Why can't vegans just be happy with vegetarians?

Question

It really bothers me that some people who are vegan put down those who are vegetarian because they are still "supporting cruelty". Why not just be happy and support people who are trying to make a difference, even if they don't make as much of and 'effort' as strict vegans? Doing something like not eating meat is a big step and it's tons better than people who eat meat, so WHATS THE BIG DEAL?!

Granted this definitely does not apply to all vegans, and I commend those who don't act like this.

Answer 1

I think that vegetarians have a tendency to moralize themselves, but then the vegan get to lord over the vegetarians for "only going halfway" - it's stupid.

Answer 2

If it bothers you, you should probably try ignoring them. If you can't ignore them then that should give you the idea that you agree with them to a degree.

Either way you don't have to listen to it and those people that harass others are fools that just hurt their own cause.

I never tell anyone what to eat or what not to eat but I'm not going to say that eating eggs and dairy is any better than eating meat. It's definitely worse than hunting and eating what you kill.

http://www.factoryfarming.org

http://www.veganoutreach.org/whyvegan

Answer 3

I *am* happy with vegetarians.  After all, I was one for 20 years.  I think any effort made in the direction of not eating animals is to be commended for both animal cruelty and  environmental reasons.  But, the fact remains that the egg and dairy industries are cruel and that supporting them does indeed support the slaughter of animals for food.  It's not that being vegetarian isn't good, or even good enough, but that doesn't mean those facts don't exist.  I'm not going to try to convert a vegetarian who is satisfied with their choice to veganism, but if a vegetarian comes here curious about veganism, I will certainly make my opinion known.  I say this not to judge, but to challenge people to really think through their choices so they can decide for themselves whether veganism is something they want to pursue.

I have noted a few new IDs here this week who are coming out with both barrels blazing, calling vegetarians wannabes, in it for the attention, etc... It's these people (trolls?) who are apparently in it for the attention.  They probably aren't really even vegans, just people trying to stir the pot and see what happens.

Answer 4

Let's not slam anyone for their diet, period. Unless you are eating babies (human), I think you should be immune to criticism. The carbon footprint is inevitable if you live in an industrial nation. As far as ethics go, eating meat is as subjective as the next thing. Eat what you want and go to bed knowing you've made the decisions you feel are the best.

Answer 5

I just take it with a grain of salt. They all kill thousands of little creatures every time them mow their lawns too. :o)

About the only problem I have with some of the vegans on this forum is they encorrage young teenagers to take up a vegan diet, even when their parents are against it. We don't know these kids or their living conditions so we should be careful what we recommend.

Answer 6

I assume you are referring to me.  I just can't understand why people go through so much trouble to change their lives to help animals, but won't take the final step to end cruelty.

I seriosly can't understand why vegetarians would consume milk and eggs.  They both cause a lot of cruelty to animals...pretty much as much as the meat industry.  The meat, egg, and dairy industry all go hand in hand.

Why would you not eat chicken but let them be killed anyway after they provide you with eggs?  Why would you drink milk when it directly supports the veal industry?  When those cows aren't producing enough milk anymore they are turned into fast-food burgers.

It is not hard to be vegan.  All you have to do is stop consuming milk and eggs.  There are so many replacements and alternative foods to eat.  I don't miss anything...especially not the cruelty that I caused by consuming any animal product.

I think that Yahoo should not have vegetarian and vegan in the food category and they shouldn't group us together.  We are nowhere near the same.

I know where all of my thumbs downs are coming from:)  It's vegetarians who want to make a difference but are only managing to do half the job...if that.  You eat your eggs and drink your milk.  Just remember that you are supporting cruelty...Vegans understand that and do something about it...Vegetarians either don't understand or just don't care.

Answer 7

I must say this.  Vegetarians are doing a good job at buying veggie products and therefore improving the visibility of our lifestyle but I don't think many lacto-ovo vegetarians understand what happens in dairies and egg houses.

When you drink milk or eat other dairy products you are directly supporting veal production and ground beef production.  YES, ground beef is almost entirely made up of spent dairy cows.  

If you eat dairy, that's your choice, but you should really reduce it if your goal is reducing animal suffering.  I truly believe that dairy animals and egg-laying hens are worse off than animals raised for meat because they are kept in shackles and "worked on" constantly whereas meat animals usually are left alone in feedlots until the slaughter comes about.

We are all doing a tremendous job, but I do have to say that I don't think most lacto-ovo vegetarians understand that more needs to be done.

Answer 8

Well, to me, if you're not trying to become a vegan (I understand some people have to slowly work towards a vegan diet) then you're a hypocrite.

This image will explain it all, hopefully this works.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/6205/...

<img src="http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/...

Answer 9

I have seen what you write of on this form.

Why they do it?  I personally don't know.  My thoughts go to maybe they are insecure?  Who knows.

Even on the point of vegan - there is disagreement on what such is by several on this area as well.  Some eat honey.  Some have no problems with wearing the leather they had before going vegan - while others make it a point of if one really is.

My view - to each his own.  I am not going to change to suit another.  I am my own person - you are your own person.  It would be WONDERFUL if instead of seeing the differences - they saw what was in common.

But then if people were willing to do that in the world on matters where there were differences - we might acutally have world peace - so don't really see it happening.

Answer 10

Who cares if vegans aren't happy with vegetarians, we should all be happy we are not eating dead animal

Answer 11

I know I am new here, but I just wanted to say I don't feel like vegans put me down.  They feel that veganism is better than vegetarianism the same way that I have always felt that vegetarianism is better than eating meat, and that is what they communicate.  I have found the vegans here to be both respectful and persuasive.

Maybe my opinion doesn't count so much though, because I am planning on switching to veganism myself soon.  This is due mostly to my increased awareness of the animal cruelty involved in the egg and dairy industries, since I have been spending time here.