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Disturbing Film - "Earthlings"

12K views 64 replies 42 participants last post by  Vidaloco 
#1 ·
This past weekend my son and I participated in a anti-fur protest and one of our fellow protestors gave me a copy of a film called "Earthlings". Although the film does not focus specifically on our use of and relationship with horses, they are included and discussed with a variety of other animals with whom we co-habitate with here on earth. It was produced in 2007 and is narrated by the actor Joaquin Phoenix.
If you are interested in educating yourself and your family about how humans treat our fellow species and how it is impacting our environment and health this is an excellent film. I caution that it is not for everyone, it will make you cry and you may never want to eat meat or fish again, wear leather, or continue to "look the other way" and ignore what is going on with our so-called food supply, clothing industry and entertainment industry. It will probably give you a few nightmares and I would never show it to young children who do not have the skills to deal with the graphic nature of the film.
If you are interested in viewing the film and can not find a free copy of it from a local animal rights organization chapter, send me an PM and I will make sure a copy gets sent to you.
 
#3 ·
Sounds interesting, I will hafta check it out. Thanx for the info!

Kudos on the protest! I did stuff like that back in the day....... Now I am too involved with nursing school and kids and horses. I was so proud of myself when I (well, WE) got locked up protesting the nuclear plant being built, ahhhhh, back in the day.....:lol:
 
#4 ·
I am a meat eater and will always be... I hunt, fish, and have assisted in raising cattle, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and sheep for human consumption.

i did go to the website and watched the vidoes that they had on there and I do get upset over movies like this. I get upset in one way because of how some of the human race has been so cruel to other humans, animals, and nature. But it also upsets me because they bring out the worst in the human race... showing Hitler, the KKK, and the mass feed lots for a few examples. What about the people that raise the animals with repect?

There are many farmers that provide fresh feed, water, and bedding to the meat animals. Like when we raised and butchered, the animal was killed by a quick bolt to the head (ive seen it done many times)... also I feel that God provided the animals for us to eat (and other animals to eat), he also made plants and water available for the animals to grow (and humans)

The DNR puts limits in on how much wild game can be leagally taken- and they enforce it very tightly (atleast around where I hunt). Most people follow the rules but there is also times that some people don't, which ruins the way "outside" people look at hunting or fishing.

I know you didnt start the thread to offend anyone (which Im not offended) Im just putting my 2 cents in about how I feel with animal rights organizations... I agree that the way some things are run needs to stop but it shouldnt make everyone stop eating meat either....
 
#5 ·
I am a vegetarian, and try and only eat free range, organic eggs and milk. I try and not use leather when there is a suitable substitute. I don't wear fur.

But I do agree that a lot of the organizations are a bit over the top. There is a middle ground between the abuse and the exaggeration of how bad these industries are.
 
#6 ·
I eat meat love the stuff actually and just have never heard a logical reason to ban eating any species. Myself I don't take videos that are one sided seriously regardless who makes them or which side of an issue they represent. I've worked in the slaughter industry for decades and small livestock operations to large scale operations. Some of all are very very well run and some of all are very poorly run. The vast majority of both are very good and always have been.
 
#10 ·
I eat meat love the stuff actually and just have never heard a logical reason to ban eating any species. Myself I don't take videos that are one sided seriously regardless who makes them or which side of an issue they represent. I've worked in the slaughter industry for decades and small livestock operations to large scale operations. Some of all are very very well run and some of all are very poorly run. The vast majority of both are very good and always have been.



I couldn't agree with you more.
 
#8 ·
This past weekend my son and I participated in a anti-fur protest and one of our fellow protestors gave me a copy of a film called "Earthlings". Although the film does not focus specifically on our use of and relationship with horses, they are included and discussed with a variety of other animals with whom we co-habitate with here on earth. It was produced in 2007 and is narrated by the actor Joaquin Phoenix.
If you are interested in educating yourself and your family about how humans treat our fellow species and how it is impacting our environment and health this is an excellent film. I caution that it is not for everyone, it will make you cry and you may never want to eat meat or fish again, wear leather, or continue to "look the other way" and ignore what is going on with our so-called food supply, clothing industry and entertainment industry. It will probably give you a few nightmares and I would never show it to young children who do not have the skills to deal with the graphic nature of the film.
If you are interested in viewing the film and can not find a free copy of it from a local animal rights organization chapter, send me an PM and I will make sure a copy gets sent to you.
Sorry, but have you never ridden in a leather saddle, or worn leather boots?
 
