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Anti veggie bumper sticker. Photo courtesty/Cafepress.com.
Our grandparents, parents, siblings and friends may roll their eyes when we tell them we can’t eat what’s in front of us. We stick hard to our principles, but many people don’t understand that. We may be treated like a burden if invited to a dinner (non-vegetarians seem to have great difficulty cooking for us) or if we go out to eat at a restaurant. We’re always questioned for our dietary choices and it often seems it is the topic of conversation at any meal with our carnivorous companions.
Luckily, in Portland, vegetarianism is fairly accepted, however I’ve had some pretty rude responses recently from Portland-dwelling meat eaters. I’ve compiled a list of thirty-five things I’ve actually had said to me, and I’m sure you’ve heard many of these as well.
35 responses we’ve all heard when we mention we’re vegetarian:
1. Why?
2. Don’t you worry about getting enough protein?
3. Vegetables are alive, too, you know.
4. Wild animals eat meat. Does that make them bad?
5. I’m sorry you’re stuck eating tofu.
6. Soy is so expensive!
7. You don’t eat bacon?!
8. Meat is murder…tasty, tasty murder.
9. Save a cow, kill a vegetarian.
10. God told us to eat meat.
11. When will you start eating meat again?
12. I tried it once…
13. I could never give up meat!
14. We have canine teeth for a reason.
15. But cows would take over if we didn't eat them!
16. Do you eat seafood?
17. Do you eat chicken?
18. You can't be vegetarian and healthy.
19. Well, what do you eat?
20. Can’t you just pick off the meat?
21. I used to be vegetarian, but I grew out of it.
22. So, are you a hippie?
23. Are you trying to lose weight?
24. Do you have an eating disorder?
25. Is it OK if I eat meat in front of you?
26. You don’t like mushrooms? You’re a terrible vegetarian!
27. The economy would suffer and people would lose their jobs if everyone stopped eating meat.
28. Would you raise your child to be vegetarian? Isn’t that child abuse?
29. Vegetarians don’t get enough to eat.
30. Don’t you miss eating meat?
31. I know you’re a vegetarian…but I’m eating a delicious steak right now.
32. You’re really missing out.
33. In a year you’ll be eating cheeseburgers with your friends again. (This is what my dad told me the day I went vegetarian. I haven’t eaten a cheeseburger in eleven years.)
34. We’ve been eating meat for thousands of years.
35. You should try this…but, oh, that’s right, you’re a vegetarian.
Comments
Thanks, that made me laugh! (I've heard all of the above, but five.) I always get: What are YOU gonna eat for lunch? RABBIT FOOD?!
Have you ever heard this one?
Why do some vegetarians still consume dairy products and eggs? Dairy and eggs cause just as much, if not more exploitation to animals than meat and are worse for your health and the environment. Why aren't you vegan?
Great post! I've been vegan for almost 10 years so I've heard a lot too. How about, "A little meat isn't gonna kill ya," or, "I heard soy is bad for you." And once in a while I'll meet a vegetarian who, upon learning I'm vegan will ask, "How do you get your protein?" I try not to laugh.
My favourite line is from The Simpson's though. Homer: "If I went to a barbecue and there wasn't any meat, I'd say, hey Goober, where's the meat?"
You don't make friends with salad! You don't make friends with salad!
I am the living example (just as other familymembers, friends and relatives) that being vegetarian is no problem at all. I am vegetarian since birth in 1955. My brother, born vegetarian, 73 years, is running half marathons.
i decided to become vegetarian 2 months ago. i still eat seafood, i do not eat poultry. my family is more or less supportive thank, God.
OMG I've got most of the reactions. I am pescaterian though so yes, I do eat seafood. But I've been asked if I eat rabbit food, if i get enough protein; i've been told that i will eat red meat soon (haven't for 10 yrs!!!)
I told my friend james that i had recently decided to become vegetarian, and he looked outraged. He told me to go outside and eat leaves.
I always think the
responses are usually condescending.
