounded by their loved ones? They will still die a slow painful death. Stop pretending that they will live happely ever after if it wasn't for all the evil humans. If i were a deer, i would rather get shot by a human when my genes has already passed on and i'm still healthy so desease or wolfes don't get me in the end. Passing on your genes is the one and only goal of every single animal on earth except for humans. We are the only species that can have dreams and goals beyond passing on our genes.

[@grantklaassen2162]

God this guy is cringe lmfao 'buh buh waddabout lions bro' Same old tired argument over and over. This is an appeal to irrationality, 'surrendering' to your primal self, which is quite ironic to do in, you know, the social construct we call debate with the specific purpose of attaining rational views.

[@janieswanson2549]

Why do you use animal products needlessly for entertainment while pretending to be against it?

[@grantklaassen2162]

@@janieswanson2549 Why do you smear me with baseless accusations? Oh wait, I already know the answer: Because you can't justify genocide without fallacious rhetoric.

[@janieswanson2549]

@@grantklaassen2162 It's not a smear. It's a fact. Animal based stearic acid (livestock tallow) and animal based activated carbon (livestock bones) are the industry standard in processor manufacturing. How did you reply without using something with a processor? Smoke signals? Denial is not an argument. I accept your concession since you deny facts rather than accept them.

[@nosnawseinaj]

@@grantklaassen2162 I'm a massive hypocrite and you destroyed me. Bravo.

[@grantklaassen2162]

@@nosnawseinaj You're a clown. This isn't about destroying anyone. Stop talking like you're a child. You never even came with an argument in the first place. Just transparent spamming to bait me into responding so you could look smart by 'destroying' me with information that every vegan already knows and is completely irrelevant to veganism considering animal BYPRODUCTS physically cannot be avoided completely due to the massive financial share the agricultural industry has resulting from nimwits like you buying the actual products. You need to stop caring about optics. There's more to life than what some random strangers think of you.

[@Nejdetärbratack]

Humans have been eating veggies for a looong time. We have been eating meat for quite a looong time too. We are made to be able to eat both. So why tf are people so upset? EAT VEGAN food as much as you can, and when you do eat meat. PLEASE Make sure its produced in a GOOD place. Were the animals can be animals. OR the best thing to do, is like this respectful man, hunt yourself This is a good man❤

[@trevora3202]

Salty Scottiboi A comment I can stand behind.

[@onemorecorner]

That's what disagreement should look like. Two people respectfully listening to each other's opinions. Not screaming down each other's throats. Not resorting to petty insults. Props to both of these men

[@paulstastny5583]

That was actually calmer than I expected it to be but Steven does carry himself well, he's very well spoken

[@briggsdalton]

Can we just take a second to appreciate Steven’s negotiation skills? This vegan came in with a frown and an intention to make argument and left with a smile and a respect for Steven. So great job.

[@sachinraghavan4556]

That's not skill, just manipulation.

[@madeleygarcia6396]

violance is only permissible in self defence

[@briggsdalton]

@@sachinraghavan4556how is that manipulation?

[@johnathanflannagan2407]

"How long's your pamphlet?" xDD

[@adampastana]

I enjoyed the dialogue and mutual respect here

[@Kanzu999]

Always nice to see people respect each other and that they can have civil discourse. This is an absolute requirement if you want to change anyone's mind to begin with, and it's also much nicer for everyone involved. Having said that, I don't think the hunter's answer justified him hunting. The fact that we have we have always behaved in a certain way in the past is not in itself a justifiable reason for anything. Lots of practices were completely normal for a very long time in the past, and we can still find these practices to be immoral today. Also, we can't blame a wolf for killing, because it needs to in order to survive and for its health in general. We don't. Our canines don't make us carnivores either, and if you look at them and compare them to other carnivores, certainly we are far off. Also, take a look at a gorilla, or take a look at pretty much all our closest relatives. They all have much larger canines than us, yet they're herbivores. In fact, our bodies resemble that of herbivores, not carnivores. So even though I'm currently convinced that the hunter doesn't have a decent justification for hunting, I'm not saying that he definitely doesn't. But I do think that his answer here didn't justify it.

