as an answer to this question...not something rude like because I want to be or something...I hate having to go into detail on every aspect of my vegetarianism....What is something short polite I can say when people ask me, "Why are you a vegetarian?"
2007-02-27 10:26:39 · 68 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
Yeah and they always say, "Did you watch some peta videos?"
2007-02-27 10:37:35 · update #1
I prefer to eat things that dont have, and never had, a heart beat... I get to eat some delicious meals I could give you some recipies if you like.
Good luck honey...some people just want us ALL to be the same!
2007-02-27 10:31:31 · answer #1 · answered by yeahokinalittlewhile 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
All you have to say is: Why not?
I have been a vegetarian for about 5 years now, and people ask me ALL THE TIME why I wanted to be a vegetarian, and that's what I tell them. In fact, last year I did a project/made a poster about being a vegetarian/vegan to try to explain to people that it is not some sort of fanatical idea any more; it's becoming more and more common. It's a choice like any other. Many people choose to eat meat, vegetarians choose not to eat meat!
Good luck with everyone asking you questions, although take some time to educate them about vegetarianism. Many people misunderstand what it is and it will help them to have the facts. :)
2007-02-27 13:05:45 · answer #2 · answered by sallytenn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer, "yes I am, and if you would like to know why I can explain it, but please don't criticize my decision."
I have been a vegetarian for 17 years, I find most people are fine with it as long as I don't preach. We live in a very ethnocentric society that cannot believe the American way of life is wrong, and I am not saying it is. But, the American way of life is about freedom to be and do as we like as long as it doesn't harm others.
But American history revolves around folklore of great hunters, and the need to bring home the bacon, and holidays for eating turkey. Not everyone will be accepting of people who question that lifestyle, just as they don't accept people of different colors and or cultures.
What they need to remember is that before there was refrigeration, meat was not a daily cuisine. It became a daily food item only during Industrialization. And in a post industrial society, where most of us sit on our butts and type into computers all day, we are still eating this diet that only succeeded when men were working long hours in poor conditions. Meat is not historically for daily consumption. I am not saying it isn't meant to be consumed, hell, noone knows the answer to that. But look at the hunter-gatherer societies today, they eat very little meat.
2007-02-27 12:30:02 · answer #3 · answered by Toph 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What did you tell them before? Why ARE you a vegetarian?
Nothing you say that you probably haven't been saying already is going to stop making them questioning why you won't eat meat.
Usually the only way is to be rude or a smartarse about it. Things like, "I think it's a better diet." or "I don't believe in killing animals." don't go over well.
The only thing I can think of would be to tell them that meat doesn't agree with your stomach...It makes you sick. It may not be the truth but something making someone sick usually gets people to drop the subject.
2007-02-27 10:34:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've been a vegetarian for over 30 years now. Recently my father admitted he thought it was a fad, something I'd grow out of. So it's not something that even people close to you are going to understand, because you're going against the grain of society.
My quick answer is that it's a personal choice based on my feelings about living things and that I am able to find tasty, nutritious alternatives that don't involve sending an innocent creature to the slaughterhouse.
Another comeback might be, 'why do you eat meat?" After their answer, you give yours.
2007-02-27 10:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Since you say you want to be polite, I would not say something that might make the meat eater feel bad. I would just say something like:
"I find I feel best when I don't eat meat."
Or
"This is the diet that suits me best."
Or if you want to see if they are asking because they are interested in vegetarianism and they seem friendly:
"It's a personal choice and there are many reasons behind it, both health wise and ethically. I'd love to tell you about vegetarianism sometime."
2007-02-27 10:35:23 · answer #6 · answered by amt 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I never get sick of answering this question.
The best thing is to simply say "It's my choice." Then smile.
The trouble is, most people REALLY don't want to know. You launch into your reasons why and their eyes glaze over as they hit that "rat's why'd I ask" department in their brain. Which means you're flapping my lips in vain. Which is why it's exhausting.
Don't go into detail every time you're asked. Go into detail only when you think you've got a chance to change someone's habits. It will be less exhausting for you.
If you think they may really be interested, rather than just making chit chat, then tag an addendum on to your statement.
"It's my choice. Do you really want to know all the reasons?" But don't forget the smile.
2007-02-27 10:53:01 · answer #7 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I actually like it when people ask me why I am a vegetarian because it gives me a chance to perhaps win someone over to vegetarianism.
But if you want a quick answer that will finish the conversation right away, tell them that you just don't like meat.
2007-02-27 19:41:56 · answer #8 · answered by Lady_Lawyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually just tell people that I'm allergic to meat. They just stare at me but don't say anything back. Good luck -- that question is one that will haunt vegetarians forever I think...
PS personally I have the excuse that I'm Buddhist too -- you could try that. That would REALLY shut their mouths and be a very polite way of telling them to mind their own business...
2007-02-27 12:49:33 · answer #9 · answered by kohai4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, why are you?
Just kidding. Why does it bother you that people ask you this? You are living a lifestyle that is out of the norm for most people and I think a lot of folks are really interested. I've asked my vegetarian friends that question.
Mostly they tell me either - they just don't like the idea of eating animals - or that they've just alwasy been one.
Wait - that's what you want to use. If someone asks just say "I don't know - I've just always been one." That'll shut 'em up.
FP
2007-02-27 10:30:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