Sometimes you will lethargic overweight
malnourished Meat Eaters who don't
know much about getting balanced nutrition
or maintaining their own personal health_
Lecturing you how "unhealthy" your vegetarian diet is _and they feel completely justified !
nice post, Ill make a translation if you allow me.
It just means that people who are dissonant to your beliefs also don't respect them. I wish acceptance was as prevalent as vegetarianism! I know it's tough because people don't always think of your lifestyle choice especially considering the dinner party thing. In time, I believe society will be more in tune with the needs of those who choose not to consume meat- kind of like they make sure handicapped people are considered. Wouldn't that be great? A big sign that lets people know that this cafe or this restaurant is VEGAN ACCESSIBLE. You guys, sorry for using "you guys", I know how that feels-- I'm black... should make a crest or something, an across the board insignia that includes the many levels of not eating meat because people are ignorant of the fact that there are different types.
Okay, i'm done!
@trueb1tch you're not a vegetarian. you're a pescatarian.
i've heard all of these PLUS more because i'm a vegan. my uncle even told me that we have to eat meat to live because our bodies are made out of meat. that will always be my favorite stupid argument.
fyi ~ when i was vegetarian (before my vegan switch) i learned that cheese isn't actually vegetarian because it contains rennet, which is an enzyme from cow or sheep stomachs and intestines that they use to coagulate the cheese. you should try some tofutti...it's a good vegan alternative.
I was recently asked how I stay warm in the winter if I don't eat meat.
I was recently asked how I stay warm in the winter if I don't eat meat.
I think that's why seasonal eating comes in mind i'm new to excluding poultry in my diet makes me think more about my food and thought about seasonal eating it's like those plants and herbs come out on certain seasons to provide nutrients for certain times of the year hmmm.. but i'm not sure just a thought
Here's my all-purpose response to any and all inquiries:
"What the F**K is it to you, a**hole? Pi** off and mind your own f**king business, you t*at!"
It seems to work really well.
heard every last one of these
these could not be more relevant ESPECIALLY #16, #25and #30 for me. WHY do people think that fish doesn't count, vege-tarian not pesce-tarian.
LOVE this list!
Everyone keeps asking me, when we go out to eat anywhere, <loud voice> "What is there for you to eat?!" Then they proceed to read every non-meat item on the menu to me. Then the spouse of that person starts, "are you sure there's something here for you to eat?"
Do I look like I'm starving?
i'm a strict vegetarian--vegan, by most standards--and i get the questions often. it can be a nuisance, but i think the motivation is usually honest curiosity. i like to ask people about their lives, especially those aspects that differ from my own, so i have no place to condemn others for the same behavior; that said, i'm sick of it. unfortunately, it's the burden of any person with strong ideals to be a constant informer--and sometimes a defender--for those beliefs that make her who she is. of course, none of us are perfect...and sometimes we just don't have the energy, or the time, or the peace of mind to deal with the same objections. on those occasions, i usually tell people i am a buddhist (which is only partially true), and that veganism is a facet of my religion.
On Friday, I joined some colleagues for lunch at a local restaurant. I checked the menu on-line before showing up so I would know exactly what to order without having to explain myself.
I ordered the veggie quesadilla, as anticipated, along with a cup of tomato soup. After finishing my soup, I started into my quesadilla when I noticed, to my horror, that it was full of chicken. I had 7 co-workers grilling me (pun intended) about vegetarianism. I sent my order back with as much quiet grace and good humour as I could muster (the waitress was very nice and assured me she would bring me a veggie quesadilla as originally ordered).
I don't mind talking about vegetarianism if someone is really interested, but I hate being called out because I won't eat meat. Finally, the attention switched from my dietary habits to a co-worker who proudly described her brother's sneaky ability to 'hunt' deer by baiting them all summer. I was glad to get back to my desk. It was a very long lunch.
