Why do people get mad at vegan/vegetarians on mfp?

redraidergirl2009

I'm wondering this. I am a transitioning vegan. I do not push my dietary/lifestyle choices on anyone. Will I tell them what has worked for me in losing weight? Yes. A vegan diet works for me. I have some food allergies and reactions, especially to dairy. Eating it made me very bloated and have sinus infection after sinus infection. I also feel better in general on this type of diet. Do I think it will work for everyone? Maybe not.

But lately I see on any thread about veganism or vegetarianism that SOME meat eaters come on the thread to troll and reply with stupid things like "I like meat yummm". I wonder why. If someone is vegan or vegetarian is that suppose to make them jealous or something? They made the choice not to eat meat so they're probably not going to want a burger or a steak after you say that.

Then there are also the people who try and tell vegans they aren't really vegan because animals die in the process of getting grains, crops ect, of course. No one is 100% vegan. No one because at some point everyone steps on a bug or indirectly kills one. So why even make that argument is it suppose to accomplish something?

On the flipside i've seen a few vegans here that are super preachy when no one asked. I'm not going to name names but I'm sure we know who they are as they do this regularly and they will debate till their blue in the face that humans are not meant to eat meat. Honestly, we'll never know so why argue?

I can understand being mad at the pushy ones, personally I don't like them too and they are what gives veganism a bad rap imo. But why assume everyone is the same? or why do you feel threatened because some people choose to eat differently than you?

note:this is about dietary vegans/vegetarians on mfp, not those that incorporate the entire lifestyle.

edit: I thought I made it clear that yes I do realize that some vegs do troll as well and believe they are superior for whatever reason.

Jellyphant

In my experience, they're usually afraid of change.

Lone_Wolf70

Vegetarian is an old Indian world for "Bad HUnter"....saw that on a bumper sticker once.

_the_feniks_

Some of us can be very opinionated and downright rude when it comes to people who choose to eat meat. Not everybody, but a lot of us.

wolverine66

In my experience, they're usually afraid of change.

i don't hate vegans/vegetarians. but i have to ask, what change? if someone is going to continue to eat meat, regardless of who posts about a vegan/vegetarian diet, then what change are they afraid of?

SoDamnHungry

I find that often times, vegans think they're superior to meat eaters. And like you said, they can be preachy. Not always, but it happens a lot. So even if you aren't doing that, many meat eaters will roll their eyes and think "Ugh, it's another vegan, thinking they're better than us." Just my honest opinion. I don't think that all vegans think they're better or push their lifestyle on others, though. You obviously aren't doing that.

Jacwhite22

I'm wondering this. I am a transitioning vegan. I do not push my dietary/lifestyle choices on anyone. Will I tell them what has worked for me in losing weight? Yes. A vegan diet works for me. I have some food allergies and reactions, especially to dairy. Eating it made me very bloated and have sinus infection after sinus infection. I also feel better in general on this type of diet. Do I think it will work for everyone? Maybe not.

But lately I see on any thread about veganism or vegetarianism that SOME meat eaters come on the thread to troll and reply with stupid things like "I like meat yummm". I wonder why. Is someone is vegan or vegetarian is that suppose to make them jealous or something? They made the choice not to eat meat so they're probably not going to want a burger or a steak after you say that.

Then there are also the people who try and tell vegans they aren't really vegan because animals die in the process of getting grains, crops ect, of course. No one is 100% vegan. No one because at some point everyone steps on a bug or indirectly kills one. So why even make that argument is it suppose to accomplish something?

On the flipside i've seen a few vegans here that are super preachy when no one asked. I'm not going to name names but I'm sure we know who they are as they do this regularly and they will debate till their blue in the face that humans are not meant to eat meat. Honestly, we'll never know so why argue?

I can understand being mad at the pushy ones, personally I don't like them too and they are what gives veganism a bad rap imo. But why assume everyone is the same? or why do you feel threatened because some people choose to eat differently than you?

note:this is about dietary vegans/vegetarians on mfp, not those that incorporate the entire lifestyle.

How many meat eating threads have you seen where a vegetarian doesn't come in and say "meat is bad for you", "poor animals", "meat give you atherosclerosis" Point is both sides troll.....Not just one or the other. Frankly I could care less what you eat unless you start trying to tell me what I should eat.

