Human treatment of animals

[revolutionoftheheart]

I became a vegan about 4 years ago after a light went off in my head, and, I also saw footage of what we do to animals.

I had a quiet little nervous breakdown.  I became very angry and sad.  I got fired from my job because of my activism  there.   Except for my loving boyfriend who has stuck by me, and my sister who lives nearby, I am pretty much a hermit.  I don't know how to function in the world and in this human culture that is so heavily predicated on our subjugation of animals.

I am ashamed of my own species and I really do dislike people.  My body has been giving me problems for decades.   If I had an easy way to kill myself (raw cassava) I would ... I'm 58 and feel that  I've spent more than enough time on this wretched planet.

I know whoever is reading this is not vegan and will not understand or have an answer for me.  There is no answer.

Thanks for listening.

[NicoleW09]

Just a look from the other end of the spectrum- I grew up on a farm where we had cows, and later added a few chickens. My grandparents are adventist, and had a big part in raising me. They don't eat pork or shellfish, or any of the other "unclean" meats. I never really learned to eat those meats, and I hate fish.

I grew up around cows and we cared for them greatly. I remember when a calf was born and it's mother passed away, my grandfather got up every morning and fed that cow from a bottle and saw to it that it thrived despite the fact that it didn't have a mother. It wouldn't nurse from any of the other female cows who had a milk supply, but it did take to my grandfather from the bottle. He didn't have to do this. In nature, if an animal doesn't have a mother to provide milk, it will starve to death. It's a common, natural thing.

I don't eat beef because I guess in a way, I think of the cows as pets, and don't have the heart to eat it, plus it makes me sick. My family never sent our cows to the slaughterhouse, instead they sell them to other farmers, what they do...well, I'm sure they send them. My point is that not everyone is the way that you're describing.

Yes I meat, however limited of an amount, but I don't feel that it's wrong to eat it. I'm quite certain that if I came face to face with a cheetah or lion that they would be pretty violent in their pursuit of food. I don't agree with how cruel the animals are treated at the slaughterhouses, but really...there's not a "humane" way to kill an animal for its meat. Eating meat is a part of nature.

I think you're going about things the wrong way. You have a negative outlook on this subject, and it seems like you've let it take control of your life. It's not healthy, and you've even admitted that you're a hermit because you don't like being around people. Maybe you need to find a group of people that share your beliefs. If you try to educate someone on the vegan lifestyle and you set out in a negative way, you aren't going to do anything productive.

[Clysta]

As others have said, you have every right to believe in what you want and to say what you feel. I do have a few questions though that I wondered while I read your post.

You say that it's healthy, but vegans cut out all animal products. For example--milk, cheese, butter, meats, etc etc. This can lead to being very deficient in things the human body needs.

You also mention the treatment of animals. Depending on how specific you really want to get, humans ARE animals. Classified under the class of Mammalia. Most of the animals on this planet eat mean. Humans, lions, tigers, dogs, cats, crocodiles, monkeys, fish, etc. Are these also all expected to revert to a plant only diet? Or is that since we as people possess "intelligence" we have to change our diet. The way we kill animals for our food is bad (yes I've watched the videos) but you think a wild animal is going to kill YOU in a humane way? The world is a cruel, hard place.

I in NO way agree with how animals are treated--beaten, tested on, starved, etc. But to condemn others for their choice to eat meat? That is THEIR personal choice, and we shouldn't be ridiculed for that.

We all have to find our own ways. You have to do what YOU feel is right. It's the same as religion---you can shout it from the rooftops, you can shove it on people nonstop. In the end, people will only change when THEY want to. The harder you push, the less likely they are to change. Instead of being angry, show them understanding. Point out facts, not beliefs. Just because one might think it's wrong doesn't mean another does.

[RainLover71]

Your entitled to your opinions but why are you so angry and abusive with your response.If your so angry about this so called insane world then do something.You have already begun by becomming a vegan so be proud of that and carry on trying to make the world a better place,but respect other peoples opinions and choises aswell.

[Bubulous]

I have had many great friends who were vegans.  I actually like the idea and although I do not practice every day, I do try to eat chicken and fish for protein.  I don't care for red meat.  I met a guy during my recent 45 day stay at a mental hospital.  He had been a vegan all of his life and his mom was before him.  When he was 27 he decided to start eating fish for protein.  He had the best vitals and blood (blood pressure and blood levels and cholesteral) of anyone in the place.  : )  He is the one who inspired me to cut out the red meat and stick to chicken or fish.  I eat mostly fruits and vegetables now.  I hope you get tot feeling better.