[@mazi2646]

Hunting is immoral because it requires intentionally inflicting harm on innocent creatures.

[@janieswanson2549]

Then don't hunt. Problem solved. Next you can look into the animal products you use for entertainment... Good luck.

[@mazi2646]

@@janieswanson2549 I'm not the one hunting smartypants.

[@janieswanson2549]

@@mazi2646 I never said you were. I am merely pointing out that you use animal products for entertainment while whining about others.

[@janieswanson2549]

@@mazi2646 you're* I am replying to you...can you not see the @Mazi? I guess you can't refute me. I accept your concession.

[@mazi2646]

@@janieswanson2549Which products?

[@Mr4433]

All you people that are against hunting. Try to come up with a way to support and control animals without hunting. Can't be done. The only reason animals can be supported, flourish, and have literal value is because of hunting. Actually do some research to see what hunting does for animals. Hunting actually gives animals money and lets them buy back land. The money from hunting is what pays for their protection from poachers. A prime example of when you assholes get your way is with Tigers. Tigers are more in danger of extinction now then ever and its because they are poached. There is very little money to protect them. Auction off one Tiger hunt for a Tiger past breeding age, say for an exuberant amount of money, and put that money into their protection and buy land for their protection. People that are against hunting are helping poachers.

[@Mr4433]

IASKWHY - True. But you may lose your kids along the way with that one. How about you come up with a real solution?

[@enjoybrad81]

Mike Bready liberal here. Or actually just an independent that leans liberal... I hunt, well, just started hunting because of Steve Rinella and Joe Rogan. And most of my friends are liberals and many of them hunt or are okay with hunting. I don’t think it’s a liberal vs conservative thing. It’s just that some people are soooo sensitive that they ca’t handle the thought of taking an innocent creatures life. Simple as that. I also know conservatives who don’t hunt and do not even own guns or want to own guns. It’s a wide spectrum of people and it’s not as black and white as liberals vs conservatives. We need to move away from that and stop bringing politics into everything. We are all human and we instinctively run on human emotion. We have also been nurtured to believe in different things. And I’m guessing these “snowflakes”, which exist on both sides, have just been nurtured a bit too much and that is not their fault. Once you bring politics into it, you just shut people off from having an actual intelligent conversation, they just automatically see red or blue and we should all be focused on the entire spectrum.

[@enjoybrad81]

First of all, you know nothing about me. I am absolutely capable of empathy and compassion. In fact, I would consider myself an empath. But that doesn't mean I have to be so sensitive to my personal ethics that I choose to ignore how life works. I am a natural predator, just like the wolf, however, I have the capability of killing my prey in one swift motion. I don't jump on it's back with a bunch of my friends and bite it over and over again from all angles until it slowly bleeds out. I don't scare the ever living shit out of it and chase it down. I have the ability to sneak up and kill it quickly and ethically. I have the ability to give that animal the quickest and least painful death that it will EVER have the opportunity to receive. If I didn't do that, it would die of starvation, disease and/or being eaten alive by it's other predators. So, in my opinion, my personal morals prevent me from just willy nilly shooting at an animal and allowing it to suffer. My personal morals direct me to survive any way I can in this world. And in my opinion, killing my own animal for meat to provide sustenance for my family and myself, is a much better option than contributing to the mass farming and slaughtering of animals. This is how nature works. This is how we are designed by nature. And I would rather connect with my natural self, than to blindly follow this artificial life that is designed to slow us down, steal our money and create more problems for us in the future. Nature has given us everything that we need. And everything is alive, including plants. Death is an illusion and just another part of the journey. And I am definitely not a "tough guy". I may have some muscle and I may know how to use it, but I still have weaknesses and I accept that. It's not about being tough, it's just about being logical, pal.

[@saroocolibaba]

Makes me laugh at these people. Hunters are your largest conservationists. Millions of dollars every year from the sale of licenses, firearms and ammunition, and other hunting related gear go to purchase land and support the wildlife you condone hunters for supporting. I ask you, those against hunting and meat eating, how much have you done for Conservation?

[@Samuel-bu7xr]

The problem is the vast majority of meat we consume comes from intensive factory farming, where animals are tourtured. Nothing about this scenario is natural or healthy.

