Ethics of Halloween Candy

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Cirion Spellbinder
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Ethics of Halloween Candy

Post by Cirion Spellbinder »

Excluding health arguments, is it ethical to take Halloween candy, even if it isn't vegan?

I've done some speculative reasoning in my head, and I'm not sure what the implications of taking candy are. I don't think most people replace their candy once they run out and I imagine if there's left over candy, they may be compelled to eat and buy more, but I may be completely overlooking some potential consequences.

What are your thoughts?
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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Ethics of Halloween Candy

Post by brimstoneSalad »

People will sometimes replace candy when they run out. Sometimes they'll also save it for the next Halloween if they have extra.

A significant number of people keep sweets in the house. So, it's not like they'll binge on the extra, but they will eat it in place of other sweets for the next few days if there are leftovers. It displaces other non-candy sweets they might buy over the next couple weeks if you don't take it.

Meanwhile, some people just give away all of their candy, or give out candy until they're out and then turn the lights out.
However, better non-vegan trick-or-treaters get the candy, which if they don't binge on it will likewise displace sweets they would otherwise buy (usually pastries with egg and milk).

Some people only eat candy during Halloween, but it's not always clear what the calories from the candy are replacing.
I don't think it's typical to throw out candy, since it doesn't go bad quickly and it's individually wrapped.
Many people who don't want the candy will bring it to the office.
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Jebus
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Re: Ethics of Halloween Candy

Post by Jebus »

When I was a kid and ran out of candy, all I could think about was how to get more.

Candy is highly addictive to children. I remember the thought of it occupied my mind during my pre pubescent years before being replaced by the female vagina. Anyways, I think it's unethical to introduce children to any unhealthful foods as the short experience of enjoying good taste pales in comparison to the suffering caused by obesity, diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, and a bunch of other ailments/
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Red
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Re: Ethics of Halloween Candy

Post by Red »

I haven't gone trick or treating in 4 years. I don't really understand why someone over the age of 13 would go trick or treating. If they really want candy, just go buy some. I mean, it's better to have none at all, but you know what I fucking mean.
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miniboes
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Re: Ethics of Halloween Candy

Post by miniboes »

RedAppleGP wrote:I haven't gone trick or treating in 4 years. I don't really understand why someone over the age of 13 would go trick or treating. If they really want candy, just go buy some. I mean, it's better to have none at all, but you know what I fucking mean.
It's an excuse for a fun social activity, as many things are. It's basically a long walk with a bunch of friends + candy. Ideally you'd replace the tradition with another social activity that is less harmful to health. Conspire with the parents of your hypothetical kid's friends to organize a halloween themed boardgame party, for example.
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