The Most Disturbing Film I've Ever Seen – And Why You Should Watch It
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 online for free. 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.
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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 =-.
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Thanks for the link, Erica. As if we needed another reason, right?
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I have just watched earthlings, it has taken me many months to find the courage to do so. After reading what you wrote about it I believed it would be disingenuous for me not to.
I have experienced many emotions whilst watching: shock, horror, incredulity & despair. The main emotions & questions I am left with are why? Who are the people who can do this? & a shame at being one of the human earthlings that allows these despicable acts to continue!
I am sick to my stomach & have already binned all the ” food” I have in my home, bar fruits, vegetables & pulses. I will never eat or wear any other earthlings & will be encouraging everyone I know to watch this powerful, hideous documentary!
Throughout the length of this documentary I have held my dog on my lap & I have to comment that he exhibited distress to match my own.
Shame on all those responsible!
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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) =-.
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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!
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You are absolutely right. My main concern is for anything inhumane about raising or slaughtering animals. There are Billions of people on this planet that eat animals but we don’t have to condone inhumane or horrific conditions that any animal should endure for a meal. Give them dignity and a life well served and in my opinion it will be OK. All life eats life but being the intellectual spiritual beings we have become we can understand more- and to be part of anything cruel or inhumane – we should no longer be a part of our being and way of life. We know better therefore we should act that way.
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I had an odd reaction today in whole foods – I’ve been vegan for 3 years, but construction going on at whole foods forced me into the meat department on my way to get some tempeh. I have memories of how it used to smell, but today it made me gag. I literally had to hot-foot it out of there lest I make an unpleasant mess on the floor. I have noticed in the last couple of years that my hearing, vision and sense of smell have improved – and apparently I’m now smelling what a room full of dead animals actually smells like. Yuck.
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Was it the smell of prepared meat or raw meat? I have only been a vegan for 9 months and the smell of cooked meat still smells really good to me. When I made the switch to veganism, so did my two daughters. My oldest and I often wonder if the smell of cooked meat will ever start to smell gross to us. Interesting reaction you had…thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Both your comments are so valid, and prove that people do try to be more ethical about their food choices, which is better than 99% of the population who don’t care about their battery chicken-laid eggs or the factory farmed pigs. But I think what Earthlings was trying to so eloquently convey; is that each earthling (human, animal) is a sentient creature which wants to live. Unfortunately even on the most ethical farms around; all animals are trucked and slaughtered, horrifically, the same, by people who at times indulge in pleasure of harming the animal and at worse is indifferent to their obvious suffering. It is a process which until you’ve witnessed it – you wouldn’t believe. If these acts would be perfomed on a dog or cat it would be classified as cruelty to animals and the person could be prosectured. I think Earthling’s point was HOW we view animals, why are some pets and some food? Loved the moby soundtrack BTW 🙂
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This is a cop out. If you eat meat ypu support the industry. Full stop. Research it…youll see these things happening in local places, small operations..even organic farms.
Please dont dilute your message to keep in good with followers.
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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.
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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.
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CLEAN?? CLEAN?? your worried about CLEAN? you need to watch this EVERYONE needs to wake up to what they are contributing to! If you eat meat you are fueling these horrible industries and allowing these cruel sickening things to happen to innocent defensless animals!!!!! MAKES ME SICK!!!!!
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 =-.
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I was a vegetarian for 16 years, thinking that I had made a good choice for animals and our planet. Over the last year, I have learned that eating dairy and eggs causes tremendous hardship on animals. In fact, in terms of suffering, laying hens and dairy cows probably suffer much more than meat animals. It might be worthwhile to look into vegetarianism more to determine if that choice still makes sense.
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Just go further and become a vegan!
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 =-.
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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.
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Hi…was looking for a “coconut rice” recipe and found your site.
Dairy has one special componet that makes it the most cruel and that is the separation of baby and mother at birth. They do this because we take the milk that would normally go to the calf…so they are separated forever. The baby calves, often just days old, are often sent to the slaughterhouse. They are called “Bob veal”. They are often so young, they cannot even stand up. The mothers often bello for days or try to hide their babies from being taken away from them. Meanwhile, this happens over and over..impregnation, birth, taking their babies and then sent to veal crates or directly to the slaughterhouse.
It truly could be the worse form of animal agriculture out there for these reasons.-
I totally agree. Reading about the separation of mothers and babies and how the mothers cry for days and the babies are made into veal is the main reason I went vegan after being a lacto-ovo vegetarian for more than a decade. It is SO wrong and sad. Separating mothers and babies of any species is one of the most evil things we could possibly do.
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Agree 100%
Can’t imagine how humans do this to cows. Cannot conceive of how it is possible. -
Hi, Ashley:
I’ve been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for 10+ years as well. I related to your comment so much that now I’m taking the big step. No amount of cheese will bring back a baby to its cow mummy.
Thank you!
