You know the saying: Life imitates art. And for vegans, this can be a profound experience—being moved by music, film, literature, or art that often depicts the undeniable truth that our animal friends deserve to be treated better. For many of us, these mediums are our first introduction to a new reality—a world where respect reigns across all species. Sometimes we're keenly aware of this as it happens. Other times it can be decades before we understand the power these works of art have on our lives.
Have a look at some of these influences. Have you been impacted by any of them to go or stay vegan? What's missing from the list?
- The Smiths: Like many Smiths fans, I'll never forget the first moment I heard their music: in my friend’s bedroom on one of those old, cheap, portable record players. It was Meat is Murder, but it certainly led me to discover the album a short time later, its haunting melodies, Morrissey's unmistakably urgent voice. Shortly after listening to that album (100 times in a row), I made my first attempt to go vegetarian. It failed, mostly because my parents wouldn't "allow" it, but it eventually returned, and for good.
- Dr. Seuss' The Lorax: While we often think of this book as being mostly environmental, it also has a strong message about the horrific conditions animals endure at the hands of our industrial fetish. Those poor Bar-ba-loots!
- Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book: One of the most beloved books of all time, Kipling's use of animals to teach moral lessons reminds us of the ultimate in morality: respect for all creatures.
George Orwell's Animal Farm: The animals rise up and take over? 'Nuff said.- Babe (Film): A more recent movie that gives a voice to farm animals, its power is immense and not only inspires young people all across the globe, but it even inspired the film's actor James Cromwell to become a powerful voice for the animals.
- Yann Martel's Life of Pi (and the movie!): Not only is lead character Pi a vegetarian, but he befriends a tiger (Richard Parker) who becomes his lifeline—a way of staying sane in an immensely tough situation. It's a reminder that we don't necessarily have to understand—or be able to snuggle with—an animal in order to respect its right to live.
- Pink Floyd's Echoes: This classic psychedelic rock record is better known as a soundtrack for mind-altering substances, but it's eerie, cryptic sound is also deeply transformative. "Echoes" paints a particularly vivid picture, and the floating albatross it speaks of is more than just scenery—it inspires awe and respect.
- Hans Christian Anderson's The Ugly Duckling: A classic children's story about the swan who gets adopted by a duck and is teased for looking different, it's not only a story we as humans can relate too, but it makes us appreciate the variety of animals and what makes each of them totally unique.
- E.T. (film): While he's not an animal, E.T. is a loveable and often confusing creature, but he shows his intelligence and love for life just the same. The scene where Elliot frees the frogs from dissection is also a powerful sticking point.
Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger
