Why when I tell people proudly that I'm a vegan, they instantly call me a freak?

Question

My friends, family, co-workers now all think I'm a freak and said some pretty horrible things to me. What could I say in defense of my self?

Answer 1

You can say "you eat rotting corpses, and you think I'm the freak?"
:)

No, but seriously, two excellent books for dealing with people who treat you in such a manner are:
Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World
http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Freak-Being-Non-Vegan-World/dp/0977080412/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9713029-8821740?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178903866&sr=8-1
and
Living Among the Meat Eaters
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Among-Meat-Eaters-Vegetarians/dp/0826415539/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9713029-8821740?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178903894&sr=1-1
Vegan Freak deals a bit more with pride on the issue and it (mabe both do) takes apart the issue for friends, coworkers and family etc..
:)
Here is a link of snappy combacks... but overal it is best to learn how to be secure in yourself and your surroundings, which those 2 books do help with.
http://www.peta.org/Living/at-fall2000/snappy.html

Answer 2

I had the same problem when I told my friends I was turning veg. I was only telling them because since they are my FRIENDS, I wanted to let them know something important happening in my life. Not trying to convert anyone, not shoving literature in their faces about it.

Can I make a crazy comparison? I would almost compare saying you're a vegan, with no reason to say it, like saying a person is gay. Great! I have nothing against it. But ... I don't really CARE if you're gay. You know what I mean? Unless it comes up in conversation, I don't even try to bring it up. Some people just aren't able to handle a diet so drastically different from their own and automatically assume you're going to give them a guilt trip or harp on about it. Which is not true.

Sorry if that comparison was a little weird, but it seems like that's the kind of reaction I get from people.

Answer 3

They do that for the same reason that, when I tell people I'm Wiccan, they call me a Satanist.

It's called failure to understand, Friend. They don't understand why someone would choose a lifestyle that is different from the "norm". Many people simply think that if you do something different, that makes you suspect.

What to say, what to say?? Well, start off by asking them if they even understand what a vegan is. Most will hem, haw, or simply say that's not the point, but you need to tell them that is PRECISELY the point. They don't have the right to put down something if they dont' even know what it is, or what it's about. If they show interest, tell them more...........if they still refuse to listen, tell them goodbye, and that it's too bad they are so close minded.

Might just make them stop and think.......

Answer 4

My mom is a vegan, and people respect that. You should not take the negative attitudes from your friends and family like that. You have an ability to sue your co-workers for discrimination. Because you are a vegan, you are helping the environment and planet Earth more than the people around you!

Answer 5

You say you proudly say that you are vegan. I have a friend who is vegan, but sometimes she would tell us meat eaters that we were going to die at age 30 because we eat meat. She was nice for the most part, but sometimes she acted like she was soooo much better/healthier because she doesn't eat meat. Perhaps people get the same impression from you and they feel they have to defend themselves. I don't think anything different of someone who doesn't eat meat, but if a vegan attacks my way of living then I won't hesitate to do the same to them.

Answer 6

I don't defend myself. There is no reason to. We know something they don't. At least in general.

When people say horrible things to me I ask them how they justify such cruelty when I would never speak that way to them.

Either they apologize or I write them off.

I have made my choice. I do not need to defend it. Any friend worth being called so will inquire. Question. What made you be vegan? Why do you enjoy it? Are you healthier than me? Otherwise, wash your hands of them.

Answer 7

most people that I have encountered are just not openminded they only see with in a box, and not anything outside of the box. I know this because that is my sister (sadly) she is always trying to get me to eat meat...even tried hiding it in food so I would eat it and not know...but for the most part my family gives me heck about it and teases and in the end it just 'well just make sure you eat enough of everything so you dont get sick'

I defend myself by telling them why I have chosen my lifestlye. I carry a mutated chromosome for vascular heart disease (narrowing of the arteries) and then the understand and leave it as told. another good point is I want to live longer and not get sick in my 40's....goodluck and sorry that they have been horrible to you. :(

Answer 8

I might sound little harsh. Honestly, I don't see a need for you to tell them you are a vegan unless you are asked. And, be little thick skinned, dont take their comments too personally. After all, by being a vegan, you are doing a favor to yourself, to your body, and you should be proud of that. They are trying to break your confidence by negative comments because they know they can't do what you are doing successfully. This reminds me of a bumper sticker I read once "Oh Lord, please let my friends be fat if I can't be thin" and your friends do seem to be falling under that category of people. Don't take them seriously and be proud of yourself. :)

Answer 9

It's something out of the norm of society, so of course they will call you that. Don't worry about it. Personally, I love steaks and the like, but I am always impressed by vegans/vegetarians.

Answer 10

Same thing happens to me . I just accept it now . ive been given dirty looks , rude comments , and meat shoved in my face . Umm just say you have a better diet then them , or just call them a freak back . Or be like " you disgust me !"
haha good luck :D