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That is simply not true! They don’t die around 4 years of exhaustion, they are only fit during that time! A cow costs a fortune, so it’s only naturally to take care of your animals. Also a cow loses it’s teeth at ages 8 to 9, so the movie Earthlings was not true at all when it comes to the treatment of cows! Also pulling off the horns, and branding the face? If you do that the cow becomes unable to be handled! They always give shot at the area to prevent the animal from feeling pain, or at a young age where it won’t hurt as much/won’t remember it. Sorry, but the movie was bogus on so many things!
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.
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.
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You’re right, Emily, I’m already nearly crying just thinking about it. The last image from Apocalypse Now is still seared into my brain years later, so I know watching this would shatter me.
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.
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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.
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Both of those images and others are stuck in my head as well. I saw the film the wee hours of the morning on January 4, 2011. I am vegan now and as I told my wife that day, “without compromise.” Besides the graphic abuse, what gets me is how a human being can put aside any and all compassion and love and treat living beings as we witnessed? I admit that I felt anger towards the workers and wished the lion that got slapped in the face would have slapped the guy with his giant paw and claws. But, someone pointed out that they are victims of the factory farm complex too – that it’s reduced them to such acts.
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Reading that just made me cry 🙁
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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 =-.
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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.
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Okay, I’m back. I watched the trailer. Thanks for posting it. I have some thinking to do…
.-= Runeatrepeat´s last blog ..Pizza Cookie =-.
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So many vegan protein options. Perhaps if you limited the relatively simpler carbs like fruit, you’d have an easier time finding balance? Hoping you find yourself in a good place!
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 🙂
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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..
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Congrats on being a sixteen year old and understanding! And kudos for being a runner – Matt has so many good articles on being a vegan runner here.
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I made it in about 20 minutes into the movie and had to stop because I was crying so hard, that I couldn’t even see the screen anymore. And Congrats Lexi!!!! I’m 17 and vegan, and i know exactly what you mean about feeling good about eating good food!! I love to run too, and before I was vegan I got really bad chest pains, but now, they are gone!
I dont want to tell anyone how to live their life either, but sometimes it makes me really angry how little people know, and when you try and show/tell they freak out on you. I try really hard not to preach, but it kills me to know, that no matter what, some people just dont care…
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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 🙁
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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.
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I know exactly what you mean. They have this extraordinarily selfish attitude. They like to eat hamburgers and therefore do not care about another living things suffering just because they enjoy a certain flavor. That sort of attitude is what irritates me. It’s one thing if they think you can’t live without meat for health reasons. That is an educational issue and can be fixed. But the selfish attitude that some omnivores possess encompasses a level of ignorance that I don’t have to energy or patience to fight with.
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.
I almost cried just reading this post. I am in therapy, and I’m not going to watch the trailer or film. However, I have read enough and heard enough about factory farming to understand how disturbing it is (I’m a strict vegetarian). Thank you for sharing this. I’m going to post it to my FB account.
I just watched this movie this weekend. WOW. I gave up meat the day I watched food inc feb 1, 2010. Also Fast Food Nation too…… this movie goes even further to my convictions
I cannot bring myself to watch this trailer. I know I will be scarred for life seeing any animal being treated badly.
I am re-thinking the possibility of becoming a vegetarian, again. I stopped about a year ago when I moved to Chicago…. I had one Chicago hot dog and was hooked. But before then I was a vegetarian/ trying to go vegan.
Reading the Book Skinny Bitch & Food Inc and other various books on what kind of foods we eat really make you think about what you are putting into your body.
For the last few months I have been trying to burry those horrid thoughts of “where does my food come from”… and eat meat. But once I start thinking about it I get very disgusted.
I’m training for my first marathon and was worried if I went veggie I wouldn’t get all the nutrition I needed… but looking more into it, it seems very do-able.
Thank you for posting this, I have put the link on my Facebook page to help spread the word…. although I am not demanding anyone to watch it. It’s their choice, as it is mine too.
I don’t know if I can watch it…I just saw the trailer… made me sick 🙁
just found your site…nice work
Wow. Do not watch this while on lunch at work. We’ve been buying local, ethically raised meat, poultry, and eggs for quite some time now. I’ve been skating on the edge of becoming vegetarian, and between being halfway through The Food Revolution and that trailer, I’m convinced-I will not be watching that movie. Today is Day One.
Thank you!
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Elizabeth, I came across this film in the wee hours of January 4th. I became vegan right then and there, and have not looked back.
Wow i made it 20 minutes through the film and had to cut it off. I always knew animals were butchered but I had no idea they went through so much torment. It is seriously satanic what they do to animals it makes me wonder. The only meat I ate today was fish and that was before the video. I’m going to do my best not to eat meat anymore I really don’t know if I can. I just can’t look at it the same ever again after watching this video.
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Yeah, it’s definitely not my favorite way to spread the ideas of being vegetarian and vegan, but for some people (me included), seeing gruesome images is effective. I think it played a part in my going vegan, eventually.
