I felt so strongly that I needed to do something, needed to share it, needed people to see it so they can understand. I know from past experience that being 'preachy' is met with such resistance that I feel it certainly hinders the cause, since people dig their heels in and refuse to listen.
I asked one of my best friends (who eats meat) to watch it, not even now, just consider watching it soon, even just a little part. She told me she'd tried once but couldn't. This means she knows, she gets it, but still chooses to ignore it. I despair.
Sometimes it all just feels very hopeless.
It makes me feel separate from the people who have always been my favourite ones. There's definitely a divide between us now. The most unfortunate part is, I'm betting they'll use this 'divide' as further reassurance that becoming vegan is nonsensical. I can't stay quiet and be part of the ignorant herd, but I feel like speaking up is useless. I can't win.
I'm sorry for the melancholy post, but my frail little heart is heavy and I needed to offload!
On a cheerier note - at least I have my lovely family to keep me sane :-)
Me, Cecil and Lord Wallace, lounging in the garden :-)
I haven't seen Earthlings. I did watch Food Inc. I'll have to check Earthlings out.
ReplyDeleteAwwww...such a cute picture of you and your babies. Don't they make everything seem better. :o)
I've only been able to watch a few minutes of it, too.
ReplyDeleteBesides your furry ones, you have the online blog community! I've found it to be such a wonderful place of support, and such a great way to vent.
That disconnect so many people have can really get me down, too. I see it in so many who I'm close to and it is hard to not say anything.
Oh my gosh I cannot even begin to tell you how much the blog community has helped me! I was saving that for another post (didn't want to overload on sadness AND smooshiness) but I don't know if I would have such motivation and inspiration to stay vegan if it weren't for people like you! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy guys DO make everything seem better, my face will physically not stay in a frown when they're around, it's just impossible!
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It is so frustrating when people that are close to me won't watch videos about animal cruelty. The worst part is when they try and say the animals don't suffer and it's only natural that we eat them because we are predators. Man that drives me crazy!
ReplyDeleteWhat about your amazing sister? I bet she helps...
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'She' was going to get a post all of her own if she would hold her horses! xxxxxx
ReplyDelete@ Camilleta it is so frustrating...just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. Grrr, always making excuses for their ignorance!
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Hot pic! I need to style myself like you for my blog portrait.
ReplyDeleteHaha *blushes* thanks!!
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if you can gather the strength i encourage you to watch earthlings... it has forever changed me... i cried almost the entire time but it was something i felt i deserved to know... watch it alone, with a box of tissues and preferably with your dogs in another room or you will really be balling
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that occurs when ethical vegans try to present information to non-vegans is a quick and thorough education in the human animal propensity to see only what they want, hear only what pleases them and then ignore or avoid all the rest. Such appears to be how many if not most approach the world. We are apparently addicted to fairy tales and 'just so' stories...reality seems to be an afterthought or something to be avoided.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder we act deranged so often.
Earthlings is one of my favourite movies and I absolutely hate watching it - I felt stunned for days after seeing it. I share your feelings of despair sometimes - not a lot one can do about it, just be present in this moment and attend with kindness on the next thing that needs doing - works for me - sometimes :) So glad you are doing this - you're in good company!
ReplyDeleteThere's one major requirement before anyone can watch Earthlings or any other footage that exposes the brutal reality nonhumans endure... That requirement is the need and courage to want to know. Or rather, to want to change.
ReplyDeleteI've found with the many people that refuse to watch (to know) is that they already DO "know".
If there's anything that's true it is this... It is impossible to awaken someone who pretends to be asleep.
It's sad and frustrating that people run for cover when presented with information that demands otherwise.
Take comfort in your own strength and wisdom to choose differently!
Amy: I actually finished watching it tonight. Glad I found the courage. It certainly wasn't easy.
ReplyDeleteVeganelder: Could not agree more. Nothing more to add!
David: It's a strange feeling, being the best movie ever but also the worst :-/ I'm glad I'm not the only one who despairs. Thank you :-)
Bea: Absolutely, that's something I've just realised, tonight actually. Even when presented with damning evidence, if they have no intention of changing, they'll stick it to their original decision no matter what. And thank you, I will take comfort in my own strength and the strength of other vegans :-)
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