There were parts I missed because I had to turn away. At other times I acted like a little kid watching a horror film, covering my face with my hands, only watching what could slip through the cracks between my fingers.
But this is no horror movie. Earthlings is real.
The opposite approach to mine
Of the compliments people sometimes give me about this site, one of the more common is, "I like that you promote vegetarianism without being preachy."
That's no accident. When I became vegetarian, I came more from a place of "vegetables are cool because they make you healthier" than of "meat is evil because animals die." I'm not here to tell you about all the wrong you're doing when you eat meat; I'd rather tell you how eating plants can help you run faster and farther than you've ever thought possible.
And that's not going to change.
I'm not going to attempt to describe the gruesome scenes in Earthlings. But having suffered through an hour and a half of the most sickening footage I've ever seen, I realize that there's tremendous power in the shock-and-awe approach.
For that reason I'm linking to the trailer here; you can choose to watch it if you'd like. There's some extremely graphic animal violence—some of you won't be able to even finish the trailer. I didn't my first time.
Why watch something you know is awful?
Because it will make you care. And really caring about something, I'm discovering, feels good.
I feel as if some part of me died while I watched Earthlings last night.
I'm talking about part of me that, consciously or unconsciously, has chosen to ignore what goes on in the food industry and others like it that treat living beings as a product.
I'm talking about a naive belief that we as humans are being fairly responsible in the way we treat others in our position as rulers of the earth.
And when that part of me died, another part awoke. A part that wants to work hard to create change in the face of overwhelming, appalling misuse of the power we have over the other thinking, feeling beings with whom we share the planet.
Who should watch it?
If you've thought about becoming vegetarian but it just seems too hard, you should watch it.
If you're vegetarian (like me) and think you're already doing enough, you should watch it.
If you're vegan and you want to strengthen your conviction and motivate yourself to do even more, you should watch it.
But what about meat eaters?
It has been said that if we had to kill our own meat, all of us would be vegetarian. Watching this movie isn't far from that.
If you eat some meat but do so in as responsible a manner as possible, making sure to get your food from sources that you know treat animals with respect, then I hope watching this makes you more passionate about that cause.
If you eat lots of meat, don't care much about animals, and are happy with that, watching Earthlings will probably make you less so. (Why are you reading this blog though?) If your goal is to stay as you are in an ignorance-is-bliss approach, then you should not watch it.
But I hope you do anyway. And I hope you share it with someone else.
If you watch the trailer and decide you'd like to watch the whole thing, you can get more info at Earthlings.com. The entire movie is available for free as a Google video (thanks @VegBassist for this). I'd recommend the DVD though, since if all it took were a mouse click to turn it off, I wouldn't have made it 15 minutes.
And thanks to Melissa and Lisa for making me aware of Earthlings in their comments on my how to give up meat post. I can't believe this thing was not on my radar until now.
Related posts:
I literally just cried watching that…ugh. I'm not sure I could make it through the movie. I can't believe some of the awful things people do to animals. Just terrible. I saw this article on CNN this morning- thought it would interest you: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/04/14/us.beef.testing/index.html?hpt=T2
Erica´s last blog ..Weekend & Cinnamon Walnut Apple Bread
Thanks for the link, Erica. As if we needed another reason, right?
I eat a lot of vegetarian meals, but I'm definitely a meat eater and see no problem with that. While I prefer not to kill animals myself, I try to eat local where the meat is cleaner, the animals are treated better, and it doesn't take nearly as much effort to get the meat to me.
Blaine Moore´s last blog ..Should You Stretch Before A Run? (Part 2)
Blaine, thanks for this comment. In my post-Earthlings zeal while writing this post, I grouped all meat-eaters together, forgetting that there are some (like you) who eat meat as responsibly as is possible. I've since changed that part of the post to reflect this, thanks to your comment. While there are many people who will never giving up meat entirely, I think there's a realistic chance that one day a lot of people might care enough to ensure that what they eat gets on their plate as painlessly as possible.
