[miss_strawberry]

I have just finished watching 'Earthlings' on the recommendation of Kimberlily1983 in my introduction thread.<br><br>
F***ing hell.<br><br>
I tried hiding behind my hands, but found myself looking through the gaps between my fingers. I did cry quite a few times. I am just so utterly shocked and disgusted and... I can't even find the words.<br><br>
Not that I wear it now anyway, but I always assumed leather came from cows killed for meat. Even that's a lie.<br><br>
I feel like a wreck. I want to be sick.<br><br>
I have no reason not to be vegan now. I know I'll be a massive pain in the **** to my family, but I can't do it any more. I <i>have</i> to be vegan. I can't unlearn what I know.<br><br>
I'm sorry if my reaction to this film upsets anyone, I just had to vent somewhere. My head is such a mess.

 

[ashlend]

I completely understand. I started a thread about this movie too after watching it a few weeks ago. I was already vegan, but it definitely strengthened my convictions.<br><br>
My reaction was primarily anger and disgust. I surprised myself by not crying much.

 

[heatherann1220]

Soo after ashlend's post about watching Earthlings I tried to find a time to watch it. It turned out to be harder than I thought since I knew I wanted to be alone with my sobbing, but today my boyfriend went off to work and I'm home on spring break so I finally got a chance. I completely agree, I'm also a total wreck now. I cried almost the entire time, not even like little tears, like serious sobbing. Especially the dolphin hunting and the fur scene when the animal is still alive. I've never ever bought fur or supported dolphin hunting and to me that was the most frustrating part. To know so many people still support it even with widespread disapproval. The movie overall left me feeling pretty helpless since I'm already vegan. I'm doing my part the best I can, how can I make the entire planet magically agree with me? I posted the video on facebook though I doubt many of my friends will care enough to click on it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[Josh James xVx]

I understand exactly how you feel...but please don't wallow in despair or anger. We <i>can</i> and <i>do</i> make positive changes in the world <i>every single day.</i><br><br>
Please consider ordering a free <a href="http://www.veganoutreach.org/guide/" target="_blank">Guide to Cruelty Free Eating</a>, which is chock full of nutrition and recipe tips for a more plant based diet.

 

[heatherann1220]

Thanks for the positive post Josh James. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br>
I decided to do something about the terrible feelings this movie left on me and donated money to Earth Island to help put pressure on leaders to end dolphin hunting. I'm a broke college student so I only sent $25 dollars but I made it a quarterly donation so they'll keep getting money from me throughout the year. I feel a bit better now at least.<br><br>
I think once the shock wears off this movie will have instilled more of an activist feeling in me. When I first went vegan I was uncomfortable even saying "I'm vegan" because I thought it was too extreme. Now more than ever I feel confident and know that everyday I'm making the best choices I can for our planet and fellow earthlings.

 

[miss_strawberry]

Thank you all for your kind words. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">When I first went vegan I was uncomfortable even saying "I'm vegan" because I thought it was too extreme</div>
</div>
<br>
I feel in this position now to be honest. I told my partner literally just now. He asked me a few questions and seemed satisfied with my answers. I know everyone else in my life is going to get argumentative about it but whatever. That's tomorrows hurdle. I will not be apologetic for it, but I'll try not to the other extreme as well.<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Please consider ordering a free Guide to Cruelty Free Eating, which is chock full of nutrition and recipe tips for a more plant based diet</div>
</div>
<br>
I live in the UK, so can't get one. But I do have a free information pack from the Vegan Society, which I expect has similar info. Thanks for the heads up though, I'm sure there are others reading this that will find it useful. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br>
TBH, I was feeling really upset earlier, but now I am kinda' angry. How can people know about this and ignore it?! Did you see the dolphin part, a child walked past and was completely oblivious. How could you even let your child see that? And for the child to not react? I can't get my head around how utterly wrong everything about that is.<br><br>
I don't know, my head is all over the place. How do I make sense of this? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/huh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br>
Edit: Just wanted to add that I'm sorry for starting another thread about this film, I just needed to talk about it.

