Why do so many people hate vegetarians?

Question

Someone I know asked a question here (she was joking too) saying she found meat in a dish she ordered so does she have a legal case and so many people said very rude things to her. Have people had bad experience with vegetarians or something? I'm one, too and I'll answer people's questions about it but I never try to impress my way of life on anyone else. Despite this I have people say the rudest most thoughtless things like, "God how can you live like that?" with a sneer on their faces. Can someone please explain why this happens?

Answer 1

The rest of us are tired of hearing about how healthy you feel, how clean you feel, how free you feel. We are tired of being told about how long meat lives trapped in your bowel or having pictures of slaughterhouses shoved under are noses or being asked if we know how many minks died for our coats.

You veg-heads seem to think that if "educate" us that we will change our minds. And even if you claim not to foist your lifestyle choice on others you do. You talk about how wonderful it is and ask if we've tried it.

Just stop talking about being a vegetarian! Talk about a novel or a movie. Do not spout on your bowels and great you feel. Just shut up and eat your salad!

Answer 2

Obviously some of the people who answered your question did not read it in it's entirety. You clearly stated that you do not try to impress your way of life on anyone else. I don't either. I go out to eat with non-vegetarians all the time. Often when I first do this, the non-veg is very considerate and asks me if I will be upset or grossed out if they order a meat dish. This is so gracious. I always answer that I have no problem whatsoever with this, that they should feel free to order what they'd most like to eat. This is a personal choice. I do not preach about how "clean" or "healthy" I feel or scold or belittle people who chose to eat meat. The amazing thing to me is how many people who've been influenced into reducing or eliminating animal flesh from their diet just by my example. I'm happy to answer their questions, although sometimes I do get some rude and strange ones. The hardest one to answer is "where do you get your protein?" because honestly, I have no idea, and have never worried about it!

Answer 3

Perhaps it's a mixture of hate and admiration. Being a vegetarian is a very big challenge to most people. If you are a successful vegetarian, it's only natural that people will think you are a menace to them. Because you have gone much farther than they ever dared to go. So, in order to cover their envy, they might want to make little of you, to make fun of you.

On the other side, there are actually a few vegetarians (I am not saying that it is your case) who like to boast about going meatless, as if eating meat and such were something vulgar. Of course these aloof vegetarians make themselves hateable. Nobody will enjoy their company.

There is also a lot of misinformation about vegetarianism and worst of all, many people want to become vegetarian overnight, without any gradual movement into it, and then they may meet with very serious health problems. These failures make other people suspect vegetarianism is not a good way and set up a sort of prejudice against it.

So there are a lot of things going on here. Both sides have their share of responsibility in creating the antagonism between their different fields.

Answer 4

I hear that all the time, when people do not agree with your choice you stand alone. Where I live it is very difficult to be a vegetarian and many times have to just go without food.
They say this is what you are getting eat it or starve.
I say fine and leave the table. Remembering the three hebrews in Daniel who refused to eat meat. They didn't starve because God took care of them and I haven't starved either. I did lose a lot of weight and everyone said, "What's wrong?"
I explained my stand and now people realize I really mean it.
If you don't take a stand and really mean it, it won't happen.

Answer 5

Well I for one, have had many vegetarians treat me terrible because I eat meat. I could care less about what people eat or how they eat it. But for all you veggie loving folks out there did you know a study done at MIT (I am 90% sure this is the college it might be Berkley) proves that plants and tree also feel pain when picked at. Every living thing hurts when you pick it, kill it, eat it...so eat what you want and don't judge what others eat.

Answer 6

I don't hate vegetarians...but the reason why people get annoyed with them is because they are always trying to convince people to stop eating meat, and often give dirty looks if they see you eating meat. I like to eat healthy, and have developed good eating habits, but I don't go around telling people what they should do.

Answer 7

It's pretty funny. I think it makes them think about their lifestyle and they don't want to do it. I flat out don't like meat and quit eating it 14 years ago. I became lactose intolerant and quit eating dairy at the beginning of the year. Alcohol hurts my stomach so I don't drink it. Everyone is like, "You poor thing." I feel so much better and I know I am way heathlier than they are. I think that just bothers people.

Answer 8

I think its because some vegetarians try to push their views onto meat eaters trying to make them change their eating habbits?
I'm just guessing though :P

People think I'm odd for not eating meat but I find it funny the reactions I get when I tell them XD

I hate it when people ask me why, because I hate having to explain it over and over again, about why I switched over :P

Answer 9

I had no clue people felt this way about vegetarians. I truly applaud you . I wish i could do it myself but i have a taste for some type of meat from time to time.

Answer 10

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years. The biggest problem I see w/ veggies is that they try to convert others. Evangelical is not the way to go.

Answer 11

Too many vegetarians, especially young recently converted ones, act too holier than thou. (Some of my daughters' friends...) It's kind of like running into a born again Christian or a FORMER cigarette smoker.

Do what you need to do for yourself.

Meanwhile, this sinnin', cigarette smokin' old bag is going to have a big hunk of meat. Preferably on white bread. With mayonnaise. Might even add some salt.