A clinic in Massachusetts sent an email to clients informing them of upcoming renovations, including permanently removing the waiting room’s fish tank. Instead, the staff recommended that parents bring toys, iPads, or other activities to entertain their children. A parent who received this email and goes by Definitelyalchemist on Reddit was none too happy with this announcement and condemned the doctor’s office for its decision. What they might not have expected was the pushback they would get from their post.
“You’d expect a doctor’s office to not support brain rot,” remarked Definitelyalchemist, pointing out that fish tanks are “cherished” decor that helps create a calming environment in a waiting room. “They could have just reflected the cherished passive fish tank that benefits infants to adults is gone without micromanaging parents to bring a screen claiming it’s soothing and calming,” they wrote in an angry tone. While some Reddit users agreed with this perspective, many didn’t and instead criticized OP for their view.
Reddit Disagreed with OP’s Frustration Over the Clinic’s Removal of the Fish Tank
“The is framed in a way like the patients are entitled to the fish tank. It’s very strange,” said a commenter. Others accused Definitelyalchemist of being irresponsible as a parent and called out their argument as ridiculous. “Entertain your kids. If you don’t like iPads, bring a coloring book or something,” wrote another user.
“It’s not really their job to manage your kids’ temperament/entertainment. They are just informing you that the tank is gone and you need to plan accordingly,” added a third. “Imagine thinking you have any right to say what a doctor’s office keeps in their waiting room. The delusion is strong,” laughed a fourth.
A large number of commenters on Definitelyalchemist’s post also pointed out the animal cruelty of fish tanks and how rowdy children can pose a significant danger to the fish. Whether it’s incessant banging on the glass that kids ignore or possibly messing with the fish’s water, many people believe the doctor’s office might have had an incident leading up to the tank’s removal.
On the one hand, the parent isn’t wrong in that a fish tank can create a calm, soothing atmosphere. On the flip side, as Redditors have stated, the Massachusetts doctor’s office was also not in the wrong to have it removed and provide alternative suggestions. It’s not like plenty of parents don’t already let their kids play on electronics as well as entertain themselves with smart devices on a regular basis.
