Why do some people treat vegetarians as if they are weird?

Question

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years on ethical grounds. I believed then, and even more strongly now that there are better ways of feeding ourselves than eating dead animals, most of which have been abused and manipulated their entire short lives.
Why is it then that having a concience and trying in my small way to make the world a kinder place, has resulted in a significant minority of people either treating me as if I have a screw loose, or even worse, accusing me of being some sort of dangerous subversive?
Incidentally, I was born and brought up in the country and worked on farms in my teens so I'm not a 'sentimental townie'.

Answer 1

I have been a vegetarian since 1996.
I can entirly symphasise with carnivores because they are the majority... and therefore the (a?)moral majority.
Most people don't look, let alone think outside the box.

I have strong opinions on morals and ethics, one them is to be accepting of other's views. Sometimes I think the main problem in life is that people act first, think second and feel last.
If the inverse was true more people would be vegetarians.

I hope we get a better lot soon!

Answer 2

I think people treat what is not usual in their environment with ridicule. I am not a vegetarian but I easily could be as I prefer vegetables and fruits to meats, eggs and cheeses. I have nothing against vegetarians or vegans, I actually admire you for your fortitude. 20 years is a long time to endure the snipes I am sure you have gotten, hence this question, for your choice, I wish I could accomplish that much one day.

Answer 3

Food has become the focus of some people's lives, they live to eat not eat to live, so when you decide that animals and your health mean more to you than that they think your crazy. I also believe people fear individuality. Explain that you love animals too much to eat them but you'll still have a drink with them over cheese and crackers or join them for coffee and donuts. You're not a freak you just walk the walk instead of thinking about it forever before you choose to follow through.

Answer 4

I agree with you, vegetarians do have a raw deal ... I've been a veggie for around 12 years, because the idea of eating dead flesh made me feel sick. However, I don't have a problem with other people eating meat, and never try to force it upon other people. Why then do people think we're strange? Surely everyone is entitled to eat or not eat whatever and however they feel is right for them.

Answer 5

I myself have been a vegetarian for over 40 years. Not due to conscience. But due to the fact that my indigestion can not handle animal fats.
Over the years, I have taken a lot of stick about it. (The main problem seems to be, "WHAT TO FEED VEGETARIANS" I always tell people, "just put extra vegetables on the plate.)
I have no problem with serving meat to people when they come for a meal.
People should just accept us as we are!.

Answer 6

Because some of them are totally OTT about it. I was a vegetarian for years but didn't bang on about it.

I once witnessed a girl crying in the street at Christmas because of all the turkeys that were being killed. She seriously needed to get a grip...

Answer 7

I have absolutely no problem with people who choose to be vegetarians and believe in their morals, what I do have a problem with is the ones of them who wear leather shoes and buy leather coats and handbags then dictate to me that I shouldn't eat meat, only come across 5 of them sort in my life and they were sent packing with a flea in their ear, if you want to be a vegetarian then so be it but don't moralise to those of us who meat while wearing leather shoes and I aren't saying that to you, just to the vegetarians that do.

Answer 8

I think people ( including me ) think its weird cause generally people dont like there vegies! But thats all you live off!

There is no way I could go without some sort of meat on my plate.... Its unatural..... its the circle of life!

And I love the taste of a tender Medium rare steak!!!!! mmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Hope this answered your question

Answer 9

Narrow-mindedness(made up word)why do ex smokers treat smokers badly, jealousy and weakness are 2 emotions but I'm not going to write war and peace, to inflate your ego.At anytime you could walk into a MacDonald's and order a BIG MAC,they couldn't live without their fix,pity them! I love pork chops and regal king size,not together that would be just plain stupid

Answer 10

It's because alot of veggies feel the need to ram their beliefs down everyone elses necks. It's also the fact you can never say "meat", it always has to "dead flesh". We are meant to eat meat for god's sake!