2006-10-09 11:55:51 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Neither, just another vegetarian thats all. No disgust no surprise. Everybody marches to their own drum and you have the right to do so also.
2006-10-09 17:40:41 · answer #1 · answered by tazachusetts 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a vegetarian, and I get those reactions, but I also get a lot of people who say that they know it's the healthiest way to live but can't manage it themselves. Most of my friends respect my choice, but random strangers can rude and combative.
I think some people think if you are a vegetarian you are judging meat-eaters. Inside, probably we are, but I am very careful to not display that. I think of it as the same as some religious groups. If you say you are a member of a proselytizing religion, people put their guard up and get defensive. Unfortunately some people view vegetarians the same way. That's why I think it's important to be polite to people and set a postive example of vegetarians. Maybe some day they will sincerely ask why you are a vegetarian, and openly listen to the response.
I don't understand some of the reactions myself. Some people seem almost angry with me for being a vegetarian.
2006-10-09 17:29:24 · answer #2 · answered by Honeybee 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1. I wouldn't assume the thoughts of another individual. They can think quite nicely on their own. Most people are too self-involved to seriously dwell on your eating habits. I guarantee you it does not keep them awake at night ruminating.
2. Maybe you feel uncomfortable. Many social events are not exclusively vegetarian, leaving you little to choose from (i.e. the carrots, celery sticks, brocholi or mushrooms).
3. How you eat can be a lifestyle, and you may consider gearing your social life around other vegetarians, who will understand your food requirements, or eat before going to social events with non-vegetarians.
4. If you think you are being singled out, think of all the over-weight people trying to stay on their diets and still maintain a life with social events that will have food they can't eat.
5. Life's like that. Be flexible, and not take it to heart. There's always a way around a problem without anyone having to have hurt feelings.
Good Luck and Warm Regards.
2006-10-09 12:43:37 · answer #3 · answered by mitch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm not disgusted and I'm not shocked. My oldest son is a vegetarian, has always been. As a toddler he would gag when I offered anything that contained meat. I let him be his own person and didn't force it. He's 31 years old and still a "veggie". It makes cooking a bit of a challenge when he comes to visit, but he's a great cook himself and has introduced us to some wonderful dishes.
Disgust and shock are uncalled for. What people need to learn is accepting someone who is different (oh how many problems would be avoided if they could learn that)!
Good for you, you are definitely a lot healthier than most of us!
2006-10-09 12:32:13 · answer #4 · answered by Ajayu 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, maybe "disgust" because they raise cattle or pigs and wonder why not support the industry. "Surprise" because again, unless you are a vegetarian all your life, most people have a hard time giving up meat 100% of the time, even for health reasons. I am trying to cut back myself.
2006-10-09 12:11:27 · answer #5 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the expression is suprise, maybe you just don't seem like the person to give up meat and live that life style
If the expression is disgust, possibly they think it is unnatural and don't understand anything about. If they do know something, then they are just opposed to the idea.
2006-10-09 12:02:44 · answer #6 · answered by Total Stranger 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are not very many vegetarians so when someone meets one it is a shock. I think because you don't expect to hear that as a normal occurance. Plus, animals were put here as a food source.
2006-10-09 12:21:04 · answer #7 · answered by Christina 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their response merely shows their ignorance. Most people do not understand the natural resources and work it takes to raise cattle, hogs or poultry. I admit, I like a steak occasionally. I love burgers and I eat chicken frequently. I also eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, dried beans, breads and cereals. If people were more educated about what they put in their bodies, a lot of ready to eat food would never be produced. It's just not healthy.
2006-10-09 12:07:39 · answer #8 · answered by Michael D 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some people can't imagine giving up meat, so maybe they're surprised to hear that someone else can.
People always ask me what I eat--there are plenty of great foods out there that don't include animals!
2006-10-09 12:04:47 · answer #9 · answered by The Logophile 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it is b/c people feel like you are a picky eater. I am not a vegetarian, but I do not eat chicken, soy, peanuts, etc. People think I am a picky eater when in reality I have food allergies. A lady where I work looked at me in horror when I told her I do not eat chicken--"What? Then what do you eat?" was her response.
2006-10-09 12:00:55 · answer #10 · answered by Michelle G 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