Why are people so mean to vegetarians?

Question

I just got back from a social event where the people who organized it knew I was a vegetarian. Anyway, of course they order pizza with all kinds of meat. So when I asked them if they ordered any pizza without pepperoni, they said "oh honey just pick them off." okay that is absolutely gross cause you could still taste the pepperoni, so I ended up not eating anything and did not even get a "sorry". this isn't the first time something like this happened. I just want to know why people think vegetarians should just settle for whatever is there or just not eat?

Answer 1

I do NOT know. I'm a vegetarian too, and my friends all eat meat every night for dinner. Then, they invite me over for dinner and I end up not eating anything, cause they won't give me other vegetarian options. But meat-eaters should definitely provide other options if a vegetarian is going to be eating with them. But I really don't know why they don't...

Answer 2

When you're the only person there who is a vegetarian, you'll have to realize that the host of the party is probably not gonna cater to you and only you. You're a minority. If you're so upset about it, bring a vegetarian dish to the party, like a potluck.
And you could have eaten the pizza without the cheese, so then you wouldn't have had to have tasted the pepperoni.
It's hard, but you have to realize that most people aren't vegetarians, and that they won't understand your reasonings behind it. I suggest you bring vegetarian dishes to your social functions. You can kind of hint to the host in a way that may make them want to change in the future by saying something like "I know you won't have any vegetarian dishes, so would you mind if I brought a vegetarian dish?"
I know if I was the host, after a few functions, I'd probably start making SOME thing vegetarian, just because I would start feeling guilty about not feeding you. But of course, some people will not change their ways. You just need to accept that your lifestyle choice is your choice and it's not EVERY other person's choice.

Answer 3

No one is being mean - lighten up. It is probably something that they feel bad about having overlooked. But also you have to know that pizza was quick and easy food for a gathering. They are the hosts, and footing the bill and making the effort - they have every right to serve whatever they want. If you respect your friends and appreciate their hospitality, I think it would be awesome if you were proactive in your needs, and hey - offer to bring a vegetarian dish!

If you are insisting you be treated special by everyone you know, just because you have dietary needs, then you should expect declining invitiations soon.

Instead of thinking they are mean, help your friends by educating them. The more they know about your needs/wants, the better - for all of you. Maybe host a party of your own and have EVERYTHING vegetarian. Wouldn't that be cool?

One last thought...If you are a vegetarian, would you still eat pizza with cheese? I don't get that. Do you just not eat meat (lacto), or are you a vegetarian? Maybe they are confused by your limits too.

Answer 4

I am not a vegetarian, but I can see why that would upset you. Why people are so insensitive is quite alarming to me sometimes. If we invite people to dinner, we wouldn't feed them exotic foods that we haven't even tried before,nor would we think by eating popeye spinach(just an ie because I don't like it) they wouldn't mind especially since it will help them beat up Bluto! Or the friend whose on a diet, we wouldn't have chocolate cake night. Okay so I sound kinda dumb with these analogies, but Jeez, I think it's dumb when people have an opinion that others should just like what they do. I hate green peppers and the thought of picking those off or out of anything is just gross because the taste is still there. So, I'm not sure if it's that you are a vegetarian that makes them mean or just that they are just being insensitive and kind of jerks. I mean I could see myself at this event and just because I don't like green peppers starving right along with you because they knew and made the order anyway. I guess I would just say to those people, Please be sensitive to my needs and order something I can eat too!

Answer 5

Personally, I believe that we humans are not at the top of the food chain for nothing...
In social events, chances are people won't cater towards omnivorous and carnivorous people than vegetarians. Why? Majority rules. As for your party hosts, they should not be sorry, they probably feel they bought the food so they're doing everyone a favor. If you had requested or arranged something ahead of time chances are it would not have happened the way it did. Maybe you can try talking to them about your beliefs: if they're not total airheads they'll listen and understand. Give them something they can relate it to in their lives so they can see the light (your light, really). Be creative:) That's the best I can suggest.

Answer 6

I don't want to offend but... why is anyone's job but your own to manage your meal preference? Did you request or bring your own alternative?

I did not eat meat until I was almost 30 years old but I never felt the need to label myself a 'vegatarian'. I don't understand the logic in singling yourself out when the whole thing is so hazy... do you eat eggs? do you eat fish? are you a veg due to animal cruelty or because you just don't like the taste... it all just seems so personal. There are too many veg's that cross those lines but still try to stick to the label. Given, how is everyone who is NOT a vegatarian supposed to keep up with those around them who label themselves 'vegatarians'.

Again, I feel for you, I still don't like meat but I'll eat some on occassion (never chicken)...

If I were hosting the event, I would have made sure to include an all cheese pizza - it just seems like common courtesty.

However, I don't think it's anyone's job but my own to make sure I'm eating what's acceptable to me and what I prefer.

Answer 7

Believe it or not that fact that you are a vegetarian is not on every ones mind all the time. I probably did not occur to her it is not like she was sitting around plotting to have a party, invite you, then order food with meat in it just to get you. That would be absurd and if the party thrower did the you should not hang with her.

Answer 8

I am not mean to vegetarians tho they do tend to play 'victim' an awful lot.
It could be compared to having a handicap ~ always having special needs, special treatment and special attention.

There are some vegan's who I consider friends who are almost like an evangelistic christian, crusading everyone to join their cause. Carrying their 'burden' like a cross through life yet just showing even a mild interest one is suddenly buried in enthusiasm and information.

Answer 9

lt really makes a person angry if he/she feels unaccepted by a group. Most people are meat lovers so they dont understand those "who are not like them". They think that its just meat you dont want to eat so they thought not eating the pepperoni would be just fine. Kindly remind the group you're in the next time it happens. You would have to be more patient in dealing with people like them.
Honestly, l admire vegetarians who stick with their lifestyle. lt shows a more disciplined person. God bless.

Answer 10

Nobody is obligated to prepare meals for you that meet your lifestyle choices.

If 'vegetarians' weren't accepted, you would be considered rude for not eating what was provided for you without picking at it. The fact that people 'accept' vegetarians means they accept your decision not to eat meat. But that doesn't mean they are obliged to cook to your preferences.