Should veg*ns care what others eat?!
I know a lot of people have a hands off attitude about it but honestly if you think ethics are a reason to be a veg*n then why on earth would you not care!. I care if someone kills or abuses another person and would go out of my way to stop them!. In the case of rising, killing and eating animals I have chosen to do no more than as respectful a dialog as possible!.
Some how even in the veg*n community we have stereotyped caring what others eat as overbearing and preachy!. Well it should be know than such be known that information can be disseminated even in a challenging way is a tactful mindful manner!. We should not be apologetic for our believes nor that of desiring others to follow suit!.
In Buddhism it is not so much about the mitigation of desire as it is about right desire!. If our desire is rooted in compassion then I believe we will find the right avenues to express it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Some how even in the veg*n community we have stereotyped caring what others eat as overbearing and preachy!. Well it should be know than such be known that information can be disseminated even in a challenging way is a tactful mindful manner!. We should not be apologetic for our believes nor that of desiring others to follow suit!.
In Buddhism it is not so much about the mitigation of desire as it is about right desire!. If our desire is rooted in compassion then I believe we will find the right avenues to express it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
I personally do care!. Most omnis would call what they eat a matter of “personal choice”!. I think making personal choices is all good and well, as long as they only affect yourself!. The fact is, choosing to eat animals and their "products" is not a victimless personal choice!. However, it is a very socially acceptable choice!. I understand that most people haven’t looked at where their food comes from, in fact many people don’t want to know where their food comes from!. Because if they did, god forbid they might actually have to consider what they think and how they feel about it!. And maybe that wouldn’t feel good!. And they might need to change some of their personal habits!. Changes that would make them “different” from everyone else!.
Humans are “herd” or “pack” animals!. That is we are social, not solitary, animals!. The instinct to blend in and uphold the status quo is something to consider!. I don’t think most people eat animals because they’re cruel and insensitive people, they do it because that’s what everyone else does and they probably never seriously considered that they could do otherwise!.
But being ‘the vegan in the room’ has a way of holding up a mirror to those around you!. I feel that is often enough, I don’t go around telling people what I think about what they’re eating!. When they find out I’m vegan, many people tell me “I don’t eat that much meat” or “I could be vegetarian except for xyz-animal-product”!. Many try to identify in some way, even though most of them are far from veg (eating animals and their secretions daily does not a veg*an or even “almost-veg*an” make!), they want to distance themselves from the meat eating!. Of course others are completely closed off and defensive and do the direct opposite, but I think those people are more afraid than any of facing what they really contribute to!.
So, yes, we should care!. Should we preach!? Absolutely not!. I lead by example, holding up that mirror is often enough to give someone pause, and I answer any questions I’m asked as simply and truthfully as I can!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Humans are “herd” or “pack” animals!. That is we are social, not solitary, animals!. The instinct to blend in and uphold the status quo is something to consider!. I don’t think most people eat animals because they’re cruel and insensitive people, they do it because that’s what everyone else does and they probably never seriously considered that they could do otherwise!.
But being ‘the vegan in the room’ has a way of holding up a mirror to those around you!. I feel that is often enough, I don’t go around telling people what I think about what they’re eating!. When they find out I’m vegan, many people tell me “I don’t eat that much meat” or “I could be vegetarian except for xyz-animal-product”!. Many try to identify in some way, even though most of them are far from veg (eating animals and their secretions daily does not a veg*an or even “almost-veg*an” make!), they want to distance themselves from the meat eating!. Of course others are completely closed off and defensive and do the direct opposite, but I think those people are more afraid than any of facing what they really contribute to!.
So, yes, we should care!. Should we preach!? Absolutely not!. I lead by example, holding up that mirror is often enough to give someone pause, and I answer any questions I’m asked as simply and truthfully as I can!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
no, and non-vegans shouldn't care what others eat either!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
to each their own
do whatever you want to do but don't preach to others about how to live their lives!.!.!.that's my belief
it should be about acceptance all around!Www@FoodAQ@Com
do whatever you want to do but don't preach to others about how to live their lives!.!.!.that's my belief
it should be about acceptance all around!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I wouldn't have a problem with you if you wanted to have a "respectful dialogs"!. Discussion is a good thing but don't expect to "convert" many people!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I care!.
It's a difficult line to walk!. When the vegan choice can end a chronic illness for a dear friend, but they'd rather take fistfulls of pills!?
It gets so frustrating!.
