Why do non-vegetarians think it is their duty to bring me back to meat?

Question

I'm not trying to make them STOP eating meat. There is a lot of evidence that meat is unhealthy for the human body, not to mention the inhumane ways the animals are raised and killed.

If I have a stance about something, why do people think it's vital to change my opinion? I'm not trying to do that to them, beyond informing them of the same things that I know now about meats.

I just don't get it.
Just do what you do and let me do what I do.
At least what I'm doing isn't because I'm human and can eat animals if I want. It's out of respect for my own body and for the lives of animals that I don't eat meat. My stance has an ethic behind it.

Answer 1

Let me assure you, as a present meat eater who wishes I had the discipline and the strength to give it up for both of the reasons that you chose to be a vegetarian, that I agree with your decision and the politics behind it. For a long time, I, too, thought that those of us who ate meat would try and argue our points (I don't... I know there isn't a leg to stand on, and that soy and legumes provide excellent protein alternatives) because we our trying to justify our own behavior, but that is only partially true. The real reason why you guys who are trying to do the right thing get a hard time from the opposition is the following:

A.) We are trying to justify our own behavior. We feel less guilty about eating animals if we feel we are among the majority.

B.) When non-vegetarians are in social settings, like a party, often times, the foods prepared involve some sort of meat, like a crab dip, chicken wings, even a french onion dip that contains powdered beef stock or chicken stock in the mix itself, so being a host trying to accommodate your vegetarian friend becomes frustrating, because as a host, you feel like you should give as many vegetarian options as non-veg to give everyone equal opportunity, but sometimes it isn't in the budget to do so. Once again, it comes down to guilt.

C.) When we go out to a restaurant with our vegetarian friends, once again, we have the guilt issues of a.) eating meat in front of them or b.) feeling guilty if there are not more creative vegetarian choices on the menu for you, so c.) we sit there and feel sorry for you because you don't have as many options, etc., so that makes us uncomfortable, and we don't want to be uncomfortable, but the thought of us feeling that way because of your choices makes us feel... you guessed it... GUILTY.

and then, there is always that stupid alternative of:

D.) that s@*thead who really doesn't feel guilty, likes to hunt, thinks that man has dominion over the animals, and rarely thinks about his actions because he has no remorse and CAN'T bring himself to feel guilty.

Bottom line is, we know what we should be doing. You are doing what you should be doing. There are more of us in the U.S. than there are of you, but sadly, if it were the opposite, our guilt over what we know really is right would bow under the sway of public opinion and we'd convert, too. That's why we REALLY give you a hard time. Most of us aren't ready to give it up yet.

Answer 2

in response to one of the above answers, you should not have to lie about your diet or try to hide the fact.

I think some meat-eaters today are beginning to realize how unhealthy their lifestyles are, but are too lazy to give it up. Those are the people who act like jerks to vegetarians because they're self-conscious about their disgusting habits. Think of that next time someone says, "well, all yer carrots ain't gonna save yer life if you get hit by a truck! harharhar!" It's just a defense mechanism.

Others are just old-fashioned, and actually think that "God" intended for us to eat other animals. They usually work in the food-chain theory that we're superior...when in fact, we are just animals too...

For the most part, though, I think non-veggies just like to give us a hard time for the sake of keeping with this tradition of meat-eaters and non-meat eaters being at odds. It's just a silly game.

***

Politely and simply declare your stance. Remind them that you're not trying to change their lifestyle, and they should realize that they have to room to tell you how to live.

Answer 3

You're right - I been vegetarian for almost 8 months now and alot of my friends are always like that's so gay, why r u vegetarian ? - it's what i feel is best for me and that's my body I do w.e I want ; my parents just found out i was vegetarian and they flipped 'cause they think I'm not getting enough protein or iron or so on ...
but actually it's been proven vegetarians in general are lighter weight-wise, live longer and healthier than non-vegetarians.
It's true meat can be bad for you, esp. red meat; but if you too much of anything .. it's bad for you .
I believe that animals are created to be eaten but it's also my choice to be vegetarian - a Lacto-ovo vegetarian.

Answer 4

It is sooooo refreshing to be reminded that I am not the only person to feel this way!!!!!! How often do you get the question "well what do you eat?" and you just want to scream "probably a whole lot more of a variety than your cheese burgers and steak!" i decided to become a vegetarian at the age of seven and have been ever since! i enjoy the food i eat and find many many interesting and fun restraunts and recipes for home! If you must, eat your meat but please please leave us to our veggies!

Answer 5

Personally, my feeling is you made a choice which you beleive in good for you. (PERIOD)

If you mention that you are a vegetarian in conversation, and someone is interested enough toask more then tell them more. But when you know what the normal reaction is going to be, simply don't bring up any details on why you did it, or why you think others should change to it. Let them ask if they want to.

And if someone reacts badly to simply hearing that you are a vegetarian, simply take the high road and tell them that you've made your choice and they've made theirs, and there is no reason to bother each other about it.

Answer 6

Way back in history there were fake volunteer False gods whose motives were to acquire slaves for themselves and steal glory from the one everpresent Creator.....and they deliberately got the ideas the Creator did NOT want popularized. One was WAR wherein many people were killed. Another was the punishment of people who did not eat meat... and it was insisted upon that people eat meat and any who refused were killed.
These people who demand you eat meat may be descendants of historical people who fought the Creator, and tried to achieve as much trouble and harm as possible for certain people who were minding their own business and wanting the general good.

Answer 7

i have been a veggie for 9 years now and most of my mates are meat eaters its not so much that they through it in my face that I'm 'different' its just that most people cant stand change and 'difference', if they dnt like it that the fact Ur veggie then screw them that's there problem not urs. people want everyone to be the same and not to have political or social opinion's, but we do, so if the next time they rub it in ur face etc just tell them that ur happy being urself and having morals etc and its there fault or u can just tell them how animals are slaughtered up to you good luck.

Answer 8

They are jealous because they do not have the will-power to forgo eating meat! Instead, they should respect that you feel strongly about this ethical issue...You should try cooking your best recipes for them and see what they think!

Answer 9

I'm NOT a vegetarian and could really give two flying flips if you eat meat or not. I log here once and while because I enjoy a few vegetarians dishes. For all who felt they needed to answer with hostilitie towards those of us who eat (and enjoy) meat your sad and pathetic.

Answer 10

I couldnt possibly agree with you more. I think its because they feel guilty at heart that they do not have the courage and wherewithall to make such a drastic change, so they try to convince us to follow the herd (literally) like they do. People are uncomfortable with those that think outside the box, and adopt principals away from the mainstream (leaving the herd (literally) behind. Pity them, they cant help it, poor things