How does one get through everyday life when it includes a continuing awareness of the abject misery to which we subject endless animals, children and humans? How do you live within your own skin when others of your species are so abjectly cruel? Over the holidays, when I was placed at a table next to a “ham,” I could not help but consider the pig that was the living being, treated so dismally, slaughtered without mercy, eaten without consideration. I saw the beheaded bird that had been deep fried and reminded me of the burnt Americans that were seen in the film, Fahrenheit 9/11. The same frightening disengagement from what I used to call “humanity” is in evidence in both scenarios, whether the protestors on the streets or the holiday participants. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Earthlings’
A Bucket of Sand
Thursday, January 14th, 2010Missing the Party
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
What is it about missing the party that is so unpleasant? I was recently invited to my grandson’s birthday party, which would include a boat ride on the lake near my home; I was looking forward to seeing him enjoy being out on the lake. The day before the party, it was suggested that I come by afterwards to watch him open his gifts, because there would be fishing. It is true, I am not someone you want on a fishing trip–I tend to plead for the fish; I do not think using animals for fun is a good way to spend the day. But the boys don’t fish, nor does my son. If there is only one holiday I could attend, my choice would have been the birthday of my grandson. But I realize it is only one small price to pay, compared to the suffering of all the fish and other earthlings, so I missed the party.
I later learned it was a conjoint birthday party, including the birthday of the fishing grandpa. The boat ride lasted an exceptionally long time, and the returning mariners ended up needing to have dinner about 7 pm. There was nothing for me, so it was suggested I come over when they were done, about 8:30 pm. By then, having been up since about 4:30 am, and not feeling terribly welcome, I decided to wait until the next day to give my grandson his gifts. It had been a long day and I did not yet know that it was a conjoint gathering. Had I known, I would have come by to pay my respects to the adults who were celebrating, but I did not yet know. And fourth birthdays have special significance in our family, so at the time, it was a disappointment.
The next day the little one came over with his brother and his father and opened up his gifts. I had a treasure map to find the pirate ship I purchased for him; he had to search through clues in a half dozen different places to find his gifts. He and his older brother had a great time. He said something to me about fishing; I didn’t realize his grandfather would be bringing a little fishing pole for him. He mentioned that the fish had something red in his mouth. I asked if it was blood; he said it was a tongue or something, he wasn’t sure, but he made a face. He didn’t like fishing; he asked me if I liked fishies. I said yes, I like them alive and swimming around and being free. End of conversation and on to playing with his new gifts.
My grandson will have to decide for himself how he feels about bugs and fish and other creatures. He shows great empathy around me but is adaptable to his circumstances. I asked my son to please have a birthday for him that did not include harming any animals, but I did not sense much support; at times I think my beliefs about compassion offend the entire world. I know that missing family gatherings because of vegan values is a common occurrence, but it is painful nonetheless. I think it is indicative of how frequently animals pay the price for human desires, because I know how frequently I am not included in things in life. I try to find ways to participate, to not leave my son in an awkward position because of my beliefs, without compromising my own values. I can only hope there will be more vegans by the time my little grandson grows up – he loves anything vegan, even me. I hope there will be a world left for him to grow into, a kinder world, where other people, other animals are respected and treated with kindness. Meanwhile, I will miss the party if it includes harming other individuals, be they finned, feathered, or furred. It is a small price to pay to respect my fellow inhabitants.
NZ Lifesaver: Elizabeth Collins
Monday, August 31st, 2009
Elizabeth and Buda
Elizabeth Collins inadvertently witnessed two slaughter videos in 2007 while watching television (MNN). Although she was not eating flesh nor drinking milk, she had not yet understood the breadth of animal commodification. She had also decided to avoid leather, and searching for vegetarian shoes led her to animal websites, including a link to Earthlings. While it took her awhile to build up her courage to actually watch the film, she quickly bought it. She was sobbing just from watching the trailers for the film, and in conjunction with the slaughter films, she knew it would be horrific. To gather information, along with her courage, she went on the forums for the film, and started hearing more and more about veganism. She felt compelled to watch the film, although there was a corresponding dread to doing so, something most sensitive people may well understand. In the interim between the purchasing and the viewing of the film, she began buying “free range” eggs, thinking it would eliminate suffering. Her education was about to begin.
One night, she finally got her courage up and watched the entire film. Again, she went back to the forums, because the experience of watching the film was so devastating. The vegan advocacy on the Earthlings forum helped her to take her first step towards becoming vegan. After learning as quickly as she could about animals and their suffering, she decided she needed to dedicate herself to non-violent vegan education, which led then her to podcasting. Being alone in her struggle to understand the enormity of what was being done to animals and how she could change the current status quo, she realized there was a need for education and support for others who were learning the same things. Living in New Zealand, she became aware of the lack of vegan education there, and NZ Vegan Podcasts began.
Buda's vista
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