Earthlings

Having no other vegans or vegetarians in my social circle, I often refer to media, vegan blogs and podcasts to keep me 'aligned' and in touch with the rest of the non-animal eating world. Its saddens me to say that without these, my surrounding of omnivores desensitizes me of the impact humans have on the animal kingdom. It doesn't make me want to revert back to that lifestyle but it numbs me of the pain caused, inflicted, forced on the animals to feed, cloth, and entertain humans.

I feel that I have been from an early age an empathic person. I used to feel sick to my stomach and nauseated when my parents would argue or fight. Drained and exhausted after being around people with negative energy or attitudes. Sad and or angry depending on the mood of my company. Needless to say, I have been blessed/cursed with having the ability to feel too much. Although I have learned to deflect energy better now as an adult, I must say, it still creeps up behind me when I least expect it or when my guard is down. I suppose that it was in the cards that I would eventually feel the pain of animals as well and become vegan almost instantly.

Before becoming a vegetarian myself, I could not have imagined ever being one. I had known possibly two during my lifetime and never understood the desire or the motivation to be one. How could I? I loved meat! Beef, chicken, eggs, and fish..especially sushi, how could I not? I'm Japanese for goodness sakes! I was a devout foodie, a connoisseur of indulgent foods and junk food alike. I often preached that a pizza wasn't a pizza unless it was loaded with cheese, pepperoni and sausages, a steak had to be cooked medium rare, and desserts, they were my favorite. If anyone were to attempt to mention how the food arrived on my plate, I'd shun them away and cover my ears with my hands and ask for them not to ruin my meal with such gory details. I felt that I wasn't killing the animals with my hands, I was innocent so I didn't need to hear about any of it.

Then late one day, I was watching MTV and saw an ad in between videos. I don't remember anything from the ad except for seeing a web address goveg.com. That was the day everything changed.

That day in February, I was exposed to the the horrific pain and suffering we cause to animals. The images were ingrained in my mind and there was no going back. The biggest nay-sayer of vegetarianism finally saw what humans were doing, even worse, what I was doing.

People often approach me about being a strict vegetarian with questions and comments such as:

- Don't you miss eating this?
- It must suck to be vegan, you can't eat anything. Your choices are so limited.
- I couldn't imagine not eating steak, chicken, ribs (take your pick), what would I eat?
- I have to chew meat to feel satisfied. A meal is not a meal with out meat.
- I eat free-range, those chicken have a good life so its ok, right?

Of course, there are hundreds more that are asked, and I wonder if answering them will make a difference. I can answer all the questions, talk till I turn blue, and continue making an effort but I know I won't be convincing anyone to change their ways. Humans from my experience just don't operate that way, at least I know I didn't, and I was one of the biggest cynics. People usually aren't willing to accept change until pain or possibility of pain is inflicted on them. Pain caused by unhealthy diets, lifestyle or perhaps guilt could be a catalyst to provoke change. I just hope that I can plant a seed in peoples minds that will one day flourish to reduce the pain we as humans cause.

So to everyone that questions why I became vegetarian, for the guy that mentioned that he's gonna enjoy his fillet mignon before cuddling up to my blog for a good laugh, and any other nay-sayers out there.

I dare you to open your eyes.

I came across this movie that was mentioned on a Vegan Freak podcast called Earthlings. If you're right and animals are here to sustain your life, then I dare you to watch it. Can't hurt right? Humans are the superior species, animals don't know better, fish don't have feelings and chickens are dumb. So it should be quite entertaining.

EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and ... all » scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.

With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries, and finally the medical and scientific profession, EARTHLINGS uses hidden cameras and never before seen footage to chronicle the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, EARTHLINGS is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests. There are many worthy animal rights films available, but this one transcends the setting.

I dare you to expose yourself to the truth, the pain and the ugliness of how we live.

If after you watch it, you feel the need to ridicule or question my reasons, then so be it. My conscience, my beliefs in karma, and my empathy won't allow me to, but if you can stomach living with the truth and knowledge you attain from this movie, then more power to you.