I just finished watching this a little while ago and this review sums up exactly what I’m thinking and feeling right now. I’m simply horrified. Heartbroken. And so hurt for those poor defenseless animals. 15 minutes into the film I thought I would regurgitate the dinner I had just eaten. When I tried to look away my boyfriend told me “we have to watch this,” though he was just as sickened and appalled. 20 minutes into the film, the meat lover that he is (was)… declared he was NEVER eating meat again. We don’t know what we are going to do with all the meat and dairy we JUST bought at the market today, which we can’t even look at and not see the horrors we just witnessed… But we do know we can’t continue to be ignorant.
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Sandy, throw it away. What’s important is that, having learned the truth, you’ve chosen to keep your humanity, and that’s infinitely more important. Kudos to you.
The documentary “Earthlings” is life-changing. To continue to eat meat, knowing how it’s produced, is either to be devoid of humanity or to be living in denial. If I’m being “preachy,” so be it. However, I’m the first to admit that I’m in no position to preach to others, since it has taken me a long time to do what’s right, and become a vegetarian.
Most disconcerting is the fact that most religions of the world (with the exception of some of the Vedic traditions of India) have nothing to say about this, or prefer to sweep it under the rug. There’s little doubt that we live in an extremely violent society, and the way we treat other living, conscious beings, and the natural environment, attests to that. Moreover, the inefficiency of meat production as a way of feeding people, and its effects on the environment are by now beyond debate.
This is a great Web site. Keep up the good work.
For many of us who have been brought up on meat, going without it is pretty hard, simply because we don’t have access to good vegetarian meals, and don’t know how to cook vegetarian ourselves. Being a vegetarian involves more than fixing a typical American meal, and just leaving out the meat. For those of you guys who live in a larger metropolitan area, I would suggest that you find out whether there is a Hare Krishna restaurant. Those people really know how to cook vegetarian, and once you’ve eaten a meal with them, you’ll wonder why you ever found meat palatable. They’ve also published a variety of excellent cookbooks, which you can find on Amazon. Three of them are (1) “The Hare Krishna Book of Vegetarian Cooking,” (2) “Great Vegetarian Dishes,” and (3) “Lord Krishna’s Cuisine.” If you happen to live in the LA area, there are two excellent restaurants, one in Culver City, and the other in Laguna Beach. Both have not only great food, but a great environment.
I’m not a Hare Krishna myself, but I truly admire them, simply because, unlike most “religions,” they really take vegetarianism seriously, and recognize a spiritual mandate to give up meat.
Hello – I just found this blog today. I am going to watch the movie tomorrow night with two girlfriends. I have seen the trailer and it was the most powerful emotion experience I have ever been through from a movie trailer. Even now, I can think of it and I cry and tears come rolling down my face. It is so horrible and needless to be so cruel. I feel heartbroken, ashamed and angry.
I am reminded of a short story called “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursual Leguin. This is a summary from Wikipedia:
In the story, Omelas is a utopian city of happiness and delight, whose inhabitants are smart and cultured. Everything about Omelas is pleasing, except for the city’s one atrocity: the good fortune of Omelas requires that a single unfortunate child be kept in perpetual filth, darkness and misery, and that all her citizens should be told of this upon coming of age.
After being exposed to the truth, most of the people of Omelas are initially shocked and disgusted, but are ultimately able to come to terms with the fact and resolve to live their lives in such a manner as to make the suffering of the unfortunate child worth it. However, a few of the citizens, young and old, silently walk away from the city, and no one knows where they go. The story ends with “The place they go towards is a place even less imaginable to us than the city of happiness. I cannot describe it at all. It is possible it does not exist. But they seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from Omelas.”
I think by being vegan we are the “ones who walk away”…by choosing not to participate. I think, like in the fictional Omelas, all of us should see this movie and “look upon the child getting kicked in the filth” – then what is possible? I think it would not be allowed to continue.
For the sake of everything we aspire to be and sadly are not yet…look.
I agree that the best way to educate others is to not be preachy and cook nice things and show people how good vegan food can be! The food I’ve been cooking up is fantastic!!!! Nowadays I think it is easier than ever because there are many products available to help you transition!
I went vegan three months now and I’m loving the journey. Growing up I thought being vegan was eating lettuce. I came at it from a “plants are good” angle, not the animal cruelty angle.
I got started with a book called the “21-Day Kickstart” by Dr. Neil Barnard. I have also recently read “The China Study” by Dr. Colin Cambell and his son, Thomas (I think). I mention these books because for some of you that are worried about protein, blood sugar levels, etc. the evidence is there that plant-based protein (beans and veggies) is not only good for you, but life-saving and life-lengthening.
A great movie just came out called “Forks over Knives” — it very nicely explains the research (link between animal protein and diseases of affluence) and findings and you also get to see several people in the movie lose weight and stop taking drugs/insulin for heart disease, diabetes, etc.! It’s a wonderful movie. I love the part where a guy (vegan) is a fireman and he is climbing up a pole with only his arms chanting, “real – men – eat – plants!” 🙂
Anyway – I’ve written too much! Peace to all of you! If you aren’t vegan and thinking about it – read the “21-Day Kickstart” — you jump in with great recipes and after 21 days….how do you feel? I felt great and have never looked back!
