Hey there guys!
So, my language arts teacher assigned us a project around a month ago, and it was to make an argumentative essay and PSA on a topic of our choice. I was really thinking of what my project should be about until I stumbled across this gem of a subreddit and r/bettafish I myself have owned two bettas and I have experienced the neglect and abuse that bettas and most aquarium fish go through because of the pet industry.
Thus, I completed my essay, which my teacher liked, even though most of my classmates told me it was a "niche" topic. For my PSA, I got footage from my local PetCo and Pet Supermarket, which was at the very least a challenge, because the moment that I walked over to the betta cup section of each store, the employees started interrupting and asking what I'm doing, so I just told them I was looking to choose a betta. Of course, I never did, but I hadn't visited my local pet stores in a while, and when I saw the state of the bettas in there, I wanted so badly to save them, but I knew if I did, they would just be replaced with more suffering bettas. I was also disgusted by the state they keep their goldfish in, which if you see in the video, are kept in a 3-5 gallon-ish tank cramped with like 100 other goldfish and dead, rotting bodies. Thankfully, I also visited my local aquarium shop, where even though they don't have individual tanks for each betta, they keep them in big jars with plants, with the females in a HUGE planted tank with guppies, and they also source their bettas from local breeders.
Overall it was a very bittersweet experience and I truly enjoyed making this PSA. The domestic fish trade is severely overlooked, and most people are severely misinformed when they buy a fish. Enjoy!
Criticism would be greatly appreciated!
Note: Some footage from my local stores and some stock footage because I was on a time crunch.
Posted by TheOBlackstar
5 Comments
Very nice
This is beautifully put together. Well done and I’m so glad that your teacher was on board and liked it as well!
Someone needs to raise awareness on the subject. Glad your essay went well.
This is really cool! I teach mass communications with a focus on digital literacy. One of the things we do is analyze media artifacts (including ads and PSAs, etc).
So, as a fellow Betta lover, I’m so, so happy to see this.
Looking at your video, I’m really impressed by the design components. The music throughout reflects the serious tone, plus the uplifting notes at the end. The footage is very relatable and reflects the experience of your target audience. Your focus on empathy and improvement helps prevent shaming the individual and focuses more on the industry; this is crucial not only for systemic change, but as to educate and not accidentally push away the exact people who need the information most.
The main thing I would recommend is a *call to action* at the end. Is there a resource you could provide at the end so that people can learn more about how to properly care for Bettas?
Overall though, really great work 🙂
I’d really like to know who started this whole “animals don’t feel pain” nonsense & how so many would believe such garbage. It’s mind boggling, yo; same with human babies… wth? I mean, it seems pretty obvious, right? Anyways…great job on your project!