Why do people discriminate against vegetarians?!

First off, it is definitely not the right thing to do, for them to behave this way.

However, coming from a non-vegetarian, I can truly say that it sounds to me like if they asked you if you were going to be an *** about it, probably means that in their experience, vegetarians behaved that way.

I've had some experiences with very militant vegetarians or vegans who can't seem to grasp that it is a personal decision and we all see the world differently, and I feel that eating meat is okay as long as I produce it myself or buy it from local producers (as opposed to buying CAFO meat where the animals suffer tremendously).

I personally have been the subject of many insults and berations by people because of this.

It really doesn't sound like you are that kind of person, though, and unfortunately you are now affected by the behavior of the others. That's a real shame.

The biggest part of this, though, is bad behavior on the part of these people who are giving you a hard time. the best advice I can give you is to behave graciously throughout it... obviously these people have a "stereotype" in their mind of what vegetarians and vegans behave like, so you are the lucky one who gets to break that stereotype.

I am an omnivore. I have never been rude to a vegetarian to their face and if someone chooses to tell me that they are a vegetarian i could care less and go on treating them the same. Most people are like this.

But. I have had a vegetarian give me a meat is murder pamphlet, which IS an insult to me personally. And this would make your words applicable to me. "I personally didn't hate on these vegetarians, so doesn't that mean i should not be held accountable?"

You may not have done anything but as a group it does happen both ways. When vegetarians preach and insult others it will motivate some people to be rude to all vegetarians. Not you or I, but we both have to accept that this happens. We all need to just live and let live our dietary choices should be no ones business.

It is from ignorance about vegetarians. I know quite a few who do not make it an issue. In fact I have known one couple for about a year before I noticed.

Really it comes from the militant and evangelical vegetarians. I have seen vegans preach at a family barbecue. The couple makes it a big point to show the TVP that looks like beef. Not only does that fake meat repulse me, but their behavior is extremely rude and offensive. But they are family. Really it is the people who speak out and try to convert that give people the impression that all are like that.

As for your sister tell you that you try to be a vegetarians and that you appreciate here supporting you. If she asked questions, be polite and answer them. But do not try to convert her.

Meat-eaters who hate on veg*ns, and even vegetarians who hate on vegans, usually (falsely, in my opinion) believe that veg*ns are ignorant of human nutritional needs, too sensitive towards animals' suffering, and let themselves be blinded by their stupidity and emotions to the reality of the "natural order" of things. On top of that, a lot of meat-eaters feel judged by veg*ns - even if no judgment is actually expressed, they worry it's there in their minds anyway - and even feel like their food culture is implicitly, silently being threatened or attacked.

I used to ridicule veg*ns, then I became one and started getting ridiculed.

Karma!

Your decision is for your own good life too. Do those who make fun of you will be responsible if you pain? because too much eating foods high in calories, high fat and a variety of delicious junk food that they eat. Be firm, friend. When health always come with you,so hopefully one day they will change also, and that's because of you, rest assured and do not hate them.

Diet, food and healthy life information
http://www.juicinghealth.blogspot.com/

likely because SOME vegetarians force their views and beliefs on others
of course, so do many meat eaters.

the general stereotype of vegetarians/vegans people get from extremist organizations like Peta and the Animal Liberation Front.... most vegetarians/vegans aren't even close to that extreme, but that's what people see.

Why do vegetarians have a need to announce to everyone that they are vegetarians? No one really cares. It's not being a vegetarian that makes you an a**hole, it's how you behave.


Mmm, with the number or thumbs down, I guess it's not how you behave but rather being a vegetarian ;)

Because some people DO become assholes when they turn vegetarian.

I grew up in San Francisco, so I knew several who did. He probably wanted to be sure that you weren't going to be one of them who suddenly turned into an asshole when you became a vegetarian.

People can be judgmental, and rude. Wait until you get to your first wedding diner, where the only two choices are roast beef and salmon. . . but most of those have gotten better. (though the vegetarian options usually taste terrible)

Some have organized groups against age discrimination. .... the death penalty for homosexual activity, and two do in some regions of the country. ... Discrimination against people with disabilities in favor of people who are not is ...

It's a lack of understanding. It is the same reason why some loathe people from other religions because they do not understand why it is not like their religion.

Happens both ways. I know of vegans that are very judgemental of non-vegans. Especially on these boards.

i guess its because usually people who are vegitarians have a weaker bone structure and cant eat as much as someone who does eat meat.