Vegetarian Community

Waltz · Senior Member

Why you are not a carnivore...

Annie · Senior Member

This reminds me of a lot of the stuff Gary Yourofsky mentions in his 'best speech'... I know that *I* am no carnivore!

Waltz · Senior Member

Yeah, he does mention some of that. I love his lectures.

Annie · Senior Member

Wish I could go to one! Also had to bring these up today.

"So why are you vegan?!!?!"

I was like ahhhhh here we go!

Went to explain the ethics behind why I do it, and they're all "Well I need my meat, for the protein"

ACK! PEOPLE!!! So frustrating!

Even when I explain the body side of it, they're not willing to accept it, and then are all "NO YOU ARE WRONG, EATING MEAT IS WHAT WE'RE MADE TO DO. STOP PREACHING TO US".

Ummm, SORRY?! Firstly, you asked ME about it, THEN you go on to insult me and degrade me beliefs and act nonchalant about the amount of animal suffering that goes in to feeding you're ridiculous appetite, and THEN you say I'm preaching!

JEEZ.

People are just... blind. Or have selective sight.

I'm willing to bet it's the latter.

Waltz · Senior Member

Most people don't want to accept what makes them uncomfortable. No matter how wrong it is. It's actually quite sad. Whether I'm trying to calmly and respectuflly explain the benefits of a meat-free diet to a meat eater, or veganism to a vegetarian, I always receive denial and rude behavior. It's overwhelmingly frustrating. I just have to accept that I did my part. If they can't accept what is obviously in the right, then THEY are the ones with the issues.

And next time you explain the six points to someone and they tell you you are wrong, tell them they need to actually educate themselves and have scientific arguments to back up their points.

The best we can do is keep trying to help people understand the way out of an unhealthy and selfish lifestyle.

Annie · Senior Member

Indeed. I hate that, for the majority, 'humanity' turns a blind eye to everything. It makes me sick! I have no problem with people who were clueless to it, but to find that they KNOW, and still continue to eat meat... it's just barbaric!

LevisDecorThorn · Senior Member

Nice information/arguments.
I am vegetarian - I have no idea if I will ever be vegan - but I do know at one point I was talking to a friend of mine who is vegan about my being vegetarian.
She mentioned milk, etc. how it was bad for your body - no further than that- , but to me its like ok then but I'm not vegan.
And I know before she used to eat meat, then tried to be vegetarian, then I lost contact with her, and now she is vegan.
So it's like I know how she grew up and stuff.
We did not argue about it - and I have tried dairy, etc alternatives, but I tend to switch between real cheese and dairy V. soy/almond milk, plant rennet cheeses, etc.
It's sort of like I respect you and what you do - but really I am doing this at my own pace and what I am comfortable with.
Like I said, I don't know if I will ever go vegan, but I have read a lot of stuff about it.
I read a lot in general, and usually see both sides of arguments.
To each his own.

Waltz · Senior Member

That's great. My post was aimed towards vegetarianism in general and that's why I only dealt with the meat aspect of it. Nice to hear you're someone who can think for yourself. :)

Spaz · Senior Member

It's kinda weird in that, when I was a vegetarian, people were much more accepting of my choice. When I became vegan, it seemed so much more controversial to people...including my vegetarian friends.

LevisDecorThorn · Senior Member

Yes, I can think for myself.
One reason why I read a lot and try to see both sides of arguments.
I can usually argue both sides of an issue but still have my own opinion.

I think there is tension just between vegetarians and vegans as it is - let alone adding meat eaters to that mix.

editorlady · Veteran Member

Me too, Spaz.

Annie · Senior Member

Spaz, I think this is related to popularity. Everyone has a vegetarian friend, and with vegetarian options in a LOT of places, it's become a known part of society. I think deep down people understand the reasoning for vegetarianism, thus can accept it. But they don't see taking milk and eggs as wrong because it doesn't kill the animal, ergo veganism is controversial in their eyes. I have a really irritating colleague who always confronts me on my beliefs, and he literally cannot see that as exploitation of animals... Talking to him is like bashing my head against a brick wall!

Chickpea · Member

Another note: Beings that are meant to be carnivores can digest fresh meat as is. Beings meant to be herbivores need to cook that green flesh first lest they become sick from the enzymes.