When you're part of a Catholic community intent on feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, fostering justice and equality - and adopting a vegan lifestyle is the best way to accomplish this but your community thinks it's "too much!."
sigh!.!.!.
someone get me a cup of coffee and a slice of vegan cheesecake please!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
It's a difficult line to walk!. When the vegan choice can end a chronic illness for a dear friend, but they'd rather take fistfulls of pills!?
It gets so frustrating!.
When you're part of a Catholic community intent on feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, fostering justice and equality - and adopting a vegan lifestyle is the best way to accomplish this but your community thinks it's "too much!."
sigh!.!.!.
someone get me a cup of coffee and a slice of vegan cheesecake please!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I have to say I do care what people eat in regards to animals because I don't feel it's theirs to eat!. However I don't tell people this because it sounds harsh to me!. I want everyone to be comfortable in my presence, I don't want them to tremble in fear if they discuss making a chicken dinner!. Then they wouldn't like me much anymore!.
Many people still don't know why I'm vegan, they just know that I am!. They never asked me how it came about!.
I believe that people don't really know what's going on and if someone has info to give them, they cover their ears and go "lalalala, I don't want to hear!.!.!.it'll ruin my meal!." You know what I'm talking about when I say that too!. Doesn't that bother you that they want to remain ignorant simply because they like the taste of something!? It drives me up the wall!
But I don't say anything, because they just are different from me!. I am a naturally curious person, so I delved into the world of livestock production research, whereas many people just don't want to know!. I don't get it, but oh well!. Little strides are best for me rather than large, risky leaps!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Many people still don't know why I'm vegan, they just know that I am!. They never asked me how it came about!.
I believe that people don't really know what's going on and if someone has info to give them, they cover their ears and go "lalalala, I don't want to hear!.!.!.it'll ruin my meal!." You know what I'm talking about when I say that too!. Doesn't that bother you that they want to remain ignorant simply because they like the taste of something!? It drives me up the wall!
But I don't say anything, because they just are different from me!. I am a naturally curious person, so I delved into the world of livestock production research, whereas many people just don't want to know!. I don't get it, but oh well!. Little strides are best for me rather than large, risky leaps!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
no they really shouldnt care!.
if someone wants to eat meat and diary, just let them!.
its not like u could change the way someone eats or something!./Www@FoodAQ@Com
if someone wants to eat meat and diary, just let them!.
its not like u could change the way someone eats or something!./Www@FoodAQ@Com
I DO care, but I don't believe that getting in someone's face is an appropriate or effective way to reach someone!.
Personally, I believe in leading by example!. Already I've been credited for converting one omnivore to adopt vegetarianism, I've gotten 4 vegetarians to go vegan, I've succeeded in motivating my mother to eat more meatless meals, and my husband now eats vegetarian at home by his own accord - all by just being my awesome vegan self, and speaking my truth when I am asked!. THAT is my right avenue!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Personally, I believe in leading by example!. Already I've been credited for converting one omnivore to adopt vegetarianism, I've gotten 4 vegetarians to go vegan, I've succeeded in motivating my mother to eat more meatless meals, and my husband now eats vegetarian at home by his own accord - all by just being my awesome vegan self, and speaking my truth when I am asked!. THAT is my right avenue!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
i care what people around me are eating, but the way to inform them about veg*nism isn't to talk their ears off!. i serve vegetarian food at home, my kids will be vegetarian (yes, thumbs-down me all you want), and i bring vegetarian dishes to potlucks and such!. it's just like religion!.!.!.!.more people come to it on their own than come to it because someone is sticking a finger in their face and telling them they're going to hell!. you don't get anywhere with people by telling them they're doing something wrong!.!.!.!.people just get defensive when you do that!. the way to get through to people is to be an admirable person!. i think that's the best veg*ns can do to get our point across!.!.!.!.!.simply lead by example and watch people follow!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I do care, and I think vegetarians should care!. About 10 billion animals are slaughtered every year in the U!.S!. alone, and this number doesn't even include fish!. People's food choices directly relate to the number of animals being confined, abused, and slaughtered!.
We should all try to not be offended when someone politely suggests to us that a commonly accepted practice is immoral!. If everyone refrained from offering such criticism for fear of offending someone, then institutions like slavery would still exist today!.
This doesn't mean that I harass people while they're eating meat, but it does mean that I try to promote vegetarianism in a friendly way by leafleting, doing online activism, etc!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
We should all try to not be offended when someone politely suggests to us that a commonly accepted practice is immoral!. If everyone refrained from offering such criticism for fear of offending someone, then institutions like slavery would still exist today!.
