Why are people so ignorant when it comes to vegetarians/vegans?

Question

why is it that when you tell someone you're a vegetarian/vegan that it seems like h**l raises over? it's not even a big deal if one chooses not to eat meat but people act like the world is coming to an end or they ask what are you gonna eat then?! and EVERYONE is NEGATIVE!! it's the same as one choosing not to consume chocolate, etc. that's how i see it.

Answer 1

I know what you mean, my dad was histaric when I told him I was a vegan, my mom too. Now every time I tell someone I'm a vegan, they flip out. They start to ask me some of the most ignorant questions I have ever hurd. I mean its just absurd how some people over react to something like that. Its stupid.

Answer 2

Most people feel uncomfortable with change or different.  There are lots of things that had negative reactions when they were new.  You can check out some history links or google them:

air travel

Rock 'n' Roll

no bras (what a dumb idea!)

tatoos on men

tatoos on women

inter-racial marriage

space travel (Kennedy was viciously maligned for his goal of putting a man on the moon)

So, relax.  You're a ground-breaker.  There used to be no retail outlets for vegetarian or vegan needs.  Green is coming.

I like to eat meat myself, but I'm thinking of switching.  

When I was in college, I knew 1 vegetarian (and I lived in Malibu, CA).  Now, I know lots.  Vegan wasn't even a vocabulary word in the early 80s.

Better now?

Answer 3

I never tell anyone I'm a vegan simply because of the reasons you just stated.  They get defensive.  Next time you mention that you're a veg, just say NOTHING and listen to them throw their tantrum.  Say NOTHING, that's very important.  If they ask you stupid questions, don't answer.  If they ask GENUINE questions, tell them to research it if they're that interested.

Answer 4

and to that i say, touche!

recently i saw a question on here that read something like, did you know meat-eaters support cruelty?

i eat meat. i have never insulted or treated a veg. differently.

i don't know why both groups are so...heated about the subject. i will probably continue to eat meat despite the comments on here. vegetarians will still be those after this too.

Answer 5

Oh gosh, I know what you mean when I was a vegetarian eberyone was shocked and amazed would you believe people would ask me did I go to the bathroom? What did eat? Did I eat grass? you know

Now I am a vegan and my mother thought I couldn't have any fruit. My mother thought I couldn't eat anything.

I just think people do not want to learn more about the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle so they choose to stay ignorant and "amazed" and judgemental.

We should be the amazed ones at how they butcher meat and sell it in shops like it is normal. How can a chunk of cow butt, and chicken legs be normal come on?

Just continue to be a veggie, forget about the others, you don't have to explain yourself. It's an obvious moral, healthy decision.

Answer 6

dude! who cares?

Answer 7

I understand what your saying and if your tired of most of these ignorant answers I ready to give you an intelligent one. I guess people do it mainly because they don't like what they don't understand. I guess seeing a person with the capabilities not to eat meat bothers them and just makes them angry or what ever. Even though not all meat eaters are like this. People usually think ohh they don't eat meat or what ever, they must think there better than everybody else or what ever. I can say thats not true because the fact that i'm vegan doesn't make me feel superior to anybody!

Answer 8

I'm semi-vegetarian (I only eat poultry and seafood, mostly chicken) and I agree with you--are you literally going around telling people you're a vegetarian/vegan (1) or are you just telling some people who ask or you think might want to know (2)?

1) Stop it. Listen to the other person.

2) It's their problem. You can try to explain that you have several other food options and give them your chocolate analogy if you want to; if they're totally negative and such, just ignore them. It doesn't matter. I, personally, don't really care.

No worries! B-)

Answer 9

The only issues I ever hear brought up are by Vegetarians. This thread among thousands of othere just like it for example.

Answer 10

It's the vegans and veggies that keep stirring up the pot.

I could care less what people eat.

The only things worse are people who quit smoking and drinking and preach about the evils of enjoying simple pleasures.

Answer 11

It is all very well to say that individuals must wrestle with their consciences— but only if their consciences are awake

and informed. Industrial society, alas, hides animals’ suffering.

Historically, man has expanded the reach of his ethical calculations, as ignorance and want have receded, first beyond family and tribe, later beyond religion, race, nation, color, gender and species. To bring other species more fully into the range of these decisions may seem unthinkable to moderate opinion now. One day, decades or centuries hence, it may seem no more than ‘civilized’ behavior requires.

Answer 12

i honestly think theyre jelous because they think theyd never be able to do it

and were so amaizing that we actually can

but its not really that hard to do

and also its because people are just a******s and need to grow up and stay outta peoples lives :)

idk but i think its great being a vegetarian :)

Answer 13

Why do you go around telling people you are a vegetarian?  I think you WANT to pick a fight with them.  I don't go around announcing Im a carnivore, and certainly not in a health food store that may contain many vegetarians.  I mean, why announce one's way of eating?  Who cares?  Keep it to yourself, and I'll bet you'll find people much less negative.

Answer 14

ya my sister is a vegetarian and people make fun of her for it. I wish I could be and I'm gunna try. Just say you are if people ask (dont announce it).

So what? It's healthy.

Just ignore what they say

Answer 15

These people are just jealous that you have more will power than them. They are jealous that you can be happy without eating meat. I think it is a great thing to be a vegetarian.