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After flirting with vegetarianism for years, I, too, am a new vegan. I’ve been on a similar journey. At this point in my life I can’t compromise on my choices, now that my eyes are opened. I’m “walking away” from the mainstream. Thank you for sharing this post.
Yep, I was a vegetarian for two years when I watched Earthlings (I had read a lot about animal rights but never seen a documentary about it). One week later I went vegan and haven’t looked back since!
I clutched my cats dearly to get me through the tough parts of the film. And I still kick myself that it took me so long to realize where milk comes from! Good on you for making the effort to get through the film Matt. “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies”…Gretchen Wyler
I did NOT make it through the trailer and am not sure if I can make it through the entire movie. I’m sitting here with tears pouring down my face. THIS is why I’m vegan. Sure it’s for health reasons too, of course. It started out that way but now it’s become so much more. Thank you for sharing this. I’ve chosen to share it as well and am quite positive I will get much criticism for it. I don’t care. People need to know the truth. Even if it is just ONE, JUST ONE, person, corporation or farm that treats their animals that way…it needs to be known.
After being a vegetarian for 6 years and vegan for 6 months I finally worked up the courage to watch Earthlings with my husband and bestie. Am so glad we did. Us girls were sobbing in parts and had to pause for a few breaks, but none of us wish we hadn’t witnessed it. It had a profound effect on both my husband and best friend who now are very interested in a vegan diet.
This film needs to be witnessed, and shared. If people continue to eat milk, drink dairy, go to a circus or buy designer dogs from breeders then they need to be aware of the facts and we all have a responsibility to get this very strong message out into the world. I think it was Peter Singer who exressed this very poignant thought “if it is not nice to us to think about – what must it be like for an animal to experience it?”
On the up side there was a haunting soundtrack by Moby and a beautiful joaquin pheonix narrating 🙂
Oh my God.. I’m 13 years old and have been an in and off vegetarian because I just loved the taste of meat. I got about half way through the trailer and I was sobbing!! When the cow went through that thing.. It’s making me vomit just thinking about it! And the fox being skinned alive.. and that dog being stepped on and crushed. I can literally feel the acids in my stomach coming up! Now.. I will have no problem with never eating meat again. in fact.. I’m NEVER using any animal products again!
Omg, that movie is horrible, I couldn’t even watch half of the trailer, those poor animals. I kinda want to go vegetarian more so for health reasons..but I think that is really cruel the way people treat animals. Im sure there are more less abusive ways to kill them.
you people need to know that not all farms are this wat to the dairy cow, yeah but of course you see it at its worst and that must be how evything works huh..
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I don’t think that’s true. Recently, I’ve pretty much given up dairy, but for the last several years I’ve only gotten milk, yogurt and other dairy products, although cheese is harder to track down, from farms with free range, happy cows. The same for meat.
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But doesn’t every dairy farm forcibly impregnate the cow, who then goes through 9 months of gestation only to have her child taken from her after only a few days? I’ve learned that the cows have to endure this three times before they are trucked to slaughter, some so weak and lame and suffering a painful infection of the udder from constant milking called mastitis. Their babies are either turned into veal (males) and slaughtered at a very young age, some unable to walk yet and a small portion of the female calves replace those dairy cows sent to slaughter. However you look at it; ‘happy cows’, free range, whatever, it seems like a very unethical practice to put a creature through, for a product we don’t even need.
yeah i take it back, that it the most fed up stuff i havr ever seen. i am an animal love (not kidding) and most of the thing being done in that are not forgivable it is purly disgusting. i take offence to the dairy aspect of it, i am a 100% farm boy and have been involved with the familt farm for a long time and i have never see such abuse in my life. my parents raised me and my brother to be kind to all animals we never hunted or any of that crap and i used to get in fights in high school cause i would get so pissed at the kids how thought it was funny to torture cats and dogs, this is sickening to watch, and sadly it is all true fing sick but true.. i always thought if you can torture an animal you could to it to a human. they should all be put away for good. sorry to say though i will never give up beef, we raise organic dairy and only eat what we butcher i will not even think of getting somthing from the store that has been put throught that.
Still haven’t been able to watch this movie – have it bookmarked. Want to go vegetarian but not quite there yet. My biggest struggle is figuring out what meals to prepare and cook. Don’t know of a whole lot of resources for nutritious and delicious veggie food. Guess that’s why I’m looking on your site 😉
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I’ve recently became vegetarian. You should definitely read “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Foer. Halfway through the book I literally went to my fridge and chucked all the meat product I found. If you’re serious definitely read “Eating Animals”…. it’ll give you motivation!