This doesn't mean that I harass people while they're eating meat, but it does mean that I try to promote vegetarianism in a friendly way by leafleting, doing online activism, etc!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I think yes, you should care about what others eat!.
I, however, would think the core reasons a veg*n chooses their foodstuffs may not be universally shared!.
It's like business - some ways of making money may be borderline unethical, but people still do it!. Stocks essentially serve little purpose, but everyone tries to own some!.
As a person, your task is still to be understanding of other's persepctives and to talk at that level, not to just "preach" as many consider it!. There are other reasons to stop eating certain things - work with those!.
Just like being green needs to build a valid business case to convince companies to change!.
Good luck!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I, however, would think the core reasons a veg*n chooses their foodstuffs may not be universally shared!.
It's like business - some ways of making money may be borderline unethical, but people still do it!. Stocks essentially serve little purpose, but everyone tries to own some!.
As a person, your task is still to be understanding of other's persepctives and to talk at that level, not to just "preach" as many consider it!. There are other reasons to stop eating certain things - work with those!.
Just like being green needs to build a valid business case to convince companies to change!.
Good luck!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Should veg*ns care what others eat!?
Certainly!. Should they say anything to non-veg*ns about it!? Yes!. Right after they become perfect!. Remember when you are deciding what amount of animal suffering is acceptable in your own lives you're drawing the line as to where you feel everyone else is wrong!.
Here's a lesson in human nature for you!. When you chastise someone without right or authority to do so, the most common result is that person moves in the opposite direction from that which you intended!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Certainly!. Should they say anything to non-veg*ns about it!? Yes!. Right after they become perfect!. Remember when you are deciding what amount of animal suffering is acceptable in your own lives you're drawing the line as to where you feel everyone else is wrong!.
Here's a lesson in human nature for you!. When you chastise someone without right or authority to do so, the most common result is that person moves in the opposite direction from that which you intended!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Yes!.
See if a person drinks 100 juice galones or 200 candy bars per a day, I have no problem!. because thats their choice!. But when people eat animals, whom I care about, thats when it becomes my concern and my business!.
There is a third party involved!. The animasl are that third party, they are helpless and does not have a voice!. So I AM THEIR VOICE!.
Its the same if I saw a child being abused!. I feel, it is wrong to never say anything!.
Edit: - Vegan - protein, Gosh, you explained how I feel at work!. I am so glad there are people that can see this aspect!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
See if a person drinks 100 juice galones or 200 candy bars per a day, I have no problem!. because thats their choice!. But when people eat animals, whom I care about, thats when it becomes my concern and my business!.
There is a third party involved!. The animasl are that third party, they are helpless and does not have a voice!. So I AM THEIR VOICE!.
Its the same if I saw a child being abused!. I feel, it is wrong to never say anything!.
Edit: - Vegan - protein, Gosh, you explained how I feel at work!. I am so glad there are people that can see this aspect!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
You know, I never really thought about it that way!.
You're right! It seems that [some] veg*ns walk on eggshells around [some] meat-eaters in an attempt to not offend them by not talking about the diet/lifestyle!. I think that many of us don't really discuss it for fear of being labeled an extremist!.
Whatever the veg*an's reason may be for abstaining from meat, there is obviously passion and dedication involved!. Why not talk about it and create a positive dialogue!?
~> I do have a question for you though!.!.!.do you have any suggestions on how to go about this!? It sounds like a good social experiment and a way to raise awareness!. Kudos to you!Www@FoodAQ@Com
You're right! It seems that [some] veg*ns walk on eggshells around [some] meat-eaters in an attempt to not offend them by not talking about the diet/lifestyle!. I think that many of us don't really discuss it for fear of being labeled an extremist!.
Whatever the veg*an's reason may be for abstaining from meat, there is obviously passion and dedication involved!. Why not talk about it and create a positive dialogue!?
~> I do have a question for you though!.!.!.do you have any suggestions on how to go about this!? It sounds like a good social experiment and a way to raise awareness!. Kudos to you!Www@FoodAQ@Com
organic is best for our health and the earthWww@FoodAQ@Com
I wonder how many vegans that don't eat meat are pro choice!?
Just a question, not an answer sorry!.
I just do not know any vegans to ask!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Just a question, not an answer sorry!.