I think the biggest hurdle to having large numbers of people one day eat this way is that not many people are passionate about spreading the idea. It seems like there are lots of people who say they care about ethical treatment of their food, but in the moment of purchasing it, it comes down to convenience and price. Those who are passionate about it probably tend to keep going and become vegetarian or vegan, and spread that message instead. Luckily, Michael Pollan is an exception; he eats meat that's produced in a more-ethical, sustainable manner, and his message is reaching millions of conscious eaters.
I feel this way too. I am a meat eater as well and probably will always be. In my home we eat meat and dairy from farms where the animals are treated humanely and able to live free range. These pigs, cows, chickens etc. are able to express their full "pigness" and the like and most are coming from local farms that I can actually check into. For me it more of an issue of putting healthy food in our bodies (we also buy organic as much as possible), but I also do not think it right for animals to be treated horribly, just to put food on my plate. I intend to watch this movie, and while I do not think I will be a vegetarian by doing so, I think it will just continue to help me to stand strong in my decision to choose to support and put the word out about buying from farms that are being responsible!
Wow. I know this is an old post, but I just read it and watched the video tonight. How upsetting. I have watched some PETA videos before, but this was the worst I've ever seen. I can't stop crying
How horribly heartbreaking. I am not a vegetarian, but have tried in the past. I have always had trouble with hypoglycemia also and went back to meat for the protein. It is so much easier to stay ignorant to this issue. What can we do to change things?? I'd like to spread the word on Facebook or something, but also feel like I will upset people and they'll think I'm preaching.
Christa, you can share that sort of thing without being preachy. You don't have to write "Here's why you shouldn't eat meat." Just say you can't believe how awful this is.
Ok, I couldn't even finish watching the trailer…that was horrifying. One more film that makes me proud of my lifestyle
Danielle (Coffee Run)´s last blog ..Habit tracker
Now, that I'm done crying over that trailer. I'm more inclined to give up meat again for good. It's hard for me at times, but I think I could do it after seeing how so many animals are treating around the world. Thank you for sharing.
I only last 55 seconds into that tailer. I don't think I could handle the movie. It makes me proud that I have been a vegetarian for nearly 10 years but it still makes me sad that animals are treated so poorly.
Whitney @ Lettuce Love´s last blog ..Type It, Don’t Write It
1 – that is definitely one of the main reasons I love your blog. You are yourself, and not preachy, just you. Please don't change that
2 – I laughed at the "then why are you reading this blog"
3 – I have the video open, but I can't bring myself to hit play after your disclaimer…
I watched most of the movie after having to stop the trailer because I was sobbing…. at work. For those not willing to watch the movie after the trailer please know that it is a well done documentary, and even though there are some scenes that are incredibly difficult to watch it is worth your effort. I forgot who said it (apologies to the speaker, and I paraphrase), but we "cannot turn our eyes away from what their bodies must endure".
You might be interested in seeing an interview that the director gave about the film. It's really quite informative and his outlook is uplifting about what we can all do to help nature, animal and humankind. It's in two parts, here's the link for part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaPf-W0hOF4
I'm with Danielle – a proud keeper of the veggie lifestyle!
I take your approach too–I don't preach about how animals are killed/tortured, but instead promote plant-based, whole food eating. Question: Is it just me, or does anyone else find eating dairy worse than eating meat (morally?)? Is it worse to know that cows are being milked to death for people who consume dairy, rather than to end the suffering and comsume their meat (at least they aren't suffering)?
Mario´s last blog ..Banana-Berry Almond Super Smoothie
Great point, Mario. In fact, that was one of the big things I took away from the film. They said many milk cows live only 4 years (as opposed to the 20 that some cows live) before they collapse from exhaustion. And then they become hamburgers anyway.
I'm trying to work up the courage to watch this… I've seen Food, Inc. and just finished the book "Eating Animals" and am so so revolted by the farming industry! I was hoping they'd strengthen my conviction to become vegetarian and they did just that though, so I'm happy I put myself through it.
