I've seen a few threads similar to this in the short time I have been a member here. They always turn into a heated arguement and get closed. I don't think they're cruel. I don't think cruelty comes into play with something that has no emotion or thought. I just think they are extremely boring and is why I will never own one. One of the reasons I love to keep fish is becuase of all the beauty in a tank. So many different things going on in one place ib my home. Very interesting exciting and beatiful. Can't have that in a bowl.