And as far as the arguments go...why can't the choice not to eat meat just be accepted as much as the choice not to smoke. After all, it our freedom of choice right?

Spaz · Senior Member

I'll never understand why compassion for other beings, whether animal or human, is made fun of in our society (heck, probably in every society). It's not enough for people to lack their own compassion, but they have to belittle others who don't. This will forever burden me as a human being, because I truly believe a great majority of our problems on this planet could disappear if our species wasn't such a huge mass of self-serving, impulsive, greedy, infantile, short-sighted, lazy brats. LOL...guess I'm a bit angry at mankind as of late.

Waltz · Senior Member

Chickpea wrote:
Another note: Beings that are meant to be carnivores can digest fresh meat as is. Beings meant to be herbivores need to cook that green flesh first lest they become sick from the enzymes.

And as far as the arguments go...why can't the choice not to eat meat just be accepted as much as the choice not to smoke. After all, it our freedom of choice right?

Very good points.

Waltz · Senior Member

Spaz wrote:
I'll never understand why compassion for other beings, whether animal or human, is made fun of in our society (heck, probably in every society). It's not enough for people to lack their own compassion, but they have to belittle others who don't. This will forever burden me as a human being, because I truly believe a great majority of our problems on this planet could disappear if our species wasn't such a huge mass of self-serving, impulsive, greedy, infantile, short-sighted, lazy brats. LOL...guess I'm a bit angry at mankind as of late.

I agree completely. I was at a group orientation meeting yesterday and we were all asked to tell everyone our favorite restaurant and why we like it... I hesitated because I don't eat out a lot and felt uncomfortable (honestly, the persecution of living this lifestyle). Previously everyone before mentioned steak houses and grills... I then said Sluggo's Vegan Restaurant and I swear have the room snickered. It really is sick and yes, I am very upset at humanity as well. I wish we could all be shipped off to another planet and leave earth and all it's other species alone.

-- Edited by Waltz on Sunday 21st of August 2011 11:41:01 AM

veginator · Newbie

Hi i'm looking for the original author of the six good points. I have found the post quoted word for word on many other sites by many other users, but so far no one has taken credit. Any help would be appreciated. thanks

Newbie

Hi - I just joined. I have been a lacto/ovo vegetarian (will try to transition to vegan) for a couple of weeks now - so am very new to this (albeit easy) but I just wanted to say how refreshing it is to read comments from like minded people. Luckily I haven't had any negativity - everyone knows I am a crazy animal lover but I wanted to get some good arguments stored up for when I encounter the negativity. I think because I am so excited about it and the new foods/health it has opened up as a side note to knowing I am saving some animals lives is encouraging to people. It is a complete education. It is scary how we are brought up like you say to turn a blind eye and not know how to eat properly. Catch you later I am sure!

eirefomhoire · Newbie

Good article except for one part, and I'm sorry, but as a dental professional, the remark is bothering me. Your canines are pointy initially, I mean have you ever seen a kid's canines, they're like vampire pointy. And I quote from school "canines are meant for tearing and shredding" along with your maxillary first premolars. The only reason someone would have flat anterior teeth is because they clinch and grind. That person needs a nightguard! Lol, besides that, great article

vfmoows · Member

I would say that human beings are a combination of herbivores and carnivores. And the best diet is keeping the right proportion for meat and vegetables. I am from Miami zip code, and there was a vegetarian period in my life. In the beginning, it was good. But after a couple of years, I noticed some negative changes like hair loss and crinkled nails. So I returned some meat to my menu.

-- Edited by vfmoows on Wednesday 22nd of July 2020 09:00:35 AM

annay8 · Newbie

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sampeshirl · Member

I really don't like people who criticize what I eat, although I didn't ask their opinion.

drexelhub · Newbie

Same!!! I don't like this very much either. Why don't I allow myself to criticize someone's food, but someone does it without any shame? Every carnivore I know has to bring me some facts that prove the importance of meat. I am so tired of this. And the strongest argument is "your teeth will fall out!!". Like whaaat?! I always visit the dentist and everything is perfect. I even found a clinic that works 24/7 in case of something (if you are curious, I'm talking about https://lombarddentalstudio.com/about-us/). People should educate themselves.

-- Edited by drexelhub on Friday 9th of July 2021 05:36:13 PM