Catherine´s last blog ..Sushi time!
I commend you whole-heartedly for doing what I haven't been able to do, which is watch this film. I know I said the other day that I have made a deal with myself that I don't have to watch it as long as I'm vegan, but after reading your response to the movie, I am now considering going back on that deal.
If I can find the strength to sit through the film, perhaps I can become a better animal activist. Reading the words that describe what happens in the meat/dairy/egg industries inspired me to give up those products. But I do believe that if I actually look at the images, I will be inspired to do more every day, in trying to bring about change in this world.
It's a hard thing to do though. To press play when you know the horrors that you will then witness.
Thank you for sharing this with your readers.
Melissa´s last blog ..Mug the First.
Good post. I watched this film quite a while ago, and while many of the disturbing images have now been forgotten, there are a few that are surely burned in my memory. I watched it after I had decided to go vegan and it definitely strengthened my conviction there. I think it's well worth seeing for anyone who is even a bit curious about animal use in agriculture (& other industries). It's tough, though. Really tough.
Kate´s last blog ..In which I am Awkward
This is so weird because it's totally in line with what I posted today. Food is so important and such a cultural thing that I cannot believe how people just turn a blind eye to so many issues with the industry.
I, too, try not to be a preachy vegetarian (there's enough out there) but I will not put up with ignorance.
Kudos to you for opening your eyes and making it through (most of it, at least). It's amazing to me how many people just don't want to know what they're eating/wearing. …and how about that circus footage?!
Believe it or not, Earthlings did not make me cry. I was sick to my stomach, but no tears. On the other hand, a movie that takes a different approach and makes me cry *every single time* I watch it: Year of the Dog. It's an animal-rights movie with the facade of a romantic comedy. I highly recommend it to the people that don't have the iron-stomach for Earthlings.
I couldn't even make it through the trailer!
My vegetarianism (although I'm in the process of becoming vegan) definitely stemmed from a concern for our bodies and environment then animal rights place as well. But you really cannot excuse that kind of extreme cruelty towards any living creature.
Just watching the small bit of the trailer really solidifies my choice to live the kindest and most honest lifestyle that I can.
no offense because you know i love your site, but NO WAY am i watching that trailer let alone the dvd. you scared me enough in your post.
i dont do what i do because of the idea of animals dying because lets be honest, even the (some) dinosaurs were meat eaters ;o) However i DO take issue with factory type 'growing' of animals and the conditions they are in (which can lead to AWFUL things in what we buy etc), and that they are fed things that arent natural for them, just to make them bigger, faster…
no way.. no way i can watch it.
The cows on a factory farm raised for food don't live very long either. I get that some people don't want to watch movies like this but it's what is going on out there. Until we watch some or all of these types of things we won't make a change in our lives.
JoLynn-dreaminitvegan´s last blog ..!!! TWEET NOW for FARM SANCTURARY !!!
Wow that trailer makes me want to see it. As a part-time vegan, I definitely think that it's important to be aware of the impact of humans on animal life and the environment… which is why I think that if we're going to eat animal products (which I do), we should choose animal products from local small businesses.
And I love your approach to vegetarianism- I totally agree with your sentiment that veggies are healthy and cool, rather than the notion of "meat is evil".
Sagan´s last blog ..The Living Healthy in the Real World Guide to Budgeting, Part Five: Fitting in Exercise
WOW. Completely sobbing. I don't understand how anyone could ever watch this and eat a bite of meat again. Tempted to watch the whole movie, but very nervous that it will have lasting emotional damage.
Emily M.´s last blog ..Sugar Shaping and Fruit Tarts.
As a person who loves animals (as I assume many people here do), personally I believe watching the movie honors the lives of exploited animals, a bit. Whether you are a veggie or not – not watching it is a victory for those industries that perpetuate such abuse. I prefer to not let that be so.
Instead, think of your arduous efforts of watching it as a small, albeit profound, victory and gratitude for those animals. I could not watch the entire movie all at once, so I watched the movie in three pieces.
