Does anyone still sit down and cry?

1556 Views 22 Replies 19 Participants Last post by veggie man, Sep 28, 2014

River

Discussion Starter · Sep 20, 2014

I've been a member here for five years, vegan several years before that. I have devoted my life and a substantial student loan to making this world better for animals.

Yet today I put a film in and the trailer for blackfish came on, and I found myself crying. Still. After all these years.

Does anyone still, after years, get pushed to tears at all these things we have done?

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1 - 20 of 23 Posts

jessandreia

· #2 · Sep 20, 2014

The Blackfish documentary did make me cry.
Interestingly, though, I have more of a thick skin when watching videos of slaughterhouses than some meat eaters. Maybe because I know I'm not contributing to it anymore; although of course I still get really sad when watching those videos. I know someone who claimed he never wanted to be a vegetarian, but would absolutely not watch a video of animal cruelty because they knew they wouldn't be able to stand it.

Rhys

· #3 · Sep 20, 2014

I don't cry but I'm filled with intense anger for a while after watching animal cruelty videos so I try to avoid them these days. Having strong emotions towards that kind of abuse seems only natural though. It may be good to remind yourself that you're doing what you can to not contribute to it if it's causing a lot of distress. I'm sorry that you felt very sad for a bit.

Reactions: 2

kallyho

· #4 · Sep 20, 2014

I can still cry, but the more empowered i feel, and the more I see small changes, the more hopeful I get.

I try to focus on positive change,but really, all the animal videos make me cry. But I don't want to stay in that place to long or I just turn into a puddle.

Reactions: 1

Tiger Lilly

· #5 · Sep 21, 2014

Yes, I still cry.

And I'm glad I do. It means I feel something for all of this, it means I'm not numb to it. When we're numb to the suffering of others, that's what makes it possible for us to do horrible things (and they did a study on vegetarians and vegans, the empathy parts of our brains light up more than those who eat meat!).

These things take time and I know that's horrible. I know it sucks that it 'just takes time', but that's the way of it. You're doing everything you can to make a difference in the world, so don't feel too disheartened. People do a lot of bad, but we also tend to do a lot of good. Try and find some examples of that as well.

And I hope you're feeling better soon.

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Capstan

· #6 · Sep 21, 2014

I avoid watching those videos, because they're too hard to take, but I cry about it sometimes anyway, because I know what's going on. They say men aren't supposed to cry, but I'm not so sure they're right.

Reactions: 5

Poppy

· #7 · Sep 21, 2014

I really like you, Capstan.

I avoid most videos these days as well; I feel like I've earned the right not to watch. I honestly think the hardest thing about being a moderator on VB was that I felt responsibility to view nearly every thing that was posted. It's a relief not to have to anymore!

Reactions: 1

Capstan

· #8 · Sep 22, 2014

I like you too, Poppy!

etherea

· #9 · Sep 22, 2014

I don't cry I just get so f***ing angry!

Reactions: 2

Agnes Smith

· #10 · Sep 22, 2014

Yes, you are not alone. I cry too. I still cry over my dog being chained up for years at a time when I was unaware (my teenage years). I am now 64 and still not over the miserable life that poor dog must have had w/o love and affection, watching the world go by, never having the chance to run in the wind. I hate myself.

Reactions: 1

Vegan Dave

· #11 · Sep 23, 2014

etherea said:
I don't cry I just get so f***ing angry!

I'm with etherea.

I feel a deep sorrow for the animals, but get f***ing angry at the people that let this abuse happen. They should be jailed / confined, so they can know what abuse feels like.

These animals should be given the ability to lead a normal & happy life.

beanspud

· #12 · Sep 24, 2014

Is it possible to be vegan and not cry? If you're not a sociopath, images and video of animal abuse will make you cry. It shouldn't be any badge of honor to be a sociopath or unfeeling.

I still don't understand how some AR activists are able to verbally explain the atrocities happening without crying.

Reactions: 2

christinahudler

· #13 · Sep 24, 2014

River said:
I've been a member here for five years, vegan several years before that. I have devoted my life and a substantial student loan to making this world better for animals.

Yet today I put a film in and the trailer for blackfish came on, and I found myself crying. Still. After all these years.

Does anyone still, after years, get pushed to tears at all these things we have done?

Yes, I still do!
I also used to love going to the grocery store, but over time I have found that I get overwhelmed with emotion because of seeing all the products that contain animal-based ingredients. It's an emotional rollercoaster every single time I go to the store now

etherea

· #14 · Sep 27, 2014

I let my head rule, not my heart. I am not afraid to front up to individuals of big business who are treating animals inhumanely. I would much rather take action than be reduced to tears!

Ewe Nanny

· #15 · Sep 27, 2014

I don't cry anymore. I used to, a lot, but it's not a bragging right. I feel for these animals, I can imagine their pain, and I hate people for hurting them. I used to be obsessed about it, and it took up most of my thoughts, but I started to ignore it because of how intrusive those thoughts became. I don't ignore the actions I can take to help them, but now I skip over the details.

Reactions: 1

River

Discussion Starter · #16 · Sep 27, 2014 (Edited)

I find it odd how many seem to equate crying or feeling sad with lack of action.

varun

· #17 · Sep 27, 2014

It's simple.. I do not watch any videos. Yes I am well aware by now that animals have next to none rights or protection. If they are useful they are put into slavery, or fattened up for food, otherwise they are plain ignored to starve and die in the open where the only food they can get is if they carry money bills in their mouth and walk into a departmental store. Oh I forgot the occasional game hunting as well, just so the wild animals are re-assured that even they aren't safe as well.

I've been a vegetarian all my life, only to be asked silly questions like why? How? Do I know what I'm missing out on? Such questions only re-affirm my faith in stupidity/sheer lack of civility. If I were to prod them similarly I know I'd either be mocked or even ostracised. All I can do is hope they realise that because of people with "weird" notions like ours, the world can better understand to live in harmony tomorrow. Its not just about animals, its about people finally learning the symbiotic connection to nature other than sheer exploitation. I admit I'm not strong enough to watch any videos but I will continue to try and show people why we do what we do, and why the world is better off for it.

To err is human. To err every single day based on a false sense of 'dominion' is full-blown lunacy.

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misanthrope

· #18 · Sep 27, 2014

The tow are not mutually exclusive.

I do both. (Cry and 'Take Action')

misanthrope

· #19 · Sep 27, 2014

Two*

Roseora

· #20 · Sep 28, 2014

I always get really angry watching those documentaries, but no ive never cried.

A while ago we did a topic on factory farming in geography anf while all the meat-eaters were acting all shocked and sad the only veggie in the room wasnt upst by it at all. Find the logic in that.

Of course everybody else was vegetarian for like, a day and then gave into a hamburger the second they left school. XD obviously not everbody thinks that much about what theyre putting into their mouth...

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