RedHeadDevotchka

Because the ones who are over opinionated tell the rest of us we are evil and try to guilt people into living meat free.

If you wanna be vegan/vegetarian cheers, I was a vegan for 6 months....but it just wasn't for me.
I don't want to be told Im evil because I like to eat meat.

mortyfit

Some of us can be very opinionated and downright rude when it comes to people who choose to eat meat. Not everybody, but a lot of us.

Exactly. I have no issue whatsoever with someone who chooses to eat vegan or vegitarian or any other specific type of diet. That is their choice, and they have their own reasons for doing so. What really, REALLY irritates me about many of them is that they act like this choice somehow makes them morally superior to anyone who doesn't follow their way......it's not a diet choice to many of them, it's practically a religion. Those vegans and vegitarians who act in that manner simply take themselves WAY too seriously.

redraidergirl2009

I'm wondering this. I am a transitioning vegan. I do not push my dietary/lifestyle choices on anyone. Will I tell them what has worked for me in losing weight? Yes. A vegan diet works for me. I have some food allergies and reactions, especially to dairy. Eating it made me very bloated and have sinus infection after sinus infection. I also feel better in general on this type of diet. Do I think it will work for everyone? Maybe not.

But lately I see on any thread about veganism or vegetarianism that SOME meat eaters come on the thread to troll and reply with stupid things like "I like meat yummm". I wonder why. Is someone is vegan or vegetarian is that suppose to make them jealous or something? They made the choice not to eat meat so they're probably not going to want a burger or a steak after you say that.

Then there are also the people who try and tell vegans they aren't really vegan because animals die in the process of getting grains, crops ect, of course. No one is 100% vegan. No one because at some point everyone steps on a bug or indirectly kills one. So why even make that argument is it suppose to accomplish something?

On the flipside i've seen a few vegans here that are super preachy when no one asked. I'm not going to name names but I'm sure we know who they are as they do this regularly and they will debate till their blue in the face that humans are not meant to eat meat. Honestly, we'll never know so why argue?

I can understand being mad at the pushy ones, personally I don't like them too and they are what gives veganism a bad rap imo. But why assume everyone is the same? or why do you feel threatened because some people choose to eat differently than you?

note:this is about dietary vegans/vegetarians on mfp, not those that incorporate the entire lifestyle.

How many meat eating threads have you seen where a vegetarian doesn't come in and say "meat is bad for you", "poor animals", "meat give you atherosclerosis" Point is both sides troll.....Not just one or the other. Frankly I could care less what you eat unless you start trying to tell me what I should eat.

If you read my post I addressed the issue that some vegans on mfp do preach/troll as well. Thank you.

gingerveg

Bah who cares! Ignore them they clearly have their own issues. There are a lot of us here who will give you support so hooray for you, keep it up!

Dub_D

Nobody on this site truly cares if you want to be a vegetarian, trust me. This post is an attempt to cause drama and my prediction is, it's gonna work.

RaeLB

All my friends (meat-eaters included) are super supportive. I haven't had a problem.
That being said I do make my "veg posts" in the MFP group Happy Herbivore. So, that could be the reason I don't get combative replies.

Trechechus

Bah who cares! Ignore them they clearly have their own issues. There are a lot of us here who will give you support so hooray for you, keep it up!

This, but as Jac said, it does go the other way, too.

Do what you feel is right.

mikiecarson

My family just watched the documentary "Food, Inc." and certainly get why people go vegan. Yikes, it is scarry what big corporations are doing to our food, and meat especially. Good for you!

gogonunubean

I think that often, not always, Vegans and vegetarians come over very badly.

Whereas other diet fans promote the pro's and con's health wise, Vegans often resort to the 'I am a better person that you because you are cruel to animals'

One of my close friends is a Vegan and she is great. She is happy to educate about the industry and says to make choices based on the facts. Another friend is also Vegan and she talks about how superior she is constantly. I fantasize about eating her sometimes just to shut her up.

doorki

I think that often, not always, Vegans and vegetarians come over very badly.