[@junglefever4091]

Say it louder for the animal abusers in the back of the room! 🌱

[@fernandorochamedeiros5684]

@@junglefever4091 shut up snowflake

[@mavicdronner2568]

Steve’s response was perfect! Although the title of this should not be “.vs” as this was an intelligent discussion. Love MeatEater! Can’t wait for season 9!

[@MirrorMountain]

Amen!

[@JurassicKody]

I really miss when people were civilized and could sit down and talk like adults.

[@morrisonjohnw]

I have a handful of vegans in my family. It’s difficult eating out with them but I respect their discipline. Most have actually come to respect my passion for hunting. “Bambi” came up a lot in our earlier conversations. We have become so detached from the natural world! Love to hear you talk about hunting.

[@harryrawlings3164]

Rinella really needs to debate Gary Yourofsky. Would be so interesting to watch.

[@heartist256]

yeah hed get his ass handed to him

[@jorehir]

"you don't find many species that don't prey on..:" You don't find many species that drive cars, for that matter. Imitating other animals isn't necessarily the best choice, especially for a species that likes to think of itself as 'civilized'. "to not hunt is historically off the mark" And Writing was invented 5k years ago, compared to the 200k years homo sapiens have been around. So what? "ask a wolf not to hunt anymore" We're not wolves. We can probably digest a wider variety of food, we have the capability to get that alternative food, and we have the intelligence to dominate our instincts (well, i have some doubts about this one...). I don't care about the "life is sacred argument". The point is to make it so that sentient beings don't suffer.

[@justincruz8352]

You're wasting your time lady. the majority of humans will always eat meat.

[@anagonyaowusu3119]

@@justincruz8352 ...i don't think your the authority on what humans will allways do :/

[@justincruz8352]

@@МдйЅсђмїфт eating meat has nothing to do with the brainwashed masses that are marching in the streets.

[@anagonyaowusu3119]

@@justincruz8352 ... I'm sorry sir but...what?

[@donjohnson2195]

What makes us civilized, is the fact that instead of tearing the back legs of a deer to shreds till it becomes too exhausted to stand and then eating it alive (like wolves/coyotes do). We engineered bullets that can incapacitate a large animal within seconds with very little pain (if the shot is placed correctly). We know there isn't much pain because we understand the body goes into shock and that there are few nerves in and around the vital organs. People seem to think anything cute/fluffy lives forever, death is a part of life. Ethical hunting is maybe one of the most painless ways for an animal to die, you're welcome to not hunt though, leaves more for us.

[@freeman7079]

Anybody else wish CosmicSkeptic would take Rinella on in a debate. I have a feeling Cosmic would learn a thing or two. His video “refuting” this was laughable at best...

[@supermonkey7561]

Yes I agree

[@joshtaylor6748]

"When in Rome" ... "That doesn't really apply here" "I still dont get it"

[@IMPACTSHOOTING]

Wow that guy looks so tired!

[@retkar1]

That’s what iron deficiency will do to you.

[@wilfdarr]

Right? Just looking at them you can see who's diet is lacking. It's so sad when people don't understand what they are and try to live life as something they're not.

[@antifaschi7869]

@@wilfdarr He is just an older guy. It is scientifically proven, that you can be healthy while being plant-based. You can easily get enough iron on a vegan diet. Further...of course there are also vegans, who mess up. Not much different to other diets.(they tend to be even healthier, because they usually do more research regarding nutrition, I believe) Food-related diseases are the number one cause of deaths in the US for example.

[@wilfdarr]

@@antifaschi7869 That is a red herring: that has nothing to do with eating meat, it's simply because statistically people over eat in the US. And it's pretty obvious when they do: when I see a fat guy I don't say to you “he's just an older guy”! This guy is obviously not healthy, so don't piss on my boots and call it rain! And he's not that old, not even retirement age! I'll concede it's possible that there's another health issue at play here, but if that's the case, then it's doubly true he should not be stressing his body by choosing a diet for which we are not evolved (and to be absolutely clear here, no I'm not advocating a keto diet, that's just as dumb: humans are adapted for a mostly plant based diet, but plant proteins and animal proteins are not the same, and though we can survive on plant proteins, it's far from optimal). I am a human. Humans are omnivores. I do not feel guilty for responsibly harvesting an animal: no other animal on our planet would feel guilty about killing me.