 

[ashlend]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>heatherann1220</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2870500"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
When I first went vegan I was uncomfortable even saying "I'm vegan" because I thought it was too extreme.</div>
</div>
<br>
Me too. Now I'm proud to say it. I don't care if omnis think I'm crazy or extreme when I do. Honestly, most people I've told have reacted respectfully. They usually say something like "Wow, I could never do that" or something similar. I tell them it's not as hard as it seems.<br><br>
In my own way I'm slowly becoming more of an activist. I'm now involved in a vegan bake sale that's this coming weekend <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> And I take every opportunity to take advantage of potential "teaching moments" with the people in my life. I never preach, but if I can find a non-confrontational way to show them how yummy vegan cupcakes are, or tell them exactly why (for example) rodeos suck so much, I do it. I hope that by just living as a healthy, happy vegan, and never letting people forget what I stand for, I'm setting an example and who knows how far that might go one day?

 

[Jenbug26]

I really like the idea that we are voting everytime we go shopping. It makes me feel like I am actually doing something positive everytime I go to the supermarket and buy soy milk instead of dairy. Earthlings is one of the videos I watched that made me go through with trying veganism.<br>
I posted in another thread that a friend who watched it with me and went vegetarian at the same time I did is already eating meat again. I just don't know how you can unsee the images in that video.

 

[heatherann1220]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ashlend</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2870541"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Me too. Now I'm proud to say it. I don't care if omnis think I'm crazy or extreme when I do. Honestly, most people I've told have reacted respectfully. They usually say something like "Wow, I could never do that" or something similar. I tell them it's not as hard as it seems.<br><br>
In my own way I'm slowly becoming more of an activist. I'm now involved in a vegan bake sale that's this coming weekend <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> And I take every opportunity to take advantage of potential "teaching moments" with the people in my life. I never preach, but if I can find a non-confrontational way to show them how yummy vegan cupcakes are, or tell them exactly why (for example) rodeos suck so much, I do it. <b>I hope that by just living as a healthy, happy vegan, and never letting people forget what I stand for, I'm setting an example and who knows how far that might go one day?</b></div>
</div>
<br>
Same here. I get the occasional joke about having "weird taste buds" or whatever but for the most part people respect my decision (at least to my face, they could be calling me bat crazy behind my back but it's a risk I'm willing to take haha). But I also like the keep my tumblr/facebook active with random vegan recipes, articles, videos, etc. My friends can obviously choose to click on the links if they want and I like to think I'm a nagging little voice in their head reminding them how wonderfully happy and healthy I am without animal products in my life. I have converted a couple people this way so I guess it works for some.

 

[Josh James xVx]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>heatherann1220</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2870500"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Thanks for the positive post Josh James. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br>
I decided to do something about the terrible feelings this movie left on me and donated money to Earth Island to help put pressure on leaders to end dolphin hunting. I'm a broke college student so I only sent $25 dollars but I made it a quarterly donation so they'll keep getting money from me throughout the year. I feel a bit better now at least.<br><br>
I think once the shock wears off this movie will have instilled more of an activist feeling in me. When I first went vegan I was uncomfortable even saying "I'm vegan" because I thought it was too extreme. Now more than ever I feel confident and know that everyday I'm making the best choices I can for our planet and fellow earthlings.</div>
</div>
<br>
I don't know about magic or making everyone believe the exact same things we do, but there are tangible steps we can take towards reducing suffering in this world.<br><br>
I choose to focus on farm animal outreach. While things like dolphin hunting, pet animal abuse, fur production and animal testing are deplorable on several levels, they account for less than 1% of all man-caused animal deaths every year. 99% of it is the result of factory farming, and over 95% of that is specifically birds like chickens and turkeys. Their suffering is so incredibly deep and widespread that I feel outreach designed specifically to speak for <i>those</i> individuals has the <i>largest capacity</i> to reduce suffering in our world currently.<br><br><br><a href="http://www.veganoutreach.org/advocacy/meaningfullife.html" target="_blank">Here's a great article</a> I read about two years ago that really helped slap me into a straight and narrow path of trying to do effective outreach, and I share it with everyone who seems to share the same intense feelings I have about these issues.