Yup, the trailer made me cry. A lot. I’m not sure I could watch the whole film. But thanks for the link. I just can’t understand why or how people could be so cruel. We’re animals after all and they have feelings just like we do. And, factory farming is just so irrational. It’s bad for the environment, it’s bad for the animals and the people working on the farms too. Because the animals that have to be given antibiotics so that they can eat food they didn’t evolve to eat people working there can build up antibiotic resistance along with bacteria. Why go through all that, when you can just cut back on meat and therefore water consumption, and go with happy, free range animals and a much improved environment? If the sacrifice of animals for our own sustenance were taken more seriously I think a lot of these problems wouldn’t exist, though I’m not sure how you stop jerks from throwing dogs into garbage trucks. I’m sorry, I think I just got a bit preachy – I think I’m a bit in shock from the trailer.
I could not watch the trailer. WAY too graphic. I wouldn’t be able to sleep for weeks if I watched the film.
I literally got 10 seconds into it…saw the puppy situation and shut it off immediately. I am definitely considering going vegetarian now. Thanks for the insight!
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You will probably be ready to go vegetarian just after finishing the trailer, I sure am.
Wow, that’s an extremely difficult documentary to watch. Horrifying. I’m still an omnivore, but lately my conscience has had issues with my meat consumption. I am a huge animal lover, finding such depth and beauty in their eyes and manner, and I have always wondered how I eat them. I was raised that way, I guess, and haven’t yet found the courage to go my own way.
I’m glad I discovered this website last week. It answers a lot of questions I have about how to make the switch gradually with proper nutritional balance. I made a couple of attempts in the past, but I was lacking good information. Armed with a supportive, vegetarian girlfriend, an audiobook of ‘Eating Animals’ for work, and a love of animals, it’s time I give it my best.
I’m sorry Matt, but there is no way I can watch the whole DVD. I have to admit after watching the first 30 seconds of the trailer, I was crying my eyes out. I have a strong stomach, but even I thought I was going to be sick while watching it. That trailer is hands-down the most horrifying thing I have ever watched. Within 30 seconds of finishing it, I had to post it online (with a warning of course!).
Oddly enough, because of health issues that I have I was not sure if I could become vegetarian. I had heard about the benefits and was considering it and how to go about becoming vegetarian. Watching that short trailer definitely helped me make that decision… It is not a matter of whether or not I can become vegetarian anymore. I have to, it is just a matter of how.
I want to say thank you for opening my eyes to reality.
definitely one of the most disturbing documentaries that I have ever seen. This was even worse than from the farm to the fridge. Any person who participates in the torture and murder of the countless animals in factory farms around the world should have to watch this film. Ignorance is bliss. If they refuse to watch I would say “what are you afraid of?” They want to eat their meat and wear their leather and not think about where it comes from. Any person who watches this film and is not moved to never touch a hamburger again does not have a soul.
I have been considering vegetarianism as a healthy lifestyle change recently. Tonight I stumbled onto a Youtube video with Ellen talking about becoming vegan and she mentioned how she forced herself to watch Earthlings, so I did the same. I have to say that I am physically ill. I feel drained, exhausted, sad beyond words and ashamed of my ignorance and that of others. How can I not become not only vegetarian now, but also vegan. I’d rather die of starvation than to eat another animal. I don’t know how long this film will stay with me, but I feel as though things won’t ever be quite the same again.
I watched this last night with my boyfriend, and of course, like every other female (lol) I cried the entire movie. It definitely strengthened my vegan beliefs and lifestyle, and I have an ENTIRELY different perspective on life. Today at work, I overheard a conversation from one of my colleagues; she said she was does not eat cow meat, but only chicken. As though this makes everything ok, right?! Most people don’t realize that every animal is a living thing, chicken or cow.
Hi,yes while I have seem many movies on separate animal abuse issues this is by far the most important to see! I sobbed so much as I never have for anything in my life after watching every part of this movie.It took everything in my heart to be a witness to this movie and make sure I make an effort whenever I can to bring about awareness and shed light on the insanity of animal abuse on this planet. We must continue to do everything we can to stop people doing this to animals and to change laws that keep the systems the way they are. People must be held accountable for the atrocities they are doing to wildlife,pets,animals used for science and factory farmed animals! The only way to make change is to advocate and shed light on these issues so that more people can make the changes that are needed. I am deeply saddened at the how anyone can do these heinous crimes and get away with it due to no laws and or no empathy. It needs to end!
I have not seen this film and do not intend to watch it even though my daughter (vegan) brough a copy home. My husband has watched it also. I feel I don’t need to see this film to fully appreciate why we shouldn’t harm animals. I don’t need to see horrific images to make want to be “more” of a vegetarian than I already am. I equate this with watching a movie of someone being murdered or raped. I don’t need to see it to know it’s wrong or horrible. I care about animals and I’ve read about and hear about horrible things that are done to them. I understand this is bad so I don’t eat meat. I don’t need a film or photographs to convince me any further. I frankly don’t think I could handle it, I’d have nightmares for the rest of my life. It’s bad enough that I know what’s happening, I don’t want to see it.
