What do most people think of vegans?

Question

I am just curious what most people think of vegans. What is your opinion on vegans. Do you think we are the future of a better world?

Meriskie, so you mean to tell me you have never met a healthy looking vegan? Are you just saying this or do you mean what you are saying?

Answer 1

I'm vegan, and I found your question interesting. From what I see (I live in France though, where noone even knows what a vegan is), people tend to think veganism is "extreme". They generally agree with a little less animal torture, but you can't totally rule it out now, can you? Some also say they admire vegans for their strong convictions.

Otherwise I tend to get the same reactions as when I was just vegetarian: questions, stupid jokes, people not understanding, and finally the "okay I get it but I could never do that, I like meat too much."

I would just like to say though I'm not skinny (wish I was sometimes, but I'm not), I'm not week, blood test results a couple of months ago came back excellent. Fact is, I'm in much better shape than most the meat-eaters I know.

I think the problem is, people don't get that when you are committed to animals and you've looked into the meat industry, you tend to think it's nobodies right to treat animals that way. So sure, everyone eats what they want. I'm not going to tell anyone "eat apples, not bananas". But eating animals involves the animal too. He's the one we are trying to protect.


Go vegan!

Answer 2

I'm not even vegan, I'm vegetarian and I STILL get told I'm unhealthy and unusually skinny! Okay, I may be skinny but is that because I don't eat meat? I feel it's very disrespectful and I, as well as other vegans/vegetarians support meat eaters' choice to eat meat, so they should support mine. Right? Not really. Meat eaters think that everyone should eat meat because they do it. So when they see someone unlike them, who does not eat meat, they think "What a weirdo." Me, on the other hand, I wonder how the heck vegans pull off giving up dairy products, and how they stay healthy. There are a lot of healthy foods without dairy or meat, but in my book, even though I don't eat meat I NEED dairy. But yes, vegans are a good example and if more people could go vegan or at LEAST veggie, the world would be a better place. I know however that people have much different views than me and they shouldn't be judged.

Answer 3

I usually respect vegans, until they lose my respect.

As you have.

Most vegans I've met are lovely people, who don't try to shove their way of life down your throat. They also have come a long way with meat substitutes... I don't like eating meat all the time, and veggie burgers are totally yum.

You really ought to take a look at blackbyrus's page. He has great, well-researched arguments and DOESN'T FORCE HIS OPINION ON ANYONE.

You, however, choose to beat your "foes" over the head with veganism until they want to rip your face off.

As for "we" are the future of a better world? Only if YOU are not included in the "we".

You are scaring more people off than all the meat-eater trolls combined. You even alienate those who share your beliefs.

You are an arrogant, rude, childish, whiny little girl who probably shouldn't be let out into public alone.

Grow up Ashley. The world has enough zealots. There is no room for undereducated ones making conjectures about the government outlawing meat, or comparing veganism and mountains gorillas to try to force people to stop eating meat.

No one here takes you seriously. You should probably stop now while you're far, far behind.

Answer 4

Don't be ridiculous... we are the future of our own lives as individuals. I'm not a vegan but I think the good that vegans do in setting an example by living an example is a beautiful thing. But to say that it could make for a better world... you are banking much on little. You are putting all your chips toward something that, in theoretics, could crumble in the face of disaster. I think that a lot of the world could do some good by open-mindedly pondering some of the ideals that vegans offer as a lifestyle. However, I feel the same way I do about that as I do the health related to the vegetarian diet I preach so much. That is, I feel amazing since becoming a vegetarian and feel the need to follow it to a "T" to keep myself from straying... but there are other things that I have yet explored... so I can't say for certain that this is the only way to be the healthiest I can. For instance, stay with me and offer a little latitude here, I have spoken to two cardiologists recently that have both said the same thing that I have known about eating meats... yet both have expressed just as much importance to Omega 3's to the point that they have both said, in different words from each other of course, that if it were up to them... there wouldn't be a soul on the planet that didn't take an Omega 3 supplement every single day... now I am debating and researching the sources aside from what I know so as to not compromise my diet... but as an absolute... If I can find no other source.. I will make that exception without remorse to my diet. It now goes into the vegan lifestyle... I can go along with any of these ideals... unless it comes to a point that my family or my life becomes in jeopardy... right now, yes I agree that that lifestyle is better, however, left on the side of the road in winter with my family in the car... my ability and know-how to skin an animal for shelter skin would by no means go to waste... we all have our own wishes for the world and that is great... but to say your way makes for a "better world" could very easily be seen as a fragile, irresponsible way of thinking... within the mass and within your own.