 

[Jenbug26]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Josh James xVx</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2870579"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I don't know about magic or making everyone believe the exact same things we do, but there are tangible steps we can take towards reducing suffering in this world.<br><br>
I choose to focus on farm animal outreach. While things like dolphin hunting, pet animal abuse, fur production and animal testing are deplorable on several levels, they account for less than 1% of all man-caused animal deaths every year. 99% of it is the result of factory farming, and over 95% of that is specifically birds like chickens and turkeys. Their suffering is so incredibly deep and widespread that I feel outreach designed specifically to speak for <i>those</i> individuals has the <i>largest capacity</i> to reduce suffering in our world currently.<br><br><br><a href="http://www.veganoutreach.org/advocacy/meaningfullife.html" target="_blank">Here's a great article</a> I read about two years ago that really helped slap me into a straight and narrow path of trying to do effective outreach, and I share it with everyone who seems to share the same intense feelings I have about these issues.</div>
</div>
<br>
This is great. I was trying to explain a lot this to a co-worker today and this article will be helpful for future discussions.

 

[MikeLines]

Your reaction is understandable. Your compassion and wisdom, admirable. Welcome to the family.

 

[Kimberlily1983]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>miss_strawberry</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2870370"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I have just finished watching 'Earthlings' on the recommendation of Kimberlily1983 in my introduction thread.<br><br>
F***ing hell.<br><br>
I tried hiding behind my hands, but found myself looking through the gaps between my fingers. I did cry quite a few times. I am just so utterly shocked and disgusted and... I can't even find the words.<br><br>
Not that I wear it now anyway, but I always assumed leather came from cows killed for meat. Even that's a lie.<br><br>
I feel like a wreck. I want to be sick.<br><br>
I have no reason not to be vegan now. I know I'll be a massive pain in the **** to my family, but I can't do it any more. I <i>have</i> to be vegan. I can't unlearn what I know.<br><br>
I'm sorry if my reaction to this film upsets anyone, I just had to vent somewhere. My head is such a mess.</div>
</div>
<br>
Your reaction is identical to what mine was. I felt like it wasn't a choice anymore: I just <i>had to be</i> vegan. I <i>was</i> vegan now, and would be forever. No going back...<br><br>
And yes, so many emotions: rage, sadness, hopelessness, helplessness. I don't think it's overstating it to say it truly traumatized me, and I was walking around with a radically changed worldview for the next month or two. It's still changed, actually, but I've recovered from the initial shock of it all.<br><br>
It's no longer constantly on my mind. I think that's a good thing, though sometimes I worry that we let ourselves forget too much. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>heatherann1220</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2870465"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
The movie overall left me feeling pretty helpless since I'm already vegan. I'm doing my part the best I can, how can I make the entire planet magically agree with me? I posted the video on facebook though I doubt many of my friends will care enough to click on it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""></div>
</div>
<br>
Yeah, that was one thing that probably kept it from depressing me more than it did: it turned me into a vegan, and that felt empowering. I was traumatized, but I'd also had this weight lifted from my shoulders, and I felt inspired to fight the horrible evils I'd witnessed in the documentary.<br><br>
I also posted it to my FB, but sadly, I don't think I got even one comment. My AR posts get very little in the way of responses, whereas my pictures of vegan food, etc. do a lot better. Hopefully your Friends will pay attention and hopefully some will actually watch it...

 

[KrisMTL]

miss_strawb, veganism is a very enlightening path, I'm glad you will join us. May I suggest "Becoming Vegan" by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina.<br><br>
And props for making it through Earthlings, the truth hurts sometimes, but it must be seen.

