How do you explain to an Imbecile why you are a vegan? ?

Question

They keep asking me questions why this, why that! Seriously I want to slap them! then to top it off they ask "if we dont eat the animals what happens to them, where do they live?" I thought most people knew that animals are born to be slaughtered, tortured and killed. So hence the slaughter......there would not be millions of cows,pigs,chickens ect. roaming the planet!!! very frustrated right now!!

Answer 1

Just say "I'm allergic to meat." That will shut them up long enough to get away from them.  

Answer 2

This is a rant, not a question.  If I acted like a vegan I'd report you and have it removed simply because I don't like it.

Answer 3

Hmm.. animals are born Now to be Slaughtered.. to be used as food.. you seriously think if No one ate meat.. that people would still slaughter the animals.. what do you do with all the dead animals? fertilizer? and why do you waste your time talking with Imbeciles.. and why do you call people imbeciles who have different views than you? I think if anything you should be frustrated with your self..  

Answer 4

Well, as an Ethical Vegetarian, not a vegan, I take great joy when people ask me to explain, because I see it as a chance to try and convince them to be vegetarian too. You have to note that they already think you're crazy because you're outside of the 'mainstream,' even though you're far more right then they are. They'll ignore that because you're not the same as everyone else.

When explaining it to them, however, there are a few rules that you can follow to overcome the fact that they are predisposed to think you're an extremist.

1: Never be profane. Cursing at someone just makes them stop listening. It's not a matter of 'dumbing down language' or that there's any thing wrong with cursing in itself, but it makes people combative, and that is exactly what you don't want.

2: Never single out anyone. Calling the person you're talking to an 'imbecile' while it may be true, won't work, because they won't respect your arguments if they don't respect you, and they won't respect you if you don't respect them. Even if you don't respect them, don't let on.

3: Don't let them hog the floor. This kinda contradicts with 4. What I mean, is they will explain a point to DEATH like for example the one that you've noted, I've had hour long digressions on, that's not the reason why you're a vegan, so don't let it dominate the discussion.

4: Talk softly. Whenever you're quiet, people listen.

5: Never give up. You're right, explain it to them, don't let them think small of you.

Doing that will get you most of the way, beyond that you need good rhetoric. The response to the point about the total population animals on the planet is that if everyone shared your views, you would have a different way to solve the problem. That is not the issue, however, the animals are there, and the slaughter will continue as long as so many people are omnivores. The most positive effect we can have on the world, environment, animals, ourselves and society, is to not support the meat industry, most criminal of industries. To convince them that the meat industry is in fact evil all that you have to do is quote some statistics and it becomes self apparent.

When it comes to rhetoric, use what you learned in English, it actually works, especially if you had a good teacher. If you still need more help you can look it up http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetoric . In my opinion the key to good rhetoric is a valid logical argument at its center. Definition is the key to good logic.

In short, try, but don't expect to change the world. and remember the center of argument is definition, in the end, the argument naturally leads to vegetarianism, or even veganism. Just use good arguments, and follow the debate rules I stated earlier, and you will get your point across.  

Answer 5

I don't know what to tell you because I can't tell who is the imbecile. the one asking the question or the one who can't answer it.

Millions of animals are born everyday but not for slaughter. Pigs, cows and chickens are not the only animals in this planet. I thought most people knew that already.  

Answer 6

I wouldn't bother.  If the person is an imbecile, he/she wouldn't understand anyway.  : )

Answer 7

Try to be patient. Most people aren't very familiar with veganism and will naturally have a lot of questions about it. Just being in the presence of a vegan will sometimes make a person feel very defensive about his/her own food choices, like they have to justify to you why they eat meat. Whatever you do, don't act condescending or holier-than-thou... that's the surest way to turn people off and prevent them from seriously considering a vegetarian or vegan diet.

One thing you can do is go to http://ar.vegnews.org/ and find the questions that you're asked the most often. Try to rephrase the answers in your own words and maybe even practice them with a friend. After awhile, you'll be able to automatically give a good response.

I hope this helps.

Answer 8

i get that "animals only purpose in life is to be eaten" attitude from my supposed 'best friend' all the time. just don't bother explaining to people who really don't care about your opinions and avoid making it known that you are a vegan.i'm not saying don't be proud of it but you just don't want everyone you know asking the same questions.

Answer 9

Maybe they just want to understand your view point, and by the way, you're being a bit of an idiot by not understanding the view point of people who DO eat meat. Honestly, there would a significant growth in the population of cows, pigs, chickens, etc. because there aren't enough predators to keep their populations in check.

Answer 10

You should not let it get to you. They just want a rise out of you. And by giving in, they are getting what they want.

There are some things that I firmly believe in and some people think I'm crazy for it. But I know where I stand and that is all that matters

Answer 11

You don't - ignorance is their choice so why should you get an ulcer trying to educate them? Really they are just trying to "get your goat" and it sounds like they are winning. Next time they ask, and I am sure they will, simply say it is a personal decision. Then move on if they persist, walk away. Think of it like training a dog not to jump on you when you walk in the room, by not feeding their inquest it will stop. Good Luck!

Answer 12

I know what you mean.  They are not going to be smart no matter how much you teach them though.  Just tell them to get bent or do some research:)

Answer 13

well, have you thought to just keep your personal philosophies to yourself, saving you and others from any issues?

Answer 14

It's hard to reason with an imbecile!!

I would generally just get a bored look on my face and answer their questions with no emotion. So often these people think they are being clever and original. When you show them that you have heard it all before they are going to be less likely to keep up the conversation.

Answer 15

corvato did you think that maybe she does and people are rude to her without her instigating it???!!  vegs get hte bad rap and people who eat meat (some not all!) dont' realize just how rude and PUSHY they are...

to the asker... yes it's frustrating :/ i hate that argument... you would think it's obvious, well duh we are breeding and raising the animals so when we stop they won't just "over run" the place... besides, if that's their concern shouldn't they focus on the overpopulation of people and how a veg diet is more sustainable?