Honestly, I just watched the trailer and started crying. I don't think that I could make it through the video. I'm forwarding this link to everyone I know. Thank you.
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete´s last blog ..Paris Marathon 2010 Recap
I've seen some really horrible things, done both to animals and people. In real life, and on film.
Nothing has ever affected me the way that poor fox did, after they skinned it alive and it looked at the camera. I started sobbing uncontrollably and gagging.
I don't know if I'll ever be able to get up the courage to watch the documentary, but if that's the kind of stuff that's going on and I don't know about it…I need to watch it.
Thanks for posting this. I really didn't know much about it, but now that I do, I can't ignore it.
Cady, seeing the fox skinned alive is one of the images that sticks in my head. The most powerful one, for me, is the dog being thrown into the garbage truck like a piece of trash. And the shot of its sad face as the hatch shuts before it is compacted or whatever happens to it. It's hard for me to even type this.
Most of the people I encounter, apart from my family and a select few of my more empathetic friends think I am a 'freak' for being a vegan, and most of my work colleagues (doctors) insinuate that I have some sort of eating disorder (veganism is comparatively rare in the U.K., where I constantly come across the attitude that I must only eat salad and my own fingernails for fuel), but, after what I have just seen I simply just. don't. care. I only minded a little before, now I don't at all. I don't care if I am a little more restricted in what I can do, eat and wear if I have, in the past few years, and can, in the future somehow contribute just a tiny bit in ameliorating some of these horrible, ingrained practices. Thank you for posting this, and devoting the time that you must expend on this blog, for being such a great model and source of encouragement/inspiration for all of us. I wish I was in the U.S. so I could proudly buy and wear my very own 'No Meat Athlete' t-shirt! (So sorry for the essay-style comment!)
From everyone's comments (um, crying at work!?) I am scared to watch even the trailer now.
I am on the fence about watching something that will make me want to give up dairy as I have only recently discovered that more protein helps stabilize my blood sugar. I don't want animals to be tortured, but I don't want to go to a place that makes it hard for me to be healthy.
Can't decide…
Runeatrepeat´s last blog ..Pizza Cookie
Hi RER, in my humble opinion I think the protein notion is a common misunderstanding, even for myself previously. I think much of it comes from the very powerful factory farming industries, who of course have their own agenda.
Based on my slowly but steadily growing knowledge of nutrition, I've made-do with brown rice, non-gmo soy [milk and tofu], quinoa, and a variety of legumes while transitioning to and now as a vegan.
My initial skepticism of nutrition deficiency [esp protein] were quickly thrown out the window when I learned about vegan athletes and bodybuilders. Definitely look up Robert Cheeke, Mike Mahler, and Rob Bigwood. Although personally I don't care to be 200-300 lbs of lean muscle, learning about these three people helped me quickly throw out any skepticism about protein.
Lastly, understand that just like other aspects in life, trying to become vegan is not an end that we must force ourselves to reach. Rather, consider it a self-paced journey and adventure in which you will slowly and naturally become passionate about. Similar to Matt's vegetarianism journey and vegan aspirations, that he kindly shares [thanks Matt!].
All the best!
My protein concerns are not founded in anything else besides my own discovery of my body's reaction to increased protein and less carbs. I think I have blood sugar issues and have a history of binge eating when I eat a carb/fruit/veggie based diet that's lacking in fat and protein.
But, I will examine more vegan protein options now
Runeatrepeat´s last blog ..Pizza Cookie
I think you'll find that if you eat a lot of beans (black, pinto, kidney, chickpeas, black eyed etc) and legumes (peas, lentils of all sorts) you'll do fine for protein. Then there's always edamame and tempeh (and tofu, and soymilk though those are more processed) If you feel you need more than you can get that way, you can supplement with pea or hemp protein, which are great vegan options.