[@antifaschi7869]

@@wilfdarr I said "an older guy", because he looks like one to me. It`s more likely that it is primarily his age and not the diet, which makes him appear like that. Even if it is partly due to his eating habits, you cant judge the whole diet based on one example, who also could mess it up like most people actually do, including omnivores. It is scientifically proven, that a vegan diet can be healthy for all stages of life. You can get all essential amino acids by combining different plant foods easily. So having enough proteins is not a problem at all. Also dont compare us to other animals, which have to eat meat to survive and dont have moral agency. We have a choice unlike a lion f.e. to cause less harm.(at least most of us in Western society do)

[@MegaUtopia123]

Huge props to this guy for coming up with a somewhat coherent response on the spot, but he's way off. But you know what vegetarians who critique meat consumption, you're wrong too. You argue that humans don't NEED to hunt. You're right. you argue that humans hunt for ENTERTAINMENT. You're right. You argue that meat consumption is an act of AGGRESSION, not SELF-DEFENSE or SURVIVAL. All correct. WELL GEUSS. FUCKING. WHAT. It's what you get to do when you're on top of the fucking food chain. It's what you do, when you're an animal, and you see a species that you identify as alien and different from you. You try to control it. And if you, as in the case of humans, have the intellectual capacity to contemplate beyond simple self-defense, to greed for improvement in your quality of life, you realise that by manipulating weaker beings to your convenience, your life is more enjoyable. And you know what? If cute kittens could breed mice in little pens in 'inhumane' conditions, and torture them by skinning them and ripping out their limbs before eating them, for the sake of convenience or entertainment, they would. If they could kill humans or whatever pretty innocent animal you so goddamn love, just fucking because they could, they would. From you're point of view, meat consumers hurt innocent animals over self-defence, over actual survival needs. Don't you? Have you studied biology? You do know that plants have nerves, they feel pain, they also are living and growing organisms? Let alone that, you like cynical philosophy, try this: by having a job which allows you to use a fucking computer, you're taking work away from hundreds of prospective employees, who're starving because of you, who could have a job if not for you. If you could live on grass and dirt, then go fucking live on grass and dirt. No-fucking-one is stopping you. And you know what? As animals who actually are intelligent enough to contemplate beyond survival, critique morals and ethics, we are all innately hypocrites. We are all manipulative, and evil, and fuck over other organisms to make our lives more convenient. Some of us admit it and get the fuck over ourselves. Some of us, unfortunately, delude themselves, as they're not 'looking at fucking Pikachu in the eye before they shoot it for entertainment' or some shit, that they're innocent and have not hurt or damaged a single thing for the entire duration of their existence. At least we don't have the audacity to deny that we're hypocrites. If you're so goddamn abhorred by the prospect of taking to survive, don't fucking breathe air: air is alive and also contested. Air isn't coming at you with bullets is it?

[@rosadiaz7434]

the largest amount of bs ive read...plants are alive and if you know about biology you also know the are living organism that are way different then us and you also know well that you food eats way more plants than we do,you also know that meat and dairy are unsustainable and science wise it is impossible to keep living like that we are already provoking a wave of inxtinction,you also know that me stealing a job because i am using a computer is not as bad as you stealing water and crops to poor people to feed your cattle.I would like to say vegans are better but we are human we make errors we learn and try our best intead of putting a pile of shit on internet justifying animal abuse water soil pollution world hunger etc....stop it0

[@zdenek3010]

I agree with most of what you said. but have YOU studied biology? Plants have no nerves at all. Their ability to react is on the cell and tissue level transmitted mostly by phytohormones. Yes, sometimes they have some trichomes that are using cell membrane potential to be able to touch and react by it. But there are no nerves as specialized tissue. The ability to react doesn't prove the existence of nerves. Protozoa can react as well and they are just one cell. And even bacteria without membraned organelles can react. Nonetheless I appreciate your ability to view this ecological and etological topic this way.

