Does anyone else hate it when meat-eaters argue with you about being vegan?

Question

Every time I say I'm vegan, all my meat-eater friends bug me about how "they don't have to hurt the animals to get eggs and milk," even though they DO hurt the animals. Not to mention the negative health effects eggs and milk can have. (Cholesterol, fat, etc.) It seems as if meat-eaters always want to debate about other people's dietary choices and convert them to being omnivores. It's quite annoying and I wanted to see if anyone else agreed or has had the same experience.

Answer 1

My friends have been very good with my decision to become animal-friendly.

When I was confronted with the question about dairy and eggs I told them that dairy cows and egg hens are still slaughtered when they become unproductive.  And I told them that the dairy industry is directly related to veal production.  Since most meat-eaters won't even eat veal because of cruelty reasons, I felt it was important to educate them on the issue.

People often say they can understand vegetarianism but not veganism.  However, when I get through with them, they realize that veganism is definitely the more consistent route.

Answer 2

I find it annoying too. I was once at a resturant and these people by our table kept saying how unhealthy vegans are. Most of us are pretty healthy :D They didn't know I was a vegan though.

Answer 3

I'm a Meat Eater & it bothers me when people bash others just b/c of their eating habits. Isn't there enough hate in this world?  Don't people have better things to worry about than to worry about how someone eats? Pathetic.

Answer 4

No, I hate it when vegans push their opinions on carnivorous self.  I don't knock vegans, and push my views on you.  Why are you pushing your views on me.

Answer 5

From the omnivore's perspective, I've always thought the any vegetarian that is not a vegan is a hypocrite. Like you said, milk- and egg-producing animals often don't have it better than meat animals and I consider eggs a form of animal flesh.On a deeper level, I can understand going vegan for health or environmental benefits but think "cruelty" is not a great reason to be a vegan. After all, you're killing a carrot or lettuce plant to eat just the same as you'd be killing a cow. Why does one life form gain precedence over another simply because it "has a face?"  

Answer 6

It happens the other way around much more often.

Answer 7

I've read through this thread about three times now and the thing that strikes me is the generalizations contained herein. I have only ever known two militant vegans (and I have also known a couple militant omnivores). All my other vegan and vegetarian friends have been really cool. And just as I didn't appreciate being preached to by the two exceptions, I don't get on anybody for their choices. I feel really bad for those of you who have been preached to regarding the choice to become vegan and I can honestly say that the people preaching (on both sides -vegan and otherwise) are not educated. I can also say that the preaching tends to be rooted in good intentions. People get passionate on both sides because they really believe in what they're saying; often times, it is also rooted in genuine concern. Many people feel that veganism cannot possibly be healthy, just as some people feel that it is not healthy to eat meat. Those of us smart enough to question opinions have learned otherwise and know that either choice could be beneficial or disastrous depending on the details of practice.

Good vegans balance their diets and make sure they're getting plenty of protein, iron, and other nutrients common to a well-balanced omnivorous diet. We are lucky to be living in a time where we have so many food choices available to provide variety and bountiful health. Good omnivores know where their meat comes from, what it is fed, whether or not it has been altered with horrible hormones and antibiotics, and whether or not it ever gets any natural excercise out in the open. We know our dairy too, and some of us even know our beekeepers. Either way, vegan or omnivore, to do it right takes a lot of effort and education.

I feel just as bad for the vegetarians who live on bean burritos and subway veggie delights as I do for the mega-mart shoppers who blindly throw value packs of chicken b*****s and frozen pizzas into their shopping carts. These two groups may have opposite interests, but no one can deny that either lifestyle is terribly dangerous for the same reason: lack of proper nutrition, which can lead to so many health concerns.

To all the polite and educated vegans out there, I applaud you and wish you all the best, same for the educated omnivores who realize that veganism and vegetarianism are now healthy alternative dietary choices. All we can do is try to be patient and educate the ones who are willing to listen and learn.

And as for why meat eaters are hanging out in the vegetarian and vegan section, I'm sure there are a few uneducated ambush posters out there, but I know I'm here looking for recipes and good conversation about new food products. I may be an omnivore, but there are so many great vegan recipes I'd be a fool to rule any of them out. ^_~

Answer 8

I go not have that problem because I do not bring up my dietary choices except when asked or in this forum.