You know how people say once certain things have been seen they can't be unseen? Usually its something horribly traumatic like an accident or maybe a murder. Sometimes even seeing it on television burns it into the brain. Time goes by and it works it's way out of your brain, but now and again it pops us and you remember how terrible it was.
What if you were presented with the evidence of people being beaten, threatened with a gun, chained to a chair and afraid for their lives? They're not prisoners. Just people living their daily lives. Yes, I said their daily lives. These people make your clothing. They assemble your shoes, computers, toys etc. Yes, the ones you buy for your kids too! They are paid a wage below poverty level and treated like prisoners. All so we don't have to pay a high price for a poor quality product. All so companies can make more and more money. Make money on the backs of innocent human beings just trying to make their way in the world. Many of them never having a choice. Some of them come from indigenous tribes that have been forced into modern society by other humans thinking they are offering them a better life.
What if you were presented with the evidence of your dog being skinned alive. That would be terrible! If you're a dog person and read this you squirmed a little, I know you did. This happens to all sorts of animals all over the world. Animals that become your food, your boots, your purses, hats wallets, jackets etc. They suffer. Why is your dog a more worthy animal than a cow or a pig or a chicken etc.? Why? We deal with animals the same why humans deal with each other. We put them in categories. Black, white, skinny, fat, rich, poor, worthy, not worthy. I guess it shouldn't be a surprise we are the same way with animals.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying don't eat meat. I love meat. But, if you're going to eat it be sure they are cared for well as they grow and when they die that they are not forced to suffer unnecessarily. Think about it this way. Could you kill your food? A lot of people are probably pretty squeamish about that. I could do it to feed my family. I could. If you landed in the "I could do it" category, could you slaughter the animal the way the factory farms do it? Can you see yourself treating the animal like the lowest life form on the planet up until it dies? That low life is for your nourishment. You should have respect for that animal for giving it's life to feed you.
We are so far removed from the realities of where our products come from. We even hear about it and quickly put it out of our minds. It's just a harsh reality we don't want to face. Because hey, we like the jeans we get at Target! I worked hard for my money, so I want a pair of nice jeans at a decent price. You think you work hard? Think about who made those jeans. That's hard work. We walk through the meat section of the grocery store and everything is so far removed from the idea that it was once an animal. Every cut of steak. Every slice of turkey is from an actual living and breathing animal. An animal that can feel pain. An animal raised incorrectly and treated like....well meat. Now, I don't take anyone who reads my blog as stupid. I know when it's pointed out everyone is very aware the meat in the store comes from an animal. But, do you think of that as you pass by each selection? Do you stop to think about if it lived a decent life? I do. A decent life means a really good piece of meat. Not something that has a larger chance to be tainted. I mean if you won't think about it for the animal at least think about it for yourself. You really trust that meat going in your mouth? The food industry is very sad.
But I have seen too much to look away and forget. I strive everyday to be more conscious of these autocracies. I haven't eaten even a little meat in almost a month. I've learned to cook vegetarian. I haven't bought clothing or shoes or anything for longer than that. I've always been good about shopping thrift stores. At least I'm not buying into the companies hurting people to make a profit.
Am I perfect? Absolutely not! Am I judging people for their choices? No. Because they have been raised in the same system than I have. The system that basically says if we don't see it then it's not happening. But once people are made aware and read about the treatment of people and animals and even the earth they should want to make a positive change. Especially if they claim to care about people and care about animals. It should be a no brainer.
My eyes are open and I will see terrible things that bring tears to my eyes, but the more aware I am the better I understand how I can make a change.
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