Golgi method

Goldfish swallowing is a practice that originated in the United States during the 1930s. It involves the act of swallowing a live goldfish whole, often for a form of entertainment or a dare. This act has been associated with college traditions and fraternity initiation rituals, and has been the subject of controversy due to concerns over animal cruelty and health risks.

History

Goldfish swallowing can be traced back to the 1930s in the United States. The first recorded instance was at Harvard University in 1939, when a freshman named Lothrop Withington Jr. swallowed a live goldfish as a publicity stunt. The act quickly gained popularity among college students, leading to a fad that spread across various universities.

Controversy

The practice of goldfish swallowing has been met with criticism and controversy. Animal rights groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have condemned the act, citing it as a form of animal cruelty. There are also health concerns associated with swallowing live fish, including the risk of salmonella infection and potential harm from the fish's scales or fins.

Legal implications

In some jurisdictions, goldfish swallowing is considered illegal due to animal cruelty laws. For example, in the state of Massachusetts, a law was passed in 1940, shortly after the fad began, making it illegal to swallow live fish.

In popular culture

Goldfish swallowing has been depicted in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and books. It is often portrayed as a form of shock entertainment or as a symbol of college fraternity culture.

See also

• Animal rights
• Animal cruelty
• Fraternity initiation rituals

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