Then don’t watch it. It’s hat simple.
I have been an on and off vegetarian and vegan. My best vegetarian run was for 10 years. After running across this looking for vegan lunch Recipes I’m editing the grocery list to be free of farmed animals today. I am afraid to watch the trailer and can’t understand why anyone would skin a fox alive. That person should be shot. The idea of it makes me sick. I really think legislation needs to be introduced to protect these creatures from unnecessary cruelty. With so many of us agreeing on this we should be able to start something and make it happen. The awareness we bring along the way will further the cause. Thoughts?
Do you realize how many people would be out of a job if we all stopped eating meats? Cattle farmers, butchers, truck drivers (because it wouldn’t have to be delivered), supermarket employees, doctors (because you wouldn’t be making yourself sick), pharmacists…….etc. Could this world afford that?
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I’m not saying make meat illegal. I’m saying make the cruelty portion illegal ot introduce economic consequences such as the foie gras ban in California. Producers were given time to move to sustainable methods beforehand.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/07/foie-gras-ban-california-_n_953067.html
I think veal should be illegal. What is the point of that type of cruelty of separating mother and calf and keeping the calf confined? We can all live without veal. Why do chickens on factory farms have to live their whole lives in darkness? It’s about greed and profit. It’s not right in my opinion. -
I’m not sure it would equate to what you think; people would still need to eat, and so meat calories would be replaced by plant calories. More plants would need to be planted, tended, and picked. I really don’t think this is the issue you present it to be.
Wow, all i feel right now is a huge sense of guilt. I had no idea the extent of cruelty out there and I definitely will be spreading this video.
Over the years I have forced myself to be aware, to watch documentaries that cut to the core on animal-human relationships and our constant disregard for animals. I took a break from feeling guilty for the past year, however was once again pulled towards a sense of guilt. Earthlings was so hard to watch, however I really do believe that pleading ignorance in an age of access to these sorts of materials is no longer acceptable. For me it isn’t an argument about whether to eat meat or not, to have a pet or not… it is making informed choices, knowing where your meat comes from; it’s about taking in a stray or ‘non-wanted’ pet instead of going to a pet shop; it’s about having those uncomfortable discussions with fur-wearing friends and nurturing it to a point of understanding and discussion, not close-mindedness and defensiveness.
Animals undoubtedly at every level deserve better than what we are currently as humans are doing.
That was the hardest and most horrible thing I have ever watched in my life. We should be ashamed of ourselves! Why is this allowed to continue when we see all of the negative impact it has on everything? These animals deserve better!
Hey Matt,
loved ur post. Very powerful.
Coming from India, where vegetarians exist,
it feels awesome that the right message is spread and people are aware of how animals are mistreated and suffered.
No more leather products for me. As it is i dont have any.
im proud to say that I have never tasted meat.
As for you guys, continue spreading awareness and contribute to our fellow earthlings.
I almost didn’t make it through the trailer, I nearly got sick. I cried, not afraid to admit it. What people do to animals is just not right. I’m so glad I’m a vegetarian. I was afraid to be at first as a serious athlete but some friends and later this website helped a lot.
I’m only at 20 minutes I’m already balling my eyes out and can’t even look at most of it. It think that enough trauma for today.
…I was lost for words for a while before being able to compile my thoughts into a post.
That was heartbreaking. Very little surprises me about the level of barbaric treatment that animals are subjected to but that was really horrific. I think everyone who eats/wears/uses products derived from animals should know where they come from and how they are obtained. I can’t get over how destructive and cruel people can be to animals and to each other.
I became vegetarian for lots of reasons and am striving to be a vegan and a conscious and ethical consumer in all aspects, not only in relation to animals but also people; I want to tread gently on this Earth.
It’s nice to at least find somewhere where others feel the same as me. After watching the Earthlings trailer I’ve spent two days crying and have struggled through two sleepless night with thoughts of killing myself. It just made me want off this planet, I’m so appalled by humanity. Can’t watch the film, the trailer is enough. Been veg for over ten years and vegan for a month but just came across the film. Have been a very vocal anti-fur activist since I was about 9.
I’m just so heartbroken, I don’t know what to do. Just makes me want to give up completely. Or start a new country (can we have New Zealand?) where you’re not allowed in unless you’re a signed up vegan.
I love this part of what you wrote:
“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.”
Sums it up. Thank you for inspirational writing. I think your views are very resonsible.
I have seen Earthlings, and it is some of the saddest, most horrible, and certainly most shocking footage I have ever seen. I sometimes forget that humans can be that awful.
I have not yet had the courage to watch your movie trailer. But am aware of the what goes on in some places. Here in Australia the government banned live cattle exports for a time after a local documentary exposed the way in which they were treated at their destination.
Currently I am largely focused on eating vegetables, grains and fruit and finding that nearly everything is better. Less hungry, less tired and the insides move better.