#12 ·
I am a meat eater and thats not gonna change mostly because i love the stuff. I have had a first hand look at places where people raise their animals for human consumption such as cows, sheep, pigs, and such. It really bothers me that some videos (im not saying that this one says that or anything as i have not watched it yet) Only show the bad side of the industry. I have family that own a dairy farm and their cows are treated as if they were humans! It really gives those people who are doing their job a bad name, people really cannot look at every single farm that raises animals to be eaten as "Oh My Goodness those kind of people are horrible and treat their animals like crap!" Most farmers treat their animals with the upmost respect.
 
#13 ·
I think it's great that you believe in something and you're protesting the fur industry. That's great. Although I really like my leather boots and my bunny fur lined slippers. I don't know what I'd do without them on cold nights. ;)

I love eating meat. In fact, I'm eating it right now! vegetarian diets aren't really good for children either. Protein and iron are so important to their development that to stop the meat industry altogether would be very bad for the human children all over the world. I believe animals were made for our consumption and companionship. I think they deserve to be treated well up until their time has come. But seriously, some people take it too far when they decide that ALL meat and leather goods come from abused, neglected, mistreated, tortured animals.

I'm glad you stand up for something you believe. But I reserve and exercise my right to disagree.

Some of my favorite meats are:
Steak
Ground beef (for the hamburgers)
Fried or baked chicken
Salmon
Lamb!
Turkey (mmm gobble gobble)
Piggies for the pepperoni and sausage on my pizza...
gotta love eggs (they count right?)

Let's face it. Some people will treat their children like junk let alone an animal. It's not that animals get the brunt of it. There is just some really cruel humans out their. Some even beat and batter their own spouses, children. How many starving children do you think there is in the world? To me, that's more worth my time saving to be honest. I love animals... but I love children more...

Sorry bout the randomness LOL
 
#14 ·
I saw the film - and I have to say it's a good way to make some people think a little about the situation, to be somewhat informed and aware what some people ale capable of, and it's usually just passed over in silence.

The title might make us think about all relationships with all the beings on our World, but the film strictly reffers to the negative sides of it and all the cruelty and how disgusting human kind can be.
I'm a meat-eater, all my family is and it's kind of tradition in here. I'm not proud of it, but I understand the "need" of eating meat and all animal-products with proteins and all the stuff it gives us. If we want to use other living beings for our purpose why the hell don't we make it easier to them? Yet we use their lives for our purposed and sometimes we treat them worse than a thing!
Talk about justice - there is no such a thing in this world!
 
#15 ·
ugh!!! yes there are horrible sluaghter places but not all of them are. These people only show the bad ones, that should be shut down, but there are good kind ones out there. Cows were made to be eaten!! im sick of all this poor cows poor animals, they should not be eaten, bla bla bla. if we didnt do anything with them, we would be overrun with cows and other animals!!
 
#16 ·
I agree with almost everyone on here. I eat meat and use leather products because I believe leather is better for the environment than synthetics (due to the energy in the production methods and the chemicals used). I try where possible to only eat free range chicken and pork because in Australia these are the animals which are farmed in tiny little cages. I eat only grass fed beef because I believe using grain for beef and lamb is a waste and detrimental to the environment and those animals are not biologically supposed to eat grain. all the animals I eat are processed in reputable, highly regulated abbatoirs. This film was good because it shows just how horrible humans can be. But I do not believe that these people are in the majority, atleast not here in Australia. Just as people who abuse and starve their horses are not in the majority. It is a good film to inform those who do not think about their food choices at all to get them to open their minds and think about how the food gets onto their plate.
 
#17 ·
that movie disturbed me in a lot of ways.I am vegan because I put myself in the animals places.If I was an animal would I want to die? No.I would want to live.
 
#18 ·
Bleh. Websites like these are simply biased facts put together. Doesn't affect me much at all. These people say that they are only trying to be good, when in fact they are only pointing out the negative things that humans have done.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Rather than not eating meat, which makes very little effect, in my opinion, we need to fight for LAWS for ethical treatment of animals. Not everyone in this world is going to be a vegan... sorry it's never going to happen. But, if everyone could be educated on how horribly we treat animals, all over the world, maybe we can change THE TREATMENT of animals.

and wow, whatever they were skinning and it was still alive, that sent a shiver down me... UGH how disgusting. How can we treat other souls like that? I believe in something a lot like hinduism, personally, and it's DISGUSTING to treat animals less then us. We're one.

Honestly though, most of the world can't even treat OTHER HUMANS with any shred of respect... so how are they expected to treat animals that way?
 