Okay, I'm back. I watched the trailer. Thanks for posting it. I have some thinking to do…
Runeatrepeat´s last blog ..Pizza Cookie
Thanks for sharing this! I actually made it through almost the whole trailer but was crying too much and stopped it.
I also refuse to be one of those preachy vegans because I have received such negative responses to my diet choices and still feel judged so frequently and I don't want to be the one to put anyone else through that.
I do also understand some people make ethical choices and choose free range and organic meats, but I cannot forgive when people turn a blind eye to what DOES go on in the industry, whether they are buying the product or not. Sadly, this also makes me question what kind of race we are as humans. The people in the video are absolute monsters, and while I don't want to push my views on people, I do think I need to do more to increase awareness. So step 1) gain some confidence and share this with people even if I get some bad reactions, 2) get myself a no meat athlete tshirt
I agree with the preaching. I think the reason people don't want to be preached is their misconception that a plant-based diet is simply boring salads & steamed veggies. People think if they have to resort to that, it'll ruin their current good thing – meat. [I used to think this way.]
Therefore, I think the best way to go about our crusade is to simply be generous. Surprise your colleagues with tasty vegan food in the break-room, every now and then. Bring cookies and treats to a child's athletic event for the entire team and their families. People love free food, so spoil them. After some time when they realize they don't have to sacrifice taste, they'll be curious to ask the questions and be more open to listen and understand.
I stopped eating meat both because of the healthy aspect & cruelty of animals. I'm one of the few 16 year olds that don't pig out on junk food and I love knowing i'm doing my body good when I give it good fuel. I love to run, I love & respect nature and its creatures. I watched the trailer for Earthlings and cried. My peers that don't understand why I do this, need to watch even just the trailer. I'm not going to tell anyone how to live their life or judge them, but I guess this can explain my own thought-process. Maybe one day, I'll watch the whole film..
Me and my boyfriend watched this after I read your post, and I was crying so hard the whole way through, but I felt it was important to see it, and for him to see it. Does anyone think it's wrong to recommend it to others?
I told my friend it's a good idea to watch it and she said "If it makes me not want to eat chicken, I'll have no part in it" as if it's a joke, and what do you say to that? Once you have all this information, and have seen these things, this disgusting footage, it's frustrating for people to think of animal cruelty as a joke, or want to ignore it and pretend like it doesn't happen
Sam, I am generally accepting of meat-eaters too (if I weren't, I wouldn't have many friends!). But like you, when people think it's a joke and that eating lots of meat is in some way funny, I get pissed off. I think even if Earthlings doesn't convert everyone, it will at least raise the awareness and make people realize that the suffering we're causing animals isn't funny.
When you first posted this article, I watched the trailer and stopped there. Just now, I watched the entire film. It's a difficult one to stomach, and as someone who's currently flexitarian, it certainly makes the choice of eating meat (at the very least, factory-farmed meat) difficult to justify. Why on earth would I want to eat something that lived under those conditions? Why on earth would I want to support such cruelty?
oooomg. the trailer. i want to kill myself. wttf!!!!!!!!!! i feel so hopeless
Hello there.I think this is the first time i leave a comment here,but not the first time I read your blog!I have been a vegetarian for more than half my life now, when I decided I did not want to eat dead animals, I did because to me "it felt natural".It was "me".And this is me, and it is so difficult to explain to other people, because I don't think that everybody should go vegetarian,my husband eats meat and if it is ok with him, I can understand.But for me it is not…So when people start asking me why I don't eat meat, when they start asking me if I had any trauma with animals when I was a kid, when they try to convince me that I should try and eat meat, this gets on my nerves… Sorry for this loooong comment which maybe has no reason to be, but after watching the trailer… gosh.
Wow, the trailer nearly reduced me to tears. My husband and I made a conscious decision just over a year ago to start limiting our meat consumption to include only animal products that are locally and humanely produced. I think that this is a very important documentary for the people who still think that meat is a "requirement" at every meal and the cheaper the better…after seeing just the trailer, I can't help but be shocked at people who think animals have no feelings and are just there for our enjoyment.