Do find people to be as aggressive against vegetarianism in real life as on Yahoo answers?

Question

People in this section seem to be very aggressive in either defending or attacking vegetarianism but I don't find that to be the case in real life. I've only found people curious about being vegetarian, and I've certainly never met anyone who would ask rude questions or make the outrageous statements I've read here. What gives? Why the hostility? Do any of you find these kinds of questions or statements in real life?

Wow, I'm really impressed with a lot of the answers to this. Many points I hadn't really considered - that the comments made online are just not verbalized in public, but that most likely, it's a minority who are hostile - they just make the most noise here. I like the comment about being grateful for each meal, and hopefully others will learn by example.

Answer 1

Not at all like this. There are some who act that ridiculously against vegetarians in real life, but they are few in numbers. Unfortunately, on a forum like this, the ignorant few who do feel hatred toward specific groups (not just veg, many forums are like this or worse) can seek out those they prejudge and say whatever aggressive things they wish with a simple click of a mouse.

Also, I am sure they probably have more guts to do so here than they do in real life, seeing as how they can hide behind computers here.

Vegetarians are also a lot less aggressive in defending themselves in real life because they don't have to deal with the crummy attitudes as often.

A person becomes a lot more defensive when they hear "Why do vegetarians act so morally superior" or "Why are vegetarians such hypocrites" or "how can we help cure those poor, anemic, protein-deficient vegans" every other day (sometimes many times a day) as opposed to once a year on Thanksgiving.
:)
good question

Answer 2

I live in the bible-belt and barbecue capitol
of the world ( North Carolina). Animal right's
vegetarians like myself represent the second
biggest threat to all that is good and wholesome
in the eyes of the far right. I have had my rear
vent window knocked out of my car twice, had
a hamburger , ketchup, mustard and wrapper
smudged all over my windshield, and had another
wrapper thrown at me by some obese tail-
gaters who were riding my bumper. All of these
acts were unaggravated. I have also been snickered
at and called granola boy while bench pressing
over 200 lbs at the gym and I've been confronted
by small time evangelists for rebelling against
the bible by not eating or wearing animal products.
According to the ministers; the bible is the blueprint
for everyone's life and by not following it , holding
potlucks, holding "Great American Meat out cookouts,
and doing adopt a college vegetarian outreach I lead
others down an "ungodly", self-indulgent path and
challenge the supremacy of man?

I must say that these are random incidents and while
I've had three occur in the same year I can go
months or a year without any of this stuff happening.
I guess it depends on chance and how many extremists
you run into.

Answer 3

Most of my friends tend to be meat eaters. What I've noticed the meat eaters that have been hostile are also smokers. Can't see that part here on yahoo. I haven't come across a hostile mean eater that doesn't smoke! Smokers are just more aggressive in their habits and that includes their meat eating! Is their smoking that makes them aggressive not their eating meat. As for me I'm a vegetarian and I don't smoke!

Answer 4

I've gotten a little criticism for it, but I have definitely not heard most of the comments people say on here. I think people like the protection of being over the Internet instead of having to confront people about it in real life. I'm sure there are some people who are as vehemently opposed to vegetarianism in real life as they are on the computer, but I have yet to meet them.

Answer 5

They do exist.
The problem with the internet is the freedom that comes with being annonymous-there are no repricusions for anything you say. People's worst opinions get out a bit too easily.

Unfortunately that means that some of the people you come in contact with are silently thinking the things you read on here. Luckily theyre still a minority-most people are good and accepting.

Answer 6

Yeah I don't know what the big issue is. Let people eat what they want. "To each his own". If someone feels like it is healthier to be a vegetarian, let them be. If someone wants to eat meat, that's ok too. I don't think the real world really cares as much as it seems in here. I have a few friends that are vegetarians.... big deal. No one ever gives them a hard time and they could care less if we eat meat in front of them. It's a matter of opinion.

Answer 7

I get some rude and aggressive comments at times. I think that people get nervous that I'm going to attack them, so they attack me first. But, both my family and my boyfriend eat meat, and I really don't see it as my place to tell people what to do with their bodies. If they ask my opinion, obviously I think eating meat is wrong, but I don't preach to people.

I've had people start an argument with me out of nowhere when they find out I'm a vegetarian. It's really frustrating and it used to upset me. Now I try to ignore that type of behavior. They're just suffering from subconscious guilt and taking it out on me.

Answer 8

I think that this forum is mostly anonymous, so people will say things they normally would not. Also, those that answer are the ones who feel very strongly about the issues.
In the real world, most of us don't give a rat's patootie what other people eat. If a friend eats differently, we will accommodate them or not invite them to a particular gathering.

Answer 9

I understand what your saying and sometimes they say and write things that offend because they can get away with doing it. Be like a Duck and let it roll off your back. In some cases yes you do hear this in real life depends on the situation - it's called burnout. The is a lot of sweet and love out there. Stop and take the time to see it in a rainbow, nature, children, animals it's all around if your smart enough to look.

Answer 10

I haven't really encountered it in real life, just once with a vegan aquaintance, but I believe it was more that she had something against me in general than my eating habits.

Otherwise there has been no hostility either way. I have no problems eating vegan/vegetarian and I cook to accomodate my guests when vegan/vegetarian friends and family come for dinner.