Why are the numbers of "strict" vegetarians (vegetarians who eat no flesh of anykind) declining, do you think?!
What do you think contributes to the decline of "strict" vegetarianism and the rise of Flexitarian Vegetarianism--especially in the western world?
Answers: There is also the corresponding phenomenon of the rising numbers of Flexitarian Vegetarians -- those whose diet is primarily plant-based but will eat meat infrequently or to avoid social insensitivities.
What do you think contributes to the decline of "strict" vegetarianism and the rise of Flexitarian Vegetarianism--especially in the western world?
Well, Skully you bring up the most interesting point there is. I would also go out on a limb and say that vegans are also a declining lot. Since it is almost impossible to be a true vegan in this modern world.
I think more and more intelligent people are realizing the health and ethical benefits of eating a veg diet but realizing it needs to be rounded out from time to time with fish or poultry. These people are more often not professional people who have BIG jobs so they need to socialize with other people in restaurants, ect. These people then have the ability to order things from a menu and be a part of society instead of some freak who brings their brown bag in with them as the vegans would.
It is quite obvious that the most intelligent people are quickly catching on to the healthiest diet.
As always Skully you ask the most enlightened question, I have no doubt that you are highly educated.
evolution
how do you know ? did you count them?
Who said they were declining?
There's no such thing as flexitarian vegetarian. If you want to call yourself a flexitarian, i'm a-ok with that. But you're an omnivore.
I guess all of the meat eaters are becoming flexitarian and all the strict vegetarians are becoming vegan. :)
I'm a vegetarian and people frequently ask me if i eat FISH.
Duh of course i dont, fish is a living creature with a face and being a vegetarian to me means i dont eat anything that was once alive...
I'd love to know where you got this information.
However if it is true, I'd have to say that it has to do with will power as flexitarians are a myth.
Make sure you block me as you do with all intelligent people that don't agree with you.
Uh-oh. who's trolling the trolls?
How can there be a rise in Flexitarians when the word was only invented in the last 10 years?
I think you have to be flexible and sensitive to others really. There are limits (like I could never eat offal), but I was once at a festival in Indonesia and the local family I was with killed their pig especially for me and my husband, I couldn't exactly say I don't eat meat. I do now anyway though.
I think it also has to do with the free range and organic alternatives available now. People don't feel so bad eating a chicken or bit of beef if they know they're not buying one which has been mistreated all its life.
Obviously flexitarians breed like rabbits while vegetarians are cognizant of world overpopulation. The philosophies are passed down from generation to generation.
More people are flexitarians these days because of poverty - they can't afford meat, but if someone else foots the bill they'll be happy to eat it. They call themselves flexitarians because they're embarrassed and don't want to admit they spent all their money on drugs and can't afford meat.
People think a long and awkward title like "flexitarian vegetarian" or better yet "flexitarian pesco pollo lacto ovo vegetarian" makes them sound more intelligent and superior.
Three theories. Take your pick.
I think they are not only declining, but loosing their cause. I think it has something to do with some vegans being extremists and hateful because they think that their cause is greater than human life itself. They try to convert people with hate, while thinking that their fancy labels makes them better people somehow.
Hi Skully
I am not neing pompous in this respect
But I have Vegan freinds, and have been invited around for the proverbial nut cutlet and foul stuff
My mate said " screw this malarky, we are designed debtally and innards-wise to eat meat"
He is of course correct, so we abandoned the party of crackers and went for a burger
He is cured of this madness of trying to live on nuts & berries.
Day of the Triffids
I am not suprised in your correct observation that veggies are flying out of the window.
It is not natural for us humans
Bob
Steak, Please !
There hasn't been a huge scare like Mad Cow recently. That led to a spike in people adopting vegetarianism.
So it makes sense that there's a gradual decline of vegetarians and a growing percentage of people becoming omnivores. The flexitarian label makes sense, too - after banging on about the unhealthiness of meat for years, you have to have some excuse to give those around you for becoming an omnivore again.
How can there be a rise in Flexitarianism when most people haven't even HEARD of it?
They have, however, heard of vegetarians and vegans, even if they aren't clear on what they eat exactly.
Flexitarians aren't vegetarians in any sense whatsoever.
I don't think it's declining... all the vegetarians I know don't eat any meat... period.
Oh my beloved Scully. You are so divin but I must tell you that the reason for your information is that your eyesight may be declining in your gloden years.
My dearest, it's sad to have to say that the only reasno that flexi...flexu...flexe..flexa...vegenaria... numbers are increesing is because they are counting your Yahoo ids.
I'd classify myself as a strict vegetarian. My friends and family know I don't eat meat and I've never had any problem with coming across as "rude" or whatever. Vegetarianism is really common where I live on the west coast, though. I don't think I've noticed any decline in that, but definitely have noticed an incline in "flexitarianism" as you call it. I think that's mostly people trying to eat more healthy foods as opposed to doing it for a moral reason. Hey, if they're eating even one or two more veggie meals a week instead of meat, I'm happy!
who says they are declining?
and a flexitarian vegetarianism?! sorry, but a vegetarian= no meat. if you eat meat your not any form of vegetarian. your a form of meat eater.
and if you eat meat just to avoid social insensitivities that is pretty sad. be your own person. stand up for what you believe in. it's your mouth why would you eat if you didn't want to because your worried about being different?
Inability to commit to a solid stance.
Because we strict vegetarians are poofers and therefore don't reproduce.
Flexitarian Vegetarianism
Now that makes the most sense of any term I've heard ina long time. Some vegetarians (usually vegans) are so militant about their foodways it is rude. Being flexible is the best idea, IMO.
You are so smart and thoughtful.