Answer 5

I must be really strange!

I don't think of people that way at all - I'm not in the slightest bit interested in you, your diet, what you do in your spare time, or weather you have any sexual hangups or preferances.

All humans are exactly that - human, so would it be natural to look at someone and think 'they are attractive, I wonder if they are Mormon, or Catholic, or Irish, American or a USBO holder for instance, let alone Veg*n.

No it wouldn't.

The only people that think this way are those with a massive inferiority complex.

Most Veg*ns are incredibly happy with their lives and have no need to think in the way you describe, likewise most Omnis have the same outlook, and you don't read in the news much about gangs of rampant Omnis going out on Veg*n hunts.

Unlike some I could mention.

Think you are the future of a better world?? you are very sadly misguided.

Answer 6

ohhh im gunna rant briefly =]

when i was vegetarian NO ONE batted an eyelid, when i turned vegan EVERY ONE had something to say.

im quite tired of negative comments towards us, but alas i knew what i was getting myself into so i just expect it now.
people will always be ignorant or too lazy to find out and understand.

we are not pale, skinny, unhealthy, over tired if we eat a balanced vegan diet. people that are often dont eat the vegetable side, or the protein side of the diet. And has anyone ever stopped to think when they meet a skinny vegan that they are just built that way? and are naturally skinny?

Its ot as difficult as everyone makes out, its quite simple (until you want to eat out)

Vegetarians arnt any better than vegan. they just eat more products then vegans. and have more choice. infact if someone is vegetarian for animals rights reasons they are way off mark seeing as the lactose industry is one of the worst offenders.

I simply feel this question is rather picking us out as being "different" when no one would bat an eyelid at someone who stuffed there face with junk food and ate nothing but burgers and chocolate. i know many people that do. and no one says a thing. And when i wait outside of macdonalds (the smell is foul) whilst they get their food, ill be the one who people will make comments too. not the one whose shovelling the worst imaginable products down there necks.

if people cant get my attention by shouting my name, they shout "veeeegan!" and although part of me enjoys being called this, as i am a very proud vegan, when its in a negative context, which it often is, im sure, as most other vegans will agree, its gets right under my skin!

so my answer : back off of us. x

Answer 7

I don't think most people necessarily care what vegans eat or do, however, there are some zealots out there that preach their ways to hard. These people make vegans then look like a crazy bunch of people, which is unfair to the majority that are not like that. So, with that point being told, maybe next time you threaten to picket or preach at people, maybe you should think about what you are doing to your cause as a whole.

Answer 8

I am not a vegan but a vegetarian (I eat dairy products) and think that eating is an intensely personal experience and you should just eat what you want to eat and not bother about what others say.

I think it is entirely possible to stay healthy on a vegan diet if you include nuts and fruits. And you could consider becoming a vegetarian (take milk, curd - yogurt and cheese etc.).

Best wishes.

Answer 9

I think that choice is very difficult in today's society. Prepackaged and processed foods make eating an unhealthy diet so much easier for everybody.
I would like more people to become vegans so that good quality local produce was more available. I mean like a tomato that is vine ripe and bleeds when you cut it.
Green beans that SNAP, lettuce that stays fresh for weeks and you can taste the nutrition.
Vegans would promote these foods as well as fruits.
I like to eat meat, but cardiovascular disease is rampant from fast food and easy low quality meat products.
Vegans have it very hard eating right for protein intake.
Your Choice though.

Answer 10

I can't answer for "most people" but I can tell you that I admire a vegan's commitment to their beliefs and desires. I appreciate how veganism has brought a wider range of healthier pulse-based food items to our diets. I like that they wish (in most cases) to either reduce suffering in animals, or live a healthier lifestyle.
I don't believe Vegans are the future of a better world. The healthiest, fittest, strongest, smartest most vital people I know all eat meat to some degree. Vegans are very difficult to cater for. Vegans seem to like making life difficult for other people.

Being vegan is a lifestyle choice and should be respected, but I wouldn't want you ruling the planet.