Anti Vegetarian?!
Anti Vegetarian?
Why are so many people against vegetarians? Like seriously how does it affect them? When I became a vegetarian about a year ago, I would have never imagined so many people who hate me becuase of it.
Answers:
Some of the answers here explain perfectly why vegetarians have a bad reputation. But it's not their answer that are right. If you look at the militant tone of some of these replies, you understand why non-vegetarians get hostile.
Too many vegetarians act as if they are somehow better people because they are vegetarians. And comments like "I hope all you animal killers are reincarnated as pigs" really don't help the matter.
I like meat, and I make no apologies for that. I understand that livestock is not always treated well, and I don't agree with abusing the animals. But to condemn those of use that enjoy a good burger because we don't agree with your personal philosophy is descrimination and intolerance.
You are entitled to your lifestyle, and I am entitled to mine.
They don't hate you, they just don't understand Vegetarianism. Most people when you say, "I'm a vegetarian" start thinking that they should hide thier leather boots because you are going to splash red paint on them. If you explaine, and if they will listen, to them the reasons you cut meat out of your diet, the might understand. I like what PETA stands for, but there are some people out there that just make it hard on the rest of the world.
If they hate you, you have nothing to lose by telling them to go fu*k themselves. They feel bad because their bodies are polluted with the rotting carcasses of your friends.
PETA- People for the Eating of Tasty Animals...lol...umm do what you like that means more meat for us meat eaters!
Yeah I get really angry when people turn against me for being a vegetarian. I should show them all the videos on peta.com, it would make even a meat eater want to punch any farmer in the face. I don't know how people eat meat and then defend themselves. I hope they all get reincarnated into pigs and beaten with medal rods until all their limbs fall off. lol.. sorry. I get so angry about this subject...
UPDATE: Sorry, I had just finished watching some videos on PETA.com when I posted the above comment. I definitely don't have a high and mighty attitude and everyone in my family is a big-time meat eater. I am the only vegetarian and I love my family no matter what they eat. I don't judge anyone. I guess I was just cranky yesterday. But I do understand why a lot of us vegetarians catch a bad rep, some of us just take it too far. Hence, my comment from yesterday... Oh, and about the pig thing, I meant I wish that on everyone who continuously mocks me for being a vegetarian. I grew up eating meat and didn't know any different, so I wouldn't wish that on all meat eaters. We were all raised around it. But I shouldn't be taunted for changing my lifestyle. I don't even tell people I'm vegetarian unless it's an absolute must! Because I know what their reactions are going to be.
people attack what they don't understand. some people honestly think you are damaging your health, others stereotype you into what the media says is a vegetarian or vegan. my friend's dad even tried to prove to her how it was against her religion (christian) to be a vegetarian! we all need to really educate the people around us about our particular motives and beliefs and try and distance ourselves from the people who still can't accept us.
I have people coming to me all the time asking if dont think by eating plant based food, I'm not killing plants,is that not murder etc. I think people i.e.non-vegetarians feel threatened by vegetarians, its almost like homophobes feeling threatened by gays. Like we are challenging their lifestyle and their choices. And its really not. I'm very comfortable eating my veggies sitting with friends devouring steak. Do a lot of non-vegetarians feel a pinch of guilt maybe?
Rohak summed it up perfectly.
People will always have a knack to dissapoint someone who does not share thier beliefs,that simple.It happens in food,Music,Religion,all sorts of things.And since the vast majority of the population are carnivores,you have to at least accept the fact that they will always taunt and mock you for eating organic/non-animal foods.Like your weak or something.
Just like PETA likes to mock meat-lovers calling them dead carcass eaters!I have compassion for animals,and I hate seeing them abused,but damn,dont go name calling others just because they eat meat and wear leather!It's foolish and suprisingly,american.
I agree with Rohak. The high and mighty tone that MOST vegetarians I have run across make me want to punch them, as if they are better than those of us on a balanced diet getting protein from animal sources.
It is extremely frustrating isn't it. I don't know why. Some of them do it just to be jerks and they probably pick at other people about other things too. Other people might do it because they feel guilty and others might do it because they don't understand or are uneducated- and that often leads people to dislike if they don't understand.
I guess just talk about it with your vegetarian (and non-vegetarian) friends to let off steam. If the people going on about it are interested to hear you then maybe educate them about vegetarianism, otherwise just ignore them (not that it's easy to do!)
In the end I think people are frightened by things that are different from what they are used to. You scare them because you have chosen to be different. Have compassion for them, just as you do for the poorly treated animals. Your lifestyle is a personal choice, you don't have to draw attention to it. Just quietly make your food selections and be grateful we have so many choices. People can only hear what they are ready to hear, you can set them an example by your actions, not your words. And remember that everyone deserves love and respect - whether they eat meat or not they are our brothers.
its silly isnt it? I am amazed at how passionate people are about other peoples diet. I dont give a flip what any one eats, and they shouldn't care what I eat. I think they have guilt issues, or something, because they don't have the balls to make healthy choices
because there sad people who dont have a life of there own!! i think you have done the right thing by going Vegetarian. maby the meat eaters should look at some websites on the net and see how much the poor animals suffer before being killed.
Just learn to live oblivious to what other people
think or say about your diet. If at all possible
avoid arguing or debating about your lifestyle.
You'll find as I have that your diet is of no
consequence to most people if you don't
volunteer information about it. Unless it's
another vegetarian or a [person earnestly
trying to become one don't waste your
time trying to explain yourself.
Also develop a thick skin. There will always
be ignorant hecklers no matter how benevolent
and mild mannered you conduct yourself.
People in general have a tendency to judge
others based on their own personal taste,
belief systems, and habits. If you are doing
something different from them they will swear
out that you are wrong. Just ignore them and
keep your head up.
Last of all, take comfort in your peace of mind,
fitness, and good health. The best revenge is
success. Only 40% of all vegetarians are clinically
obese. In comparison 60% of all non-vegs have
weight problems. Those making fun of you will
probably envy you one day.
Because vegetarians don't make a difference and they force thier beliefs on others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k65z-ncfr... ARE YOU READY???!!!!
I know this has absolutely nothing to do with your question, but did you know that some candy, like gummiebears, have animal in them? Creepy huh? It is no lie.... So even though you are a vegetarian, you might not be.
It's the American way to automatically hate something that is a deviation from their 'norm'. Foreign and alternate views are looked down upon in your society. Just be true to yourself and know that you're making the right decision; ethically and health-wise.
I dont think this just happens in America.
I'm in England and I know some people who seem a bit anti vegetarian.
yeah, i have been one for seven years, and people never stop. it is because people have this huge inability to mind their own business. if someone bugs you about it, just ignore it. however, they have every right to bug you about it if you are preaching to them, so definitely dont do that. it's your choice, just as eating meat is their choice, so if nobody bugs anybody else about their own choices, we would all get along better
I am vegetarian & people think you're some kind of health nut. Some kind of extremist. Perhaps your being vegetarian even pricks their consciences. Anyway, I am vegetarian all my life & am proud of it because I am healthier than my critics!