It is a pity that more people do not appreciate that we are all connected animals, humans and the world at large. I often despair at the excesses that we in the modern / western world have and the belief that humans are the superior species. My dogs often show more care, concern and love than many people. Thanks for a thoughtful and helpful site
That movie has been nicknamed the Vegan Maker. It took me six or seven tries to get all the way through the movie and let me tell you I cried a river of tears. I agree that everyone needs to see this movie, especially those living in ignorance as they are doing the most harm.
Glad I’m not the only one who wasn’t able to get through it. I made it to the 30 min mark before having to shut it off and quit gelatin (it was the remaining ‘meat’ product I was still eating) that same night. btw it’s also free on youtube.
Hi everyone,
I watched Earthlings almost 2 years ago, and I immediatly stopped eating meat after that (no wonder they call it “the vegan maker”). I remember I woke up the next day and emptied my fridge of everything that is related to animals. The truth is, I only became vegetarian after that, and not vegan (for convenience reasons I think, since I had just moved out of my parents house and I didn’t have enough time to invest in what to shop and to cook), but a month ago I realized that I wanted to go vegan. As you said, dairy products, just like meat, are a result of a bad treatment to animals). So my boyfriend and I went vegan and now we’re happier than ever with our decision. It truly feels great, mentally and physically. As for Earthlings, I would recommend that you watch it, that you don’t close your eyes at all (this is what I did, I just had to press pause every once in a while because I was crying too much and trying to calm myself down), because honestly, this is the only way to get the whole picture.. And as Gary Yourofsky said in a great speech he once gave to a university class (you can find it on youtube), “if it’s not good enough for your eyes, than why should it be good for your stomach?”
I watched the entire movie! I had every niw and then the eyes close but I wanted to see it to the end! The animals are so innocent but suffer so much violence! My heart hurts so much…
I just got finished watching it. It took me 3 hours to watch 20 minutes. I had to keep pausing. I almost threw up at least 4 times and cried a few. I was and am mortified!
I came across this documentary while reading about a trophy hunter named Melissa Bachnan and the pride she takes in hunting big game. There was a petition against her http://www.thepetitionsite.com/387/581/929/stop-melissa-bachman/?z00m=20670452 and after reading the comments for and against her, I came to one conclusion… that humans have no idea what animals go through in their day to day lives. I always empathize (put myself in the animals shoes) and wonder to myself, the horror I’d be put through by the human race. As an animal lover and fairly meat eater myself, I’d never want to see any living thing, including humans, go through such horrendous suffering by a human being, who see themselves as the supreme being on the planet. Even if your not religious, the bible states that we are the guardians of the rest of the creatures on this planet, and by guardians it means the protectors of the lesser beings, not the oppressors and slave drivers. This documentary brought me to tears and am considering going veg, am also ready SPCA chapter in my country looking to help out our animal friends…
Hi there! I ‘ve seen Earthlings and feel very happy I did! I have been 1 year and 4 months out of meat and almost completely out of seafood. I would like to ask if the documentary inspired you to start all this movement or you had started it before.
Congrats for your site and your tries for change! (Y)
Thanks!
It’s funny you actually reference Earthlings on your site because it is exactly the reason that I was searching your website in the first place. I just finished the movie, and I must say, it was the most horrible thing I have ever seen. I am an Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, war vet that has seen a number of atrocities but I was still utterly shocked by the footage. I have watched other documentaries about where food comes from but this one took the cake. I am now planning on switching to local farm raised and slaughtered meat then going completely vegetarian and your site is helping me with that. Keep up the good work, if I can be swayed by this information then anybody can. Who knows, maybe we’ll help save the planet and live a few extra years in the process.
I first started being a vegan a month ago (because I thought it was cool, to teach myself discipline, and to see if it would help with my running and training); as I read more about it, I became more into the cause as I’ve always been an animal lover; but just unaware. Now that I watched “Earthlings” I realize that there’s is no such thing as “ignorance is bliss”: ignorance is cowardness.
Thanks for the post! This film is amazing and chocking… I found the entire movie Earthlings in Art Days, here is the link! http://www.art-days.com/oppressed-majority/
I could not get through the trailer. It was horrifying and I had to cover my eyes several times because I just could not bare it. The part with the cow being killed and falling on the floor just put me over the edge and had to turn it off. I have been evolving over the past year into a vegetarian as my eyes have become more and more opened to the reality of what is going on and how animals are being treated. I have not eaten beef for years but still would eat chicken and fish and pork. Now I no longer buy chicken or pork but still eat fish, eggs and some dairy. So I have been gradually changing. This kind of video and the heartbreaking treatment of animals including dogs, cats, horses, dolphins and whales and livestock animals around the world makes me not only heart broken but embarrassed to be a human. I know God loves all creatures and this must break his heart too that we are doing this. Humans are the cruel monsters of this earth.
