Let me start by saying that I am new to this board. I have yet to make it through the entire video as I am not courageous enough.I've heard a lot of talk about veganism and I am working towards that day when I can proudly say that I am one.Sadly,right now,I cannot.Having said that,I dont see a whole lot of talk about our other uses of animals-For research,entertainment,clothing,pets,etc. My question to everyone here-How do you all feel about these other absolute atrocities towards animals? When I saw the animal standing on that foxes head,crushing its skull,I just wanted to throw up.Then I cried.Because not only was I devastated for that poor animal,I'm just as sad for that poor person that could actually do that to a living thing.Than I saw it being skinned ALIVE.My God,it must of been thinking,PLEASE KILL ME! How can we,as humans,be so cruel?

My second question is this- What have you given up,or are willing to give up,in pursuit of this cause?

Thanks to everyone for being here,

Blake

Hey Blake! Welcome to the board.

I have little time right now, so I'll try to be succinct.

First of all, you should know that veganism is not simply a diet. It is the acknowledgement that other animals are sentient beings, with interests of their own that must be respected, and therefore, veganism is also the rejection of all human enslavement and use of other animals.
So you see, when we talk about veganism we ARE talking about all other uses of other animals.

We might usually focus on the 'food' aspect, since it is, by far, the most widespread, both in number of other animals tortured and killed because of it, and in the number of humans who support this practice.

It is easier for someone who has quit feeding on other animal's corpses and secretions, to quit leather, fur, wool; oppose zoos, rodeos, etc. as a logical 'next-step', than for someone who rejects, say, 'whale killing', to make the connection in regards to the animal in his/her plate.

In sum, to your first question, I think that all these practices are unjust, morally unjustifiable, and should be abolished.

To the second question, appart from the obvious (that is, all other animal "products" ) , I do my best to avoid supporting any practice/product/etc. that has negative impacts (even if 'indirect' ) in the well-being of sentient beings (humans included.) This, of course, includes those practices that destroy and pollute the environment, which is the home of all of us, sentient beings.

Ok, I wasn't really succinct here, but what can I say...I just can't.

I'm sure you'll find the courage to watch the whole movie, and I'm sure you'll be able to accomplish those personal changes that you know are the right thing to do.

You can count on us for support, information, etc. If you wish, you can share with us why you think you can't be vegan now.

All the best,

Samuel.

Welcome, Blake.

This post serves two purposes:
1) To welcome you and answer your questions
2) To help Samuel see what a succinct post looks like.

As to your question, any action that requires an animal (human or nonhuman) to be treated as property cannot be justified in a consistent world view in which humans have a natural right to freedom. That includes all of the practices you list.

A vegan is someone who works to avoid all such practices. Food is the easiest and most effective change.

Ask more questions!

Welcome.

Mike

QUOTE:
My God,it must of been thinking,PLEASE KILL ME!

I would not agree with that. To the animal, death is not an escape.

You're right. The actual internal thoughts were probably far less defeatist and far more terrifying and heart-wrenching.

But the sentiment expressed by the poster is valid, and it is clear that whatever the thoughts were, they were obviously in direct protest to what was being forced upon him/her. That's the main point.

Mike

Welcome - great to have you!

Second question first - as Samuel said, "being a vegan" (meaning the lifestyle) is different than adhering to a vegan diet. Of course it's difficult to live in Western society and avoid all animal products - tires, glue, batteries, whatever. But the small amounts of animal industry "by-products" will likely be phased out as the meat, dairy, and egg industries fade.

I avoid leather, wool, etc.; don't support animal entertainment; and while I probably won't have a pet again, my kitty came from a rescue group and she's spayed.

I find animal research to be one area where it's difficult to solely focus on outreach/education. Addressing this issue requires multiple forms of activism IMO. For me, part of being vegan is to actively avoid pharmaceutical drugs, since in the US they are by law tested on animals first.

First question - how can we be so cruel? Sometimes it's for kicks, sometimes it's because we're spiritually bankrupt, but most of the time it's for money. That said, people who work in animal industries aren't so different than other people who work in banks, hospitals, whatever - and lie to themselves all the time so they can sleep at night.