Vegetarians Vegans - Help me with this problem.?!
I've noticed this especially at work. It comes up when someone serves me meat and I politely decline saying I am a vegetarian. I had just one colleague who was compassionate in many ways. She was not a vegetarian but defended me sincerely for what I was, when I was attacked.
I dont even know how to handle this, especially when I am minding my business and not even preaching anything. I am sick and tired of "Oh u vegetarians do this" "oh u vegetarians do that" "you vegetarians are athists" "you vegetarians are dumb" "You vegetarians are abortionists".......when all what I have in my head is "I dont want to eat meat!"
Give me some good points to defend myself and to help them understand work ethics!
Answers: Hi there, the moment I say I am a vegetarian or I am born vegetarian, people attack me or are sarcastic about it. It is not even like I participate in a meat vs veggie discussion!
I've noticed this especially at work. It comes up when someone serves me meat and I politely decline saying I am a vegetarian. I had just one colleague who was compassionate in many ways. She was not a vegetarian but defended me sincerely for what I was, when I was attacked.
I dont even know how to handle this, especially when I am minding my business and not even preaching anything. I am sick and tired of "Oh u vegetarians do this" "oh u vegetarians do that" "you vegetarians are athists" "you vegetarians are dumb" "You vegetarians are abortionists".......when all what I have in my head is "I dont want to eat meat!"
Give me some good points to defend myself and to help them understand work ethics!
If someone asks why you are a vegetarian, simply reply by asking them why they are not one? Or ask why do they choose to eat meat? This will turn the question round and then you will see if anyone will give an intelligent response other than 'because it tastes good.'
Unfortunately, there are a lot of ignorant people who turn their noses up at us veggies just because they can't understand why anyone would cut out meat from their diet. If you recieve a negative response from people, you could tell them why a meat-less diet is healthier, better for the planet and kinder to animals, so isn't that a better, more ethical way of living?
I have had to put up people like this for years - don't let them get to you! Just act surprised when these people criticise vegetarianism. I hate to sa it, but it is usually only narrow-minded, less intelligent people that have this outlook.
I think the problem is why do you have to say you're a vegetarian? If someone offered me something to eat that I hated, I would simply and politely decline, I would not say that I don't like it, no reason is necessary. You asked for an opinion and that is the one I have. It just makes people defensive, like you are judging them. Imagine you accept a piece of cheesecake and the person next to you doesn't want a piece but instead of just politely declining they say "I don't eat that it makes you fat" wouldn't you feel defensive, like how dare he/she judge what I eat..........even though they really aren't, it just seems that way?
I would simply and politely say that my eating choices really are my business as are yours. And just tell people that you would appreciate them holding their opinions. I feel for you...people can be soooo closed minded and thoughtless. Sometimes you just have to be blunt...but keep a smile on your face and say it kindly. Most people will back off.
Never defend , never explain. Other people for some reason, when they don't understand or find others different from them have a need to talk.
Next time, it's just no thank you. No need to say what you eat or don't eat. It's no one's business but your own,. Why get into it. Then there's no need to defend or explain. you don't have to do that. Then deflect. Oh but I do love beans and I see there is a great casserole here... I'll have LOTS of that please.
If it gets out of control, lie! If I eat meat I go into severe shock, I choke, barf a lot and then I could die.
I have honestly never had this problem, regardless of whether I say, "I don't eat meat," or "I'm a vegetarian," which is supposedly more inflammatory. If what you say is true, you are being harrased at work. Workplace harrasment doesn't have to be sexual in nature; if someone is creating a hostile work environment by calling you a dumb atheist abortionist, you need to discuss the situation with your supervisor. This person needs to learn when it's not appropriate to open their ignorant mouth at work. They are free to disagree with you but they are not free to call you names and make your work life miserable. For your part, tell them next time firmly but politely that the subject is off-limits for discussion, then do not engage them in conversation about it (even if you think you're being polite.)
If you are working amongst non-vegetarians, it's time you thought about setting up a home-based business so that you don't have to be amongst your attackers.
Just don't seem to care, and eventually they will get bored if they see you're not reacting. Just say what you just wrote here! All you want is to not eat meat, that's all. Maybe if you seem laid back about it, it will wear off. I use that technic with the stupid jokes I tend to get. I just laugh with them, or play their game, and they get bored with it because it doesn't seem to bother me.
Good luck anyway.
BlueSea: I don't think she should have to hide the fact she's vegetarian. It's her right to be, specially since she's not stopping other people from eating meat.
Before any situation in which food will be served, you should have found out if there were vegetarian options or brought your own food.
Before going to lunch or to dinner at someone's house you should always let them know that you are a vegetarian, and will be happy to bring your own meal.
As for their comments, it is indeed harassment, and should be reported.
They are the ones who munch dead bodies....
I'm another person who just politely declines. I don't see a need to add "i'm vegan." Although it seems many of the people who do know i'm vegan like to jump in and add "SHE'S VEEEEEEEEEEGUN" *rolleyes*
Many people assume we're going to criticize their choices the instant they find out we're vegetarian, so they try to offend us before we have a chance. They don't realize most of us don't give a **** what they eat and they're picking fights where there wouldn't have been one if they'd kept their traps shut. I've had people who've known me for a while, months, if not years, and their demeanor changes the second they find out i'm vegetarian. There're too many stereotypes and stigmas.
Really, you just learn to ignore them. If you don't hang around them, they have no reason to spout off with their crap.
Well unfortunately we take flack for the choices we make. If you aren't insecure already it wouldn't bother you so much, IMO. I do find most vegetarians and vegans in a modern society as being defensive and always having to let people know they are "vegetarians" or "vegan". Also they are really peculiar mostly. So I would say to find out how you can be secure in who you are.