Conversation With A Meat-Eater?

Question

Every vegetarian has had that little conversation with a meat-eater where they try to put down your vegetarianism and justify their ways of eating. I haven't exactly had that conversation yet, but I know I will have it sooner or later. Can you share your conversaton?

Answer 1

I went to a steak dinner that they said would be a vegetable affair. Then I told a story about seeing a dead cow and an opossom running from the opening in the cow when my car neared it.

Answer 2

Yeah, these conversations can be stressful. I have found that it is best to make a firm statement such as, "This is a personal choice that I have made, and it's not open for discussion. I'm not telling you what you should or should not eat, and I'd appreciate similar respect from you."

Then I immediately try to change the subject - "Who are the Yankees playing tonight?" or "Wanna go to a movie." Or, if the conversation is in a restaurant, maybe I'll comment on the dessert choices. Anything to keep people from arguing about what I should be eating as if I'm not mature enough to make my own choices.

Answer 3

(walks into room) Meat-Eater alert! Hide your pets and younger siblings!

If not eating meat makes vegetarians happy, it's okay by me. But I've always wondered why they keep pets. I mean, do they ever consider what DOG FOOD is made out of (or cat food)? I've never quite understood why they think it's all right for bears and other omnivore-predators to eat meat, but not humans. "Because it's wrong," you say? Why? Why is it wrong for us and not bears? It's still an animal being eaten, no matter if the eater has a fuzzy muzzle or not. (shrugs) Far as I'm concerned, evolution made us king of the world by bodies that eat meat, so pass me the salmon. (but I do agree that people who eat fish are NOT vegetarians)

Answer 4

Just let them know that your vegetarianism is not meant to be an affront to them, and that if they'll tolerate your differences, you'll tolerate theirs as well and no one will do any preaching. Be mindful too of trying to preach to meat-eaters. Just remind each other that humans can be omnivores, herbivores or even primarily carnivorous. We have that freedom, and it's our differences that make us who we are. Meat eaters might try to tell you that meat eating is better, but make sure you monitor your own temptation to make the same comments to them. Be above it and you will be fine!

Answer 5

Personally there shouldn't even have to be a conversation...to each their own. Now on yahoo answers when an ignorant meat eater comes onto the vegetarian site and puts us down..I show him this and say nothing more lol...

http://www.all-creatures.org/articles/ar-aninsidelook.html

Maybe in case the conversation gets a little out of hand you can find some paper information on the above link and just hand it to him/her to read..

Answer 6

No but I eat meat so I can give you a conversation of your own if you would like.

P.S If animals aren't meant to be eaten, then why are they made out of meat? Theres room for all creatures in this world, right next to the gravy and mashed potatoes.

Answer 7

Here's what I say and it works:

I actually became a vegitarian 5 months ago when I saw how innocent farm animals were beaten and tortured at factory farms across the country. I didn't sleep for three nights. I couldn't believe how anyone could do this to kind, defenseless animals.

Additionally, the USDA approves animals with hepatitis, anemia, gangrene, lymphoma and cancer for human consumption-- If they get cancer, they won't have to wonder where it came from. Show them this report!

Answer 8

I would tell the non-veg that you prefer to abstain from meat for a number of reasons such as:

you think it's cruel to animals to kill them for food;
it frees up grain to feed the Third World since there is a problem with food distribution;
It takes an enormous amount of energy, water and grain to produce beef in particular;
Meat has been linked to cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses;
If you don't like animal testing and fur, it is logical to stop eating meat;
It is better for the environment;
It is a lifestyle with political and spiritual value.

If that isn't enough for them, I don't know what is. I would say close to 20 percent of the people I know are vegetarians. I work in a restaurant and am disgusted with the amount of seafood, chicken and red meat people eat. I much prefer to make pancakes, baked beans, veggies stirfries, bread and tofu curries at home than eat that stuff.

Answer 9

In a spiritual sense,we are not to consume animals that have eyes and look at us with compassion.
Some animals are meant to be eat meaters,because their intestional tract is shorter.
Humans intestional tract is longer,thus taking longer to digest meat. And sometimes it sits in colon too long.
Improper elimination leads to toxicity in the blood stream.
Therefore,a toxic person begging to be seduced by a disease.

Answer 10

Who cares what you eat?

And what do we (the meat-eaters as you call us) need to justify our behavior to you for?

Sounds like you're one of the "moral high ground" type of vegetarians (also known as the annoying kind).

Finally, if you need prepped for the conversation then perhaps you doubt your own convictions... If you are clear as to why you eat how you do (and for some reason feel the need to make it everyone's business) then you shouldn't have a problem with "the conversation".

BTW - I had a huge porterhouse steak for dinner last night - seriously, I did - and it was to die for, pun intended.