Circle of LIFE: Remember Mufasa ? What you throw comes back to you. Karma will follow. Animals eat Animals because that is in their DNA. Humans don’t fall in that category. HUMAN LIFE is the most Highest form of LIFE and only comes after MILLIONS of Births YET we go back MILLIONS OF LIFE BACK . We dont learn do we ?
Wow – I’m speechless after seeing that trailer, well not even all of it. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything that’s made me more ashamed of our species. I’ve only really began thinking about the possibility of becoming a vegetarian over the past week or so, inspired by a friend, but that clip I think has helped me make up my mind!
Fantastic, helpful blog – thank you.
John.
I am disturbed, yet happy to have watched the video. After being vegetarian for three years, I was diagnosed with a slew of things in the hospital. The doctors and dieticians informed me that I needed to eat meat if I wanted to survive around my inflictions. I believe that if you are going to be a carnivore, you must do it in the most moral and ethical fashion. Find your source for meat and ensure that it is coming from a cruelty-free farm where their animals are treated correctly (you can ask the owner of a store, if they refuse than you move on to the next store). Please everyone read a bit of Peter Singer’s work on Utilitarian arguments for the end of speciesism. ~Jena
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Don’t listen to them; very few have any realistic training in regard to the affects of food on the human body. There is enough tangible evidence in the form of vegans to prove that out. And not junk food vegans; actual fruit a and raw foods people who are living healthy and happy lives. Carb the F up! You can also check out Raw Till 4, but find your path.
ive been vegan for a month. i loved meat and didnt particular cared that animals were being killed for being my chicken sandwhich or piece of steak, like most people. i was interested and went in for the health benefits, but end up staying for the animals. i saw 20 mins of earthlings and had to stop cus i could not stop crying. but i do plan to finish it sometime because i believe it is a very very important film to watch. alot of people here are saying that they will make sure they get their meat from local farms where the animals r treated better and killed humanely. but i disagree. u simply cannot kill a animal humanely because killing another living being is not humane, its murder. they, just like us, have a family, have emotions, and most importantly, have the desire to live. animals are not ours. no one wants to die and no one wants to suffer. would you be willing to let someone kill you if they were to kill you in the most “humane” way possible? the beginning scene of endless factory houses, doesnt that remind you of one of the most tragic events that ever landed a mark on human history?… Racism, slavery, is all created from thinking that one is superior from another. slaughtering an animal is cruel and unnecessary, we have all these fresh nutritious food sources, yet, most decide to resolve in the way of murder and rather eat rotting flesh. saying that we are more intelligent therefore it justify to kill animals is the same mindset tat been used in slavery and the holocaust. should we be able to kill people with mental disorders, disabilities, or even, babies…? there is no exception. the way we view animals is the crucial point of the problem. theres a disconnection that is made between us and other animals. the film exposes the truth of what we been viewing animals as all along. the matrix that we live in, that we r far more superior than animals in every way, that we are totally different species, that they don’t feel what we do. when in fact they r just like us, another living species on this planet, just like us, we are all earthlings. humans have the ability to feel compassion for all beings, that’s what makes us human. animals are us, we are animals. to feel for other humans, to feel for animals, to feel for a living breathing being… Compassion is what connects us all and creates those strong bonds; and I want to remind myself to never ever let that go.
To Never Turn My Back On Another Living Being Again.
Am I a bad vegan if I cant watch this film? lol.
I made it through the trailer and I’m in pain; crying, shaking, angry – a total mess.
Part of me feels like I have to watch this film; I have to see this for myself even though I already know. But the empathic part of me feels like I will literally die from watching it – or at least want to. Are there any vegans here who have chosen NOT to watch Earthlings?
Would you not agree that eating dairy and eggs is more unethical than eating meat?
Dairy cows and laying hens suffer more horrors for much longer than animals that are reared for meat.
Just curious how somebody wanting to make changes after watching Earthlings would go vegetarian and not paleo, or, even better, vegan!
This is the website and link to Earthlings that set me on the vegan path 6+ years ago! Thank you NoMeatAthlete for this page and the link. My bf and I watched it and have been vegan since.
I have seen several documentaries on this subject and am literally afraid to watch Earthlings. I gave up meat entirely a month ago, and have been on the edge of becoming vegan. I watched the trailer and that may have been enough for me. Part of me feels like it’s important to watch the whole film, but another part is afraid of how long those horrific images will stay with me, or even cause PTSD! I forced my husband to watch the trailer and tried to convince him to watch the whole film with me and he said he doesn’t need to watch animals being tortured and he’s never going to stop eating meat! I feel sick that he feels that way!
Just watched it too but it took me at least 5 hours. Having the DVD I was able to be alone & stop & start–I haven’t cried so much for as long as I can remember. I think being vegan may be the only way to take a stand for animal rights and to help stop global warming. Seeing Chasing Coral also affected me deeply.
We, as consumers, can make a difference. Watch out for animal byproducts in soaps, cosmetics, even nail polish. We can make a difference.
Ok, I couldn’t even finish watching the trailer…that was horrifying. One more film that makes me proud of my lifestyle 🙂