Whereas other diet fans promote the pro's and con's health wise, Vegans often resort to the 'I am a better person that you because you are cruel to animals'

One of my close friends is a Vegan and she is great. She is happy to educate about the industry and says to make choices based on the facts. Another friend is also Vegan and she talks about how superior she is constantly. I fantasize about eating her sometimes just to shut her up.

I have problems with the vegan zealots but I could care less about what people eat.

ShreddedTweet

Nobody on this site truly cares if you want to be a vegetarian, trust me. This post is an attempt to cause drama and my prediction is, it's gonna work.

This x 10.

yoovie

not sure if someone youve just met is vegan? Wait 2 seconds and they'll tell you 50 times.

I dont care about what you eat, so please dont tell me all about it. I dont want to hear that your poop doesnt float either.

I get frustrated- not angry- not hatey- just frustrated because, in my experience, vegan is a kind of religion. They utilise guilt, ethics, personal responsibility and shame while using public platforms, personal relationships and ambush guerilla type tactics to ensure that they have the optimum chance to convert you.

I love meat.

I dont need a full page to explain that and I have no need at all to tell strangers that. How about vegans and vegetarians dont be so obsessed with food and just fuel themselves, cool?

no hurtfulness intended, just bombarded by this alot in Brooklyn.

Darkskinned88

"You don't win friends with salad" - Homer J. Simpson

lol seriously, i don't have any issue, just don't judge me. I've dated a few vegetarians, it was awkward going out to eat at first but i got over it, i wont convert you you wont convert me

Capt_Apollo

how do you know you're at a party with a vegetarian/vegan? they'll tell you.

Glasgow_Vegan

Basically guilt and ignorance.

Dub_D

Basically guilt and ignorance.

I'm sorry, but that cat in your profile picture looks delicious.

rextcat

Nobody on this site truly cares if you want to be a vegetarian, trust me. This post is an attempt to cause drama and my prediction is, it's gonna work.

mmmm i got the same feeling

iAMsmiling

Basically guilt and ignorance.

There is no certainty like the certainty of youth.
If only they could educate the guilty and ignorant of all the previous generations!

_Wits_

The same reason why people argue about religion, politics, etc etc.

Many people just don't like that others have opinions and different beliefs.

jenlarz

b/c it's the forum. It's no different than people making fun of somone for only doing cardio. Everyone has their own opinion and way of doing things and so many people have the Its my way or you suck attitude. doesn't matter the topic.

cabaray

Basically guilt and ignorance.

And there is the problem. Obviously anyone that doesn't agree with you is ignorant :grumble: . That attitude is what causes so much discourse. As far as guilt goes, I feel no guilt whatsover tearing into a nice juicy steak.

jonesan1227

This is a wonderful post that will hopefully remind us that, regardless of one's eating habits and/or opinions about eating habits in general, we can have different opinions and state them civilly. We need to be respectful of each other, and most of us do, but this serves as a great reminder to keep doing so. I've been a meat eater and vegetarian, and I have teasing on both sides. It doesn't matter which side starts it; you can be the one to end it. Again, wonderful post.

- AJ

IronSmasher

I know why. It's to do with a particular dinosaur.

gshoemaker06

I get made fun of a decent amount for being vegetarian. It's not hurtful joking, but more annoying jokes that they think are funny. I don't get offended by it, it just starts to get really old after awhile. My dad likes to take a huge bite of a hamburger and say "Oooooooohhh man, this is so good. Here Greg... have some, oh wait, you can't". Which brings me to my next point: I CAN have meat. I CHOOSE not to. It's annoying to hear "Oh Greg can't eat that" or "Too bad you can't have some of this"

I see why some people who are vegetarian might start to get really bothered by that stuff and get defensive. I just smile and try to joke along with them, or start to ignore them if it gets to be too much. Since my reason of being vegetarian is an environmental/sustainable issue- Yes, I think there should be A LOT less meat consumption. However, I never push it on anybody or make somebody feel bad for eating meat, so why should I be made to feel bad for not eating it?

Another example: I live in Tennessee (not super-vege friendly). My gf and I both ordered a boca burger while we were out at dinner. The waitress says "Oh... are you guys vegetarian". We reply "yup". "Ugh... so you're one of those groups". Other than that she was super friendly, but she didn't smile or laugh to let us know she was kidding.