 

[destroythenight]

I understand your reaction. I remember when I was a veggie considering veganism, but when I told my boyfriend at the time, he scoffed and acted like I was being an idiot. It really put me off and made me nervous about making the change. if this was how someone I loved reacted, how would strangers react? <i>Was</i> I being silly? So I buried my head, but would secretly lurk on vegan forums, jealous of all these strong, empowered people. And one thing I noticed was the fact that people kept mentioning "the Earthlings video" like it was some rite of passage. Finally, I found the link, and watched it. By the end, I was vegan. Nothing has ever had such a profound effect on me as that video did.<br><br>
Welcome to the family <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[AeryFairy]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>miss_strawberry</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2870524"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I feel in this position now to be honest. I told my partner literally just now. He asked me a few questions and seemed satisfied with my answers. I know everyone else in my life is going to get argumentative about it but whatever. That's tomorrows hurdle. I will not be apologetic for it, but I'll try not to the other extreme as well.</div>
</div>
<br>
As long as you have one pillar of support (whatever it may be), you can deal with the others. Some reactions may surprise you; my boyfriend's only question was how I was going to replace some of my favourite foods. Once I told him what my meals would be he was fine with it. My brother was curious and asked questions in a supportive way, my dad made sure his favourite pub would do me a vegan meal. My mum was not so supportive, but she'll come around eventually.<br><br>
Even if everyone you know is completely unsupportive (they won't all be), you have us lot on here <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[Teresa]

You are stronger than me if you could watch it. Being already vegan, I never will. My only regret is I never went vegan sooner. I'm on 5 1/2 years now.<br><br>
Perhaps you might suggest watching to people who give your grief about being vegan. But often they want to keep their ignorance. They don't want to know what is really behind all those things in their shopping cart that they think are so normal.<br><br>
People used to live in caves too. It saddens me how people don't want to evolve when it comes to what they eat and how it gets to them.

 

[miss_strawberry]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. After watching that film and posting here, I went straight to the vegan society's website and pledged my support. They have been great too, I even have a mentor for 30 days! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br>
I do feel different now. It's a great feeling eating and knowing your meal has no animal involvement. I'm going to be getting a few books tomorrow to help me plan healthy meals, I'll keep my eye out for 'Becoming Vegan' while I'm there. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/broccoli.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":bobo:"><br><br>
Really, I can't thank you all enough. It's great to have people understand where you're coming from. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[AdamLayish]

I saw Earthlings as well. Im 17, and I was vegan before, but it helped cement it in the ground. I show people it, and they laugh, or some people watch it from entertainment. Messed up isn't it? Other refuse to watch it because they don't want to know where there products come from. So don't worry about crying-It shows you are one of the few people in this world who has compassion

 

[Sequoebo]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>destroythenight</strong> <a href="/forum/post/2871327"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I understand your reaction. I remember when I was a veggie considering veganism, but when I told my boyfriend at the time, he scoffed and acted like I was being an idiot. It really put me off and made me nervous about making the change. if this was how someone I loved reacted, how would strangers react? <i>Was</i> I being silly? So I buried my head, but would secretly lurk on vegan forums, jealous of all these strong, empowered people. And one thing I noticed was the fact that people kept mentioning "the Earthlings video" like it was some rite of passage. Finally, I found the link, and watched it. By the end, I was vegan. Nothing has ever had such a profound effect on me as that video did.<br><br>
Welcome to the family <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""></div>
</div>
<br>
I had a similar transition to veganism. I was veggie for years, on and off vegan in private. I rented Earthlings last November because my hubby (at the time an omni) said he was interested in watching it. I had zero plans to watch it bc I cried during Food Inc so I knew Earthlings would be much worse. However, I decided to watch it with him because I had free time. I literally balled my eyes out for 2 hours (and much of that time, I was hidden behind my hands). I posted my reaction on this site. Made an Earthlings thread... I was so incredibly depressed afterward. I even had flashbacks from scenes from the movie for months. It was an acute stress reaction, no doubt. Obviously I turned vegan that day as did my hubby <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> and we never looked back!! We are proud too. I've been encouraging people to watch the film but haven't had anyone go through with it. But at least I can tell them when they ridicule me, watch the damn movie and then come talk to me about being a "crazy vegan." Like others have mention, people prefer ignorance. It's disgusting. I also hand out pamphlets through vegan outreach which will hopefully make a difference.