Increasing Awareness

When I first became vegan my main reasoning behind the switch was the wide range of health benefits that a plant-based diet has to offer, however as I carried out more research my awareness grew. I began to learn about the blatant mistreatment of animals worldwide due to factors such as factory farming and the fur industry. Suddenly my reasons such as merely searching for a healthy diet seemed self-centered and mild in comparison to the ever-growing list of ethical advantages the vegan lifestyle presents.

As a seventeen year old student that is on the brink of finishing schooling and moving on to university, ultimately I would  love to aid in making a difference and help protect the lives of the vulnerable. However because I am not able to reach out and create an instant solution - I don't think anyone is - I am starting on a smaller scale and urging you become more aware or to just do something minor in the community to help increase awareness.

In the hope of even influencing one person to participate in a plant-based lifestyle, I want to suggest the two documentaries that most influenced my own decision. I know most people are uncomfortable watching evidence of animal cruelty, however I believe that simply watching a documentary is a perfect way to truly understand the mistreatment that occurs. It can often be all to easy to become caught up in the "drama" of our own lives and these films help serve as a reminder of the repercussions that can be inflicted by our daily choices.

Farm To Fridge

The first documentary that opened up my eyes was the short film Farm To Fridge. The footage only spans for a little over ten minutes however it helps to highlight the outrageous injustice that occurs in the farming industry. The images recorded on a hand held camera identify the conditions of animals in areas such as poultry, dairy and beef that occur in farms across America.

Earthlings

In a similar style to Farm To Fridge, Earthlings portrays an inside look into the animal torture that occurs on a daily basis around the world. However instead of focusing solely on the farming industry, the slightly longer film also targets areas such as entertainment and clothing. The documentary initially also provides viewpoints in relation to the act of speciesism that alone prove a interesting watch.

"In the behaviour towards creatures,

all men [are] Nazis.

The smugness in which man could

do with other species as he pleased

exemplify the most extreme racist theories"