I can't stand watching violence of any kind. I never have been able to make it through the whole movie Earthlings, and don't feel the need to. That and other vegan documentaries (and books) had a profound effect on me. I have never been able to look at animal foods and products the same way. I also had nightmares watching holocaust movies and documentaries, such as Schindler's List. Very tough. I feel more compassion for people who are marginalized in some way, whether homeless, or mentally ill, or because their beliefs put them at odds with the majority. I don't like to see mistreatment of anyone.
I have always been very sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. I wonder though, if maybe there are degrees of sensitivity among people? And if culture and upbringing influence this?
I have a vegan friend on Facebook, and she just went vegan a half year ago. But I saw a photo of her on her page from several years ago fishing with her husband and holding up a fish and smiling for the photo. And I remembered when I used to fish with my Dad, and do the same thing. For the most part we would always put the fish back as soon as possible and rarely ate them (which in hindsight is even worse), but now I imagine the suffering and terror those fish must have suffered being hooked and dragged out of water and handled by foreign creatures. And gasping while being out of water. Even if they were put back in the water, it must have stressed their bodies terribly. Why didn't I think of these things back then? Maybe it was cultural influence, that fish are less important than people, or don't feel the pain and suffering we do. Fishing is seen as this great sport. Fish are viewed as a necessary food for humans. But I know now this is all untrue. Fishing as a sport now seems absurd. I'm sure my friend feels the same way now.
In the end, only kindness matters. - Jewel
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