#23 ·
ugh!!! yes there are horrible sluaghter places but not all of them are. These people only show the bad ones, that should be shut down, but there are good kind ones out there. Cows were made to be eaten!! im sick of all this poor cows poor animals, they should not be eaten, bla bla bla. if we didnt do anything with them, we would be overrun with cows and other animals!!
About the cow part.. How do you know cows were made to be eaten? Did you make them? How would you like to be cooked up tonight to satisfy someone?
I realize that many of you have different opinions on this.. but you cannot assume that cows were meant to be eaten jjust because you eat them.
I believe that its the way of life, and the food chain. Lions and tigers and other predators eat weaker animals (prey).. to survive.
I agree that eating meat is okay for people and it is not cruel most of the time.
But, what makes me mad, is when people eat meat nonstop and thats all they ever eat, sausage for breakfast, burgers for lunch, and ribs for dinner.
That disturbs me, because you dont need that much meat!! Only eat it when you need it. At the max. once per day. You dont need meat all the the time to survive.. do you?
Also, we dont need to kill animals for no reason either. like for fur fashion. You dont need a gorgeous designer fur coat to survive. NO. We are an advanced society, we have heaters, blankets, jackets houses etc.
I hate it when people take advantage of the world we have today, when many dont have even near to what we have.

Anyways.. to add it all up. I am a vegitarian, I always will be. I am still healthy. I eat seafood, eggs, beans for protein. Lots of fruits and veggies.
I dont hate people who eat meat. I dont disagree with it, I just really dont like it. Go ahead, eat your meat, I wont say rude remarks like some other people.
The thing I disagree with, is the inhumane slaughtering of animals. If you slaughter them painlessly and quickly, Im fine with that. They dont suffer dying. But, to make them suffer for more than a few seconds, is pure cruel. Would you rather be bled to death for several minutes, even hours before you die! OR.. would you rather be shot in the head, and be gone that very second, then to feel the pain.
Thats JMO
 
#25 ·
But, what makes me mad, is when people eat meat nonstop and thats all they ever eat, sausage for breakfast, burgers for lunch, and ribs for dinner.
That disturbs me, because you dont need that much meat!! Only eat it when you need it. At the max. once per day. You dont need meat all the the time to survive.. do you?
Also, we dont need to kill animals for no reason either. like for fur fashion. You dont need a gorgeous designer fur coat to survive. NO. We are an advanced society, we have heaters, blankets, jackets houses etc.
I hate it when people take advantage of the world we have today, when many dont have even near to what we have.
What does it matter the amounts of meat people eat if they're going to eat it nonetheless? If I don't eat it, someone else will. It's already out there. I have no problem with anyone being a vegetarian or vegan, but I eat meat. I enjoy sausage with my eggs, a burger for lunch, and steak for dinner.

Have you ever used a leather saddle and reins? What about your riding boots? Synethetic or leather?
 
#26 ·
What does it matter the amounts of meat people eat if they're going to eat it nonetheless? If I don't eat it, someone else will. It's already out there. I have no problem with anyone being a vegetarian or vegan, but I eat meat. I enjoy sausage with my eggs, a burger for lunch, and steak for dinner.

Have you ever used a leather saddle and reins? What about your riding boots? Synethetic or leather?
It matters, because not as many animals will be slaughtered if everyone cuts back on their meat.. you dont need that much meat to survive, and the only reason we eat food is to keep our bodies running.
I never said I had anything wrong with you, good for you. But, IMO, it bothers me when people are chomping down ribs till their stuffed.

Omg, dont think Im like one of those people who are like THAT. I have no problem with any of that. The only thing I have a problem with is inhumane slaughter and cruelty. If we all cut back on meat, less animals would be slaughtered, and the chance of them being slaughtered inhumanely will be reduced.

Yes. I use leather saddles and bridles. My riding boots are leather.
As I said, I have no problem with it.
 
#27 ·
If we all cut back on meat, less animals would be slaughtered, and the chance of them being slaughtered inhumanely will be reduced.
quote]

Unfortunately, that's being a bit too idealistic. I would LOVE if inhumane slaughter was done away with, but I don't think reducing the amount of meat people consume is realistic.
 
#28 ·
Unfortunately, that's being a bit too idealistic. I would LOVE if inhumane slaughter was done away with, but I don't think reducing the amount of meat people consume is realistic.
Are you serious? Its not unrealistic.. Some people ONLY eat meat, Im just saying a little bit.. just cut back a little bit. Do you think the world goes green in just one day. I bet the first person who thought of that, they were made fun of, and told, that is unrealistic. It may not happen, but it can get greener.
Not completely green, but better than it was.
Same with meat consumption, I just think if you cut back a tiny bit a day, you are not wasting.
Did you know that cows actually pollute the world? Their farts are harmful gases like cars. When people raise tons of them for meat, its polluting the world.