Welcome to the forum

[mammo]

If I dwelled on all the bad things in this world, I wouldn't want to be here either.  I have a family I love and who love me, I want to remain here as long as possible!  You have a lot of anger and really need to seek help with it.

[revolutionoftheheart]

"In their behavior toward creatures, all men are Nazis. Human beings see oppression vividly when they're the victims. Otherwise they victimize blindly and without a thought."   Isaac Bashevis Singer, author, Nobel Prize 1978

There is no separation between what we do to animals and anything else.  Sanity is just being able to adapt to an insane world.  And humans need only cross a very thin line to becoming nazis.  I see it, I see it all the time.  I did a little therapy with the author of a powerful book on the subject (a book dedicated to I.B. Singer), and he agreed with me.  Whatever you think you know, it's worse than that.   Educate people?  Hah.  I can't even get through to my own abortion of a family ... supposedly intelligent, loving people.  What is so hard about truly respecting animals?  What is so hard about seeing that we breed animals, bring them into life, only to kill them unnecessarily.  We don't need to do that anymore ... cutting edge nutrition is finding that a completely plant based diet is the healthiest diet.  I'll tell you what's hard ... f*king human selfishness.

What about the animals ... what about the animals?  Everyone has an answer in anthropocentric terms, but no one thinks about that poor little lamb or cow on the killing floor ... or the monkey or rabbit or cat or dog subjected to Mengelian experiments.

You try not to think about it?  How lovely for you.  It's with me every second of every day.  I'm tired ... I don't want to be here anymore ...

[mammo]

No, you're wrong.  There isn't always someone on line to answer your questions as we have families and jobs.  But as soon as someone logs on who can answer a question we do, we never ignore anyone for any reason.  My daughter is a vegan so I do understand where you're coming from.  You're entitled to your feelings, and many DO understand.  Man has survived on meat for millions of years, so we're not going to change it quickly.  You're doing your part by being a vegan just like other vegans, but instead of being angry or appalled at those of us who aren't, maybe try educating others.  I know a lot about where and how we get our meat and it's heart wrenching, but I will admit I try to not think about it.  Not right, but at least honest.  You can't dislike others becuase they don't believe as you do, turn this into something positive and work to educate the public.  Our world is not perfect...never has been, but it takes people like yourself to make a change.  Dwell on all the animals vegans have saved, and let that carry you along.  Don't allow anger to eat you up inside, put it to use in defending the animal's rights.  We are listening, so please feel free to continue sharing with us.

[nursegirl6572]

Hello and welcome!

Deafening silence?  Sorry, but you just posted your question...you have to be a little patient!  This is not a "real time" kind of site.  We answer questions when we get to them.

I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for, do you feel you're depressed?  Have you been diagnosed with depression?  

While I agree with you that there are a lot of crappy people in this world, there are also a whole bunch of wonderful people and wonderful things about this planet.  As for the vegan thing, I applaud you staying firm to something you believe in, however, keep in mind that not all companies involved in the process of getting meat to our tables are as awful as those portrayed in the likes of those PETA videos.  You have a strong passion for the subject and that's great...and we're all different.  

There's nothing wrong with trying to educate people, but there is a time and place for activism, and most work places won't permit that.  It doesn't have a a place in the work environment.  Just something to think about as you plan out your activism activities.  

You have a very negative approach to the world, even in your comments regarding this site.  Here are a few just to try to illustrate what I'm trying to say:

I am ashamed of my own species and I really do dislike people.

I'm 58 and feel that  I've spent more than enough time on this wretched planet.

I know whoever is reading this is not vegan and will not understand or have an answer for me.  There is no answer.


You seem to want to seek out answers, yet are determined that no one has any answers worth hearing, or feel that if someone has a different viewpoint than you, then their opinion won't matter.

Depression often causes this kind of negative "Debbie Downer" kind of attitude, and therapy can help with leanring how to try to replace some of your negative thoughts with positive ones.  

I'm not trying to be hatsh, just pointing out that with your defeatist attitude, you are ready to give up before even trying.  You even resigned yourself to the fact that your thread was getting ignored here, when no one had even happened upon it yet.  See what I mean?

We'd love to help you try to work through this and support you.  Have you sought any kinds of professional help in the past for the way you feel?  Also, you mentioned something about your body giving your problems?  Can you elaborate on that a bit?  Do you have medical problems?

We're here to help if you just let us try.  Not everyone is going to disappoint you, allow yourself to be surprised!

Glad you found the site!

[revolutionoftheheart]

Hah, deafening silence, as I  expected  ... yet every other post here has a response from someone.