I just do not know any vegans to ask!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Because pushing your beliefs on someone is just another form of control!. When people push/preach religion, politics, and other hot topics, it only stirs up a hornets nest of Negativity, and Negativity only begets more Negativity!. We should live and let live!. I agree it's terrible to think what people are doing to poor defenseless animals in their own backyards, but to step up on a soapbox would only fuel the flames of dogma and control, flare up hot tempers over debating the issue, and can even cause violence, which can sometimes go horribly wrong!.
Let's say your neighbor is out in his backyard barbequing!. And you can smell the awful stench of the sizzling meat, and having had quite enough, you decide to go out there and gently slide your views into a non-chalant conversation!. He doesn't buy it, in fact he gets a little peeved that you would even approach him about something he considers so trivial!. You give him even more reasons as to why it's wrong and unhealthy, and he starts to get a little worked up!. It could so easily slip into a volitile situation, and what if he got so worked up that he went into his home and got a gun, and came back outside to give you a piece of his mind, and what if the gun went off, sailing through your livingroom window, striking and killing your child or your spouse!. Was it all worth it just to witness to him the way you believe!? Of course it's not worth it!.
If this was the 1800's or gentler times, then I would say yes, have a good old-fashioned conversation about it, but this is not gentler times!. Arguments can erupt into gunfire over video games!. It's ridiculous to put yourself into a possibly dangerous situation just to prove a point!. Besides, Buddhists are very peaceful people!. If it could turn into a non-peaceful situation, then they would tell you to smile, walk away, and even bless the person!. You can't change people, which is one reason divorce rates are sky high!. People will be what they will be!. And that's not to say they will never come around to this way of thinking!. They are living their chart just like you are living yours!. It may not be in their life chart to come to Veganism/Vegetarianism until later down the road!. Who are you to say when they should learn their life's lessons!? Believe in what you say, and say what you believe, but remember to live and let live!. God takes care of the rest!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Let's say your neighbor is out in his backyard barbequing!. And you can smell the awful stench of the sizzling meat, and having had quite enough, you decide to go out there and gently slide your views into a non-chalant conversation!. He doesn't buy it, in fact he gets a little peeved that you would even approach him about something he considers so trivial!. You give him even more reasons as to why it's wrong and unhealthy, and he starts to get a little worked up!. It could so easily slip into a volitile situation, and what if he got so worked up that he went into his home and got a gun, and came back outside to give you a piece of his mind, and what if the gun went off, sailing through your livingroom window, striking and killing your child or your spouse!. Was it all worth it just to witness to him the way you believe!? Of course it's not worth it!.
If this was the 1800's or gentler times, then I would say yes, have a good old-fashioned conversation about it, but this is not gentler times!. Arguments can erupt into gunfire over video games!. It's ridiculous to put yourself into a possibly dangerous situation just to prove a point!. Besides, Buddhists are very peaceful people!. If it could turn into a non-peaceful situation, then they would tell you to smile, walk away, and even bless the person!. You can't change people, which is one reason divorce rates are sky high!. People will be what they will be!. And that's not to say they will never come around to this way of thinking!. They are living their chart just like you are living yours!. It may not be in their life chart to come to Veganism/Vegetarianism until later down the road!. Who are you to say when they should learn their life's lessons!? Believe in what you say, and say what you believe, but remember to live and let live!. God takes care of the rest!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I agree with what you say!. It troubles me how some "vegans" say, well I don`t want to be a part of that but I don`t care what others do!
As you say, if you`re a vegan because of ethics, it means that the problem is the exploitation of other animals not whether you`re a part of it or not!. And going vegan, although a very important decission, is not enough for all of those that are still being exploited, enslaved and slaughtered every day!.
But, as you`ve seen with most of the responses here, a lot of people seem to believe that caring about what others eat means that you`ll shout at others (murderers! exploiters! and the like) and impose on them your views!.
I guess that having a respectful discussion with someone is not so common nowadays!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
As you say, if you`re a vegan because of ethics, it means that the problem is the exploitation of other animals not whether you`re a part of it or not!. And going vegan, although a very important decission, is not enough for all of those that are still being exploited, enslaved and slaughtered every day!.
But, as you`ve seen with most of the responses here, a lot of people seem to believe that caring about what others eat means that you`ll shout at others (murderers! exploiters! and the like) and impose on them your views!.