Im just saying this for information. But, Im not really all about it or follow it or anything.
Doesnt matter to me what you do.. its your life, and what makes you happy makes you happy :)
Im not one of those people thats like "Dont eat meat. Dont ride horses.... etc."
Def. not me. Im just giving facts that support what Im trying to explain from another point of view :)

Anyways yeah.. forget i said anything.. all I meant by what I said was that I hate inhumane slaughter. Thats all. Im sure everyone in the right mind and heart does.
 
#29 ·
Are you serious? Its not unrealistic.. Some people ONLY eat meat, Im just saying a little bit.. just cut back a little bit. Do you think the world goes green in just one day. I bet the first person who thought of that, they were made fun of, and told, that is unrealistic. It may not happen, but it can get greener.
Not completely green, but better than it was.
Same with meat consumption, I just think if you cut back a tiny bit a day, you are not wasting.
Did you know that cows actually pollute the world? Their farts are harmful gases like cars. When people raise tons of them for meat, its polluting the world.

Im just saying this for information. But, Im not really all about it or follow it or anything.
Doesnt matter to me what you do.. its your life, and what makes you happy makes you happy :)
Im not one of those people thats like "Dont eat meat. Dont ride horses.... etc."
Def. not me. Im just giving facts that support what Im trying to explain from another point of view :)

Anyways yeah.. forget i said anything.. all I meant by what I said was that I hate inhumane slaughter. Thats all. Im sure everyone in the right mind and heart does.
I was going to keep following this thread without saying anything, but the argument that cows emit enough methane to heavily affect global warming has always irked me.

Someone could also argue for humans to drink less milk, therefore reducing the need for dairy cows that burp and fart just as much as the cows that are slaughtered for meat.

Cow burps and farts contribute about 3.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of it comes from burning gasoline in the vehicles we drive (17%); 12% of greenhouse gas emissions comes from generating electricity, such as lighting, TVs, computers, refridgerators, etc.; industrial manufacturing makes up for 2%; burning jet fuel contributes 3%;...you get the picture.

Looking at it from an economic point of view, if a portion of the country reduced their beef intake, the resulting drop in prices in the industry's desperation to sell sell sell would spur on the remaining population to buy buy buy more beef and dairy products at the new lower prices. Beef would also then become a more popular foreign export in order to keep the profits up, so no matter how you look at it, us meat eaters eating less steaks and pot roast really won't be of much significance.

Okay, that's off my chest now. Sorry for hijacking the thread. Bottom line: Inhumane slaughter = BAD.
 
#30 ·
haha. yeah, i just remember someone saying something about cow farts :/
But, yeah, inhumane slaughter and cruel people are just cruel and should be shot.
 
#31 ·
I just can't love one animal and eat another.
If they had the ability to speak I am sure they would tell us they do not want humans to do the things we do to them. They have nerve endings and feel pain, fear sadness.
This is why I don't eat meat...but don't judge others that do eat it.
I watched earthlings and mostly was so sad for all the animals out there suffering at our hands, that it is happening this very moment somewhere.
 
#37 ·
I am a vegetarian, and try and only eat free range, organic eggs and milk. I try and not use leather when there is a suitable substitute. I don't wear fur.

But I do agree that a lot of the organizations are a bit over the top. There is a middle ground between the abuse and the exaggeration of how bad these industries are.

horray for vegetarians!

p.s. im a veggie :P
 
#32 ·
I didn't visit the website and I didn't watch the video. I can guess what content is on it and I don't need to see it to get the idea. I am NOT a vegetarian, because I believe that it is an essential part to the human diet and health, but I have a fierce passion for animals.
Yes, I know that we can live WITHOUT eating meat, but I don't see the need to struggle to find enough protein in alternative food sources. Don't chew me out, I don't want to get into an argument about how I'm "souless" and "cruel" because I eat meat. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I'm just voicing mine.

I believe that the answer is NOT in consuming less meat (although I do agree that meat more than 1-2 times a day should be discouraged), and that most western countries have excellent slaughter house practices. It is in countries where animal welfare isn't such a priority, where I assume most of those clips originated, that I believe the change needs to be made. Educate and adapt. Thankyou.
 
#33 ·
I feel physically sick after watching the trailer. But I know I can't stop eating meat.. I hate it and I want to be a vegetarian, I want to know how to >_< It's horrible. I feel sick at the moment and may throw up..

Please help me be a vegetarian, PM me.. please >_<
 
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