[@RandomPlaythrough831]

So let's see, have you aknowledge that : 1- Raising livestock is number 1 water wasting industry in the world ? 2 - Top 3 Greenhouse gaz effect emission 3 - Biggest factor of deforestation ( 80% of amazonian forest that has been cut downed is to grow soy to feed cattle) 4 - Raising livestock is top contributor to Underground water and ocean polution 5 - Meat&eggs&diary industry is one (if not THE) of the most powerfull lobby on earth. 6 - It's not the healthiest food around (number one death factor in western countries is Earth diseased due to cholesterol wich meat eggs and diary is the primary intake ) 7 - Meat Diary and eggs are hardly a necessity in terms of nutrient intake and that the only nutrient found in meat easily is Supplemented to cattle as could supplement to yourself ? Maybe you should read stuff about the topic, not that you will change your mind, but at least add nuance to your thought.

[@sweetness583]

lol you're a fucking idiot.

[@jackeisner7401]

Steve should be the voice for all hunters.

[@ChrisReynoldsIsMyName]

If only politicians could speak to each other this way.

[@glenbrandenburg2540]

Politicians aren't human though , they've put themselves into sub class beneath animals

[@aadi9534]

Steve's logic is heavily flawed. He used the prospect of humans hunting for thousands of years as justification. Firstly, humans have done many heinous malicious things for years including wars, rape, human exploitation and so on. The longevity of the act doesn't serve as moral justification; same with hunting for animals. Next, we have the false perception that cavemen were primarily hunters and then gatherers whereas its the opposite. The only reason we've believed so is because when we look at the fossil records at a glance, all we see is tools, weapons and bones of animals but new paleolithic evidence with better technology has disproved this notion we have. We actually ate plants for the most part; we just didn't have the technology to see the fossil evidence of plants consumed. Moreover, we don't use too many tools for them either. So really even if hunting was the norm (which it was not for the most part), the longevity and the actions of our ancestors can't justify ours. Cavemen lived in a time in which hunting for food was only done as a necessity as they lived as wild animals whereas we live in a civilized word where we have options which are more compassionate and born with the gift of moral agency.

[@william44660]

You do a really good job of answering this guy, Steven. I know you don't come from a biblical point of view, but if you did you would understand that man--according to the Bible--didn't start eating meat until after the Flood. Before this he was what they would call today a "vegan." Adam and Even were vegans and so were his descendants until after the Flood, when God told Noah to start eating meat for the first time, and told him exactly which kinds of meat were clean etc., good for mankind. Why after the Flood and not before? Because during the Flood, according to the biblical account, the "waters above the earth" came down, plus the "waters UNDER the earth. Maybe you're familiar with all this but I get the feeling you're not. So besides the rain--something else that had never happened until the Flood--a whole Heaven of a lot of water was flooding the earth. AFTER the Flood, according to this biblical view--it's impossible to prove because the Bible doesn't spell it out for us--man was no longer protected by the belt of water that circled the earth, that the sun's rays had to pass through to get to us. We don't know how thick this "belt" of water was, but we do know that after the Flood, man began dying at much earlier ages than before. Before the Flood--again, according to the Bible--man was living eight, nine hundred, even a thousand years. Methuselah was supposed to have been the longest-living human; I think he lived a thousand years, which is more than 10 times longer than we do today, so you can imagine the kind of knowledge he must have acquired after all that time. Immediately AFTER the Flood we started dying much much sooner, like we do now. Why? Because there was nothing to protect us from the sun. The sun--along with our sins and the stupid, unhealthy way most of us live, including our diets--are the killer. All that to say that I liked your talk--you handled this guy very well, with a lot of gentlemanly restraint, but also a lot of conviction--but the fact is, biblically speaking, he has no business telling anybody what not to eat, not when God told TO eat it. Of course you weren't telling him that "God tells me to eat meat," but you could have. The fact is, God DID tell us to eat meat, not because he doesn't love the animals we kill, but because He loves us even more. Hoping you will consider this.

[@auto_5]

Omnivores unite!

[@william44660]

@@auto_5 Ha!

[@sextoyrepairman1621]

Send mister vegen to a cannibal island