Why am I criticized for being vegetarian?

Question

Why are other people so concerned about the way of life I choose? I don't even force my ideas on other people, if you choose to eat meat, that's your decision, but I don't like people being rude to me just because they disagree with my diet. Why is that so many people feel the need to get in my face and start asking me weird questions or try making me eat something I don't want and taking a little joke too far. I don't get it often, but when it does happen it really gets on my nerves how immature people can be sometimes.

Answer 1

its because meat tastes better than vegetables

Answer 2

Cause' your a hippie.

No, seriously, I'm vegan and I've never had anyone make a rude remark. As long as it's not made into a "hey, look at me, I do this to be a unique person" kind of thing no one should know about it.

Being Veggie is a personal thing, not an identity. Just keep it low-key, no one will know.

Answer 3

In general most people are quite accepting. Don't listen to peoples criticisms. You know your doing the right thing for your self, for animals and for the environment.

People criticise mainly because they don't understand or they have a lack of knowledge.

Your diet can often raise issues that they have never questioned. This may cause them to consider their moral view and causes *some* to become defensive. Sometimes by being offensive it makes them feel better.

But for those who refuse to understand or are rude, they aren't your true friends. Also there are a handful of extremist veg*ns who propagate an extreme stereotype. This along with peoples pre-concieved stereotypes often causes this kind of behaviour.

Answer 4

It's not something that is taboo to talk about, so people aren't afraid to ask (disease and physical disability is taboo).

It's also different than the norm so people are naturally curious. If someone told you they refuse to drive in blue cars, you would probably be curious and ask some questions too :).

Answer 5

because everytime there is a party, the host has to think of making vegetarian food to cater for you.

Answer 6

Firstly, people are tough to eat meat. From primary school to secondary school even until university, teachers teach us that we must eat meat if we want to become healthy, because it is the only source of protein with complete amino acid that our body need. But  recently i found out that this fact was wrong, plant can provide complete amino acid to our body also.

Secondly, advertisement also told us that, we need to eat meat to become healthy, but actually this is just one of the business strategy and it has influence us very deeply.

thirdly, maybe people around you care about you, they concern that your body will become week if you are not taking any meat. this is because they don't understand the benefit to become a vegetarian, please forgive them and feel pity of them.

Answer 7

they just dont understand vegetarianism. you could tell them about if you have the guts. what reason are you vegetarian? health reasons? tell them you want a better life stye. Animal reasons? because you dont want to eat dead aniamls on your plate. You just dont like meat? tell them i just dont care about eating meat. i dont like meat. there are things you dont like and you dont eat i dont tease you about that.

if all else fails ignore them! they dont now what thier talking about.

Answer 8

because they know you are making a good life choice and they are mad they dont have enough will power to do it themselves .

Answer 9

When people are confronted with something unfamiliar in a social situation, they often will react in a variety of different ways. Some will poke fun, some will hurl insults, some will sabotage you.

They are displaying not only their ignorance but also their immaturity. If they are not able to accept (and respect!) you and your decision to not eat meat, they are absolute losers. Their actions and words just illustrate the fact that they do not know how to politely interact with someone who is different from them. They are to be pitied.

Sorry that happens to you! Just keep your chin up and stay strong. The animals that you are saving are more important than any veggie joke they can tell anyway.

;-)

Answer 10

when people see somebody different from them (either in terms of color, beliefs, values, and in your case eating habits), they think that this person is doing something wrong. it is really a wrong thing to do. we are all different from one another and people have to just accept that...and as you have been experiencing, many people are just immature to believe that whatever it is that they is right and others that are different are wrong.

i know it's hard to do but just don't mind them. you're not doing anything wrong and you're not hurting anybody with what you're doing. i admire you for being a vegetarian, i don't have friends who is one.

Answer 11

People criticize because they can't respect anyone who has different beliefs. It's a sign of insecurity.

Answer 12

They are just insecure and jealous. It takes great will power to change your way of life especially when it comes to food.

It is the same thing when people are on a diet. People try anything to sabotage you because they want you to fail just like them. I love meat and when my vegetarian friends come over for dinner I make sure that there is a vegetarian dish as well.

Answer 13

Its different than what is normal. Its sort of like when people make fun of g*y people or mormons. They are different from what is normal, and thats the reason they are made fun of.

Answer 14

people are idiots, Ive givin up on debating with them about the subject. YAY FOR BEING A VEGITARIAN! :D

with much respect,

Raven

Answer 15

It is ridiculous, I agree. I have been practicing vegetarianism for about thirteen years. I remember when the only options were the most disgusting veggie burgers ever and now you can fulfill practically every craving with an animal friendly option. Generally people make fun of or hate things they don't understand. I think it is very good to not force your dietary habits on others, truly a vegetarian diet done correctly makes the body function very very well. Tell the offending party you are not forcing your personal belief on them so if they would please return the courtesy. Answer any questions you feel comfortable answering and for the comments/questions you care nothing for, just smile and take a big bite of your veggie dog. :)

Answer 16

you answered your own question at the end - people can be really immature. It is a pain in the ****, but you should just ignore it - sometimes it is like having a religion that other people disagree with - some people seem determined to make you act differently. But you are making great choices so just rise above it

Answer 17

Obviously, you haven't been in this forum for a long time. Otherwise, you would have noticed that a lot of vegetarians not only criticize but outright insult omnivores.You can find a lot of fanatics on both sides of the argument.

Anyway, you have to learn that whatever you do, there are people who would always disagree with you no matter how right you think you are. Some might just be curious, some will be constructive, some will offer some sensible point of argument, some won't care one way or the other while some would hassle you about it for whatever reason. The thing is to distinguish which is which. Remember, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN OR REACT to criticism or advice or comment. Just try to live your life the best way you know how and who the fook really cares if no one agrees with you? Life is too short to let the crazies bother you with their antics.

Answer 18

It's because they don't think there's any justification to being a vegetarian.  Perhaps they've heard poorly crafted arguments in favor of vegetarianism, or have preconceived notions about what vegetarians are.  They might think vegetarians are just being difficult or on their high horse.  I think we've all met some who want to lecture omnivores or even other vegetarians about ethical choices.  

Also, they might just be trying to have some fun with you (although making you eat meat is a little too far).  In that case, I would just explain to them, that they might think they are being funny and you appreciate good humor, but this crosses a line for you and makes you uncomfortable.

But if they want to ask you "wierd" questions, I guess the best thing you can do is be educated and shoot back with knowledge.  (Environmental, health, and economic advantages are the most effective justifications.  Emotional appeals about animal rights don't come off as intellectual arguments). Tell them it is your own personal choice and you're not trying to convert anyone, but if you're going to be asked why, you'll explain your reasons like anyone else would.  

Also, you could also just say you dislike the taste and texture of meat and that it makes you ill.  (Personally, I enjoy meat.  I just prefer not to eat it for various reasons you're probably already familiar with.)  Just be honest, open and, light-hearted and make it obvious that you're not one of those fanatics that's going to spraypaint "Meat is Murder" on the hoods of their cars.