I've read a lot of posts lately about aggravating things people say to vegans/vegetarians (thanks stumble upon!). It was mildly funny the first time, and now it just seems kind of 'holier than thou' and intolerant. As a vegan, I bring my own food everywhere I go because you cannot expect other people to cook clean for you, and it becomes less of a topic of conversation when you don't make a big deal about it. I NEVER push my beliefs on other people, I just answer their questions honestly/politely when asked and laugh at their jokes. I do it for me, not to feel better than everyone.
I've heard all of those before, it gets very tiring
Also @ ginger, I never know that about cheese, but now I'm gonna starve!
@ginger
not all cheese contains rennet and not all rennet is animal derived. there is such thing as vegetable rennet but unfortunately the manufacturer is not required to specify what kind of rennet is used.
I don't understand why people are so fixated on those who don't eat meat.. why is that so funny or weird?
oh, i could kiss you
Hey you forgot one!
36. Why would I care what you eat?
Oh wait, that's what people say who have better things to think about than your diet think..
everyone just shut the f--k up and eat meat.
I can understand being frustrated when people berate you about your food choices...it's no one's business what you eat or why, but there is no reason to be annoyed with people who forget you're a vegetarian. I doubt that you make it your business to remember everyone else's dietary restrictions, so don't expect me to remember whether or not you eat meat.
@ ginger-
tofutti is full of partially hydrogenated oils. I wouldnt touch it with a ten foot poll.
Someone asked me if I ate animal crackers..
The protein question may be irritating but at least it's an honest query that can lead to understanding. Also the bit about eating meat in front of you shows that the meatitarian in question does care about your feelings.
The rest are pretty irritating though.
OMG! It doesn't depend on culture or anything. I hear exactly the same stuff here in Turkey.
I regularly publish my thoughts on vegetarianism at ecofuture.net/osquee you are welcome to have a look.
Been vegie for over 10 years now and am also an avid bodybuilder. Being "stacked as f*ck" as my friends say helps keep most of the misconceptions down. all diets have their pitfalls, and leading by example is the most powerful lesson i can teach. slowly but surely we are winning the battle..... =)
you forgot "That's what animals are here for, to eat!"
you left out 36. HITLER WAS A VEGETARIAN!! I've heard that one so many times.. >:( argh. Also, I'm atheist, and people claim that hitler was too. Except that he was catholic. also, thanx for the list :)
tony
Honestly, you obviously take yourself too seriously, can't you just be a vegetarian and not be all pita about it?
what about "if God didn't want us to eat animals then why did he make them out of meat?"
Yeah
I think the most frustrating one is the one where they ask you to pick it off. its like, no i dont want to pick it off. can you just put it on yours afterwards? like, if they arent gonna freaking comprimise their meal, why should we? just cus we arent greedy pigs like most meateaters.
also, another horrible one is "so you dont drink milk or eat cheese or anything?" ugh.
I also bring my vegetarian food to parties, because most of my friends eat meat. I am blessed though, because my family does make a point to make something specifically for me when we have family gatherings, but that is just because it's been 5 years now and they just know that I won't eat meat. But I definitely don't think it's their responsibility to make me a vegetarian dish, (but it is soooo sweet of them and I do love it!)
Just on a fun note- to all the meat-eaters out there. I do have a sense of humor at times :) I have a magnet on my refrigerator that says "Vegetarians: If you cook 'em right, they're delicious!"
But seriously, I would recommend standing firm in your vegetarian lifestyle, and when others are ready (if they ever are) it won't matter what lectures you've given them- judgement of meat-eaters won't make them vegetarians. As mad as we get when they judge us, I imagine they feel the same way when we look down on them.
Two things about me that people don't seem to sit well with
1) I am a vegetarian
2) I am an atheist
I live in southern CA, in a small, very religious town, where I've receive a myriad of responses ranging from the accepting "Oh, how interesting." to the dogmatic "your going to burn in hell."
Personally, I'm not the tofu shoveling, murder accusing type.I don't like it when people try to push their beliefs on me, so I refrain from doing the same.I try to avoid bringing up my vegetarianism in daily conversation, but I will continue to quietly stand firm for what I believe in.
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