I guess that having a respectful discussion with someone is not so common nowadays!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Whether or not I choose to talk to someone about veg*nism is something quite separate from caring about what people eat!. Yes, I care what others eat!. It makes a difference to the animals that are suffering and dying unnecessarily and it makes a difference to the health of the planet!. I'm not apathetic about those issues!. But, that doesn't mean I always have to translate my caring into a discussion about it with every meat eater whose path I cross, and it certainly doesn't mean I have to preach, nag, etc!.!.!. Some people are curious and open to talking about it and that's great - I'll talk all day to those people (well, I don't talk about it over a meal!.) Some people are dead set against it and won't be open to my views no matter how I present them!. I still care what those people eat, but I don't often waste my time sharing that with them!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I've been a vegetarian for over 25 years!. My husband is not, and my children were not raised exclusively vegetarian!. Now grown, neither is a vegetarian!.
Obviously by now they all know how I feel!. I also feel that the decision is for them to make, and I do not judge them for their choice!.
Vegetarians should care what others eat, and they can express their feelings appropriately, and they can work to support their beliefs by purchasing cage-free eggs and other such products!. When I became a vegetarian, my choices were limited in many ways, especially when eating out!. Progress happens, conversions happen, and you can help it along some but you can't force it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Obviously by now they all know how I feel!. I also feel that the decision is for them to make, and I do not judge them for their choice!.
Vegetarians should care what others eat, and they can express their feelings appropriately, and they can work to support their beliefs by purchasing cage-free eggs and other such products!. When I became a vegetarian, my choices were limited in many ways, especially when eating out!. Progress happens, conversions happen, and you can help it along some but you can't force it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I care what others eat, and if someone questions why I eat like I do (veg*n) I'll tell them why, but I'm not going to preach to them about how wrong they are or whatever for the way they eat!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Personally, I think that taking the path of least resistance is a better idea than taking an 'in your face' attitude which seems a bit like fighting a war for peace which doesn't make any sense to me either!. My vegetarian activism has been coupled with preparing and serving delicious meals, teaching other people how to do that by way of cooking classes and recently with the web presence of http://www!.your-vegetarian-kitchen!.com/h!.!.!. and Yahoo Answers!. I have given lectures and workshops on the diet called 'Vegetarian: a diet for all reasons' and I have published an e-book by the same name; and while I genuinely do care about the health and well being of all people, the animals and the planet, it makes more sense to me to provide people with information and recipes rather than standing on street corners with pamphlets or sending them to PETA!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
i dont think they should,what did our ancestors eat!?meat!Www@FoodAQ@Com
are you suggesting telling people not to eat meat!? I for one would go off on you if you tried to preach to me while I was eating, I chose what to eat and to believe in God!. You dont see me screaming at you to eat meat and believe in God so my opinion no it doesnt matter what others eat!Www@FoodAQ@Com
No!. For the same reasons that no one should preach their beliefs to those who don't want to hear it!. Your argument would work for religion too, if you believe that your religion is the only way to salvation, then you should push it on everyone, right!? Wrong!.
The fact is, some of us do not think it is wrong to kill animals for food!. I believe that our bodies are made to eat meat, although perhaps more moderately than we usually do!. I like meat!. Without meat, I get sick (I tried), no matter what I do!.
If the animals are killed in a humane way, then you shouldn't get preachy!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
The fact is, some of us do not think it is wrong to kill animals for food!. I believe that our bodies are made to eat meat, although perhaps more moderately than we usually do!. I like meat!. Without meat, I get sick (I tried), no matter what I do!.
If the animals are killed in a humane way, then you shouldn't get preachy!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
no
its america
the land of the free
although they have a freedom of speech
im pretty sure we have freedom to what we eat
and we know what our options are and if what to be a food nazi then we wouldve chose that but if you see us eating meat chances are is because we are enjoyng it so leave us be and go away and eat your food
meateaters dont go around yelling at vegans telling them they should leave those poor veggies alone haha and start eating meat so why do it to us
give your opinion then leave it alone
dont get crazy over something like foodWww@FoodAQ@Com
its america
the land of the free
although they have a freedom of speech
im pretty sure we have freedom to what we eat
and we know what our options are and if what to be a food nazi then we wouldve chose that but if you see us eating meat chances are is because we are enjoyng it so leave us be and go away and eat your food
meateaters dont go around yelling at vegans telling them they should leave those poor veggies alone haha and start eating meat so why do it to us
give your opinion then leave it alone
dont get crazy over something like foodWww@FoodAQ@Com
We should all care about each other but the food issue is rather ridiculous!. at my university we're all pretty equal, meat eater and veggie eater are all friends as the meat eater kills the animal, and the veggie eater kills the plant, either way something is dying to nourish our bodies!. its just how the food chain goes, to survive, something must die!.Www@FoodAQ@Com