Dear Vegetarians and Vegans,
frando
Posts: 583 Member
Dear Vegetarians and Vegans,
The majority of omnivores, myself included, completely respect your choice of diet. I have many people in my life, on and off this site, that are dedicated vegetarians but I only know two vegans (I had photography class with them back at college). In my experience vegetarians and vegans are kinda in groups;
*Moral - the object to eating animals, they're treatment during slaughter etc.
*Taste - literally they don't find it appealing
* Inability to Digest- they lack the enzymes to actually break down protein
A few of the people I know who don't eat it on moral grounds, whether it's religious, on the grounds of their treatment or just the idea of it they find objectionable. Some people don't want to know that their burger used to be a cow and other people just won't eat it as they object to this or the other. I am lucky enough to live in a village with its own butcher, whose family also run the farm, I see the animals I eat as they amble about in the field- and I like the fact they lived a nice happy life before hand.
The majority of the vegetarians and vegans I know just don't like the taste! My cousin practically went off meat over a week- she's been a veggie for the past part of five years now.
I only know one person whose a vegetarian as his body lacks nearly all but a small amount of the enzymes that break down protein. He has to monitor his income from vegetable protein as much as animal protein etc.
I am positive I'm not the only omnivore that has a similar set of friend and family. Never once have I tried to force meat on them and those with moral objects haven't tried to force their life style up on me- that's why I respect them.
That's where the big issue comes along; remarks made by some with little or no evidence trying shock tactics to scare people into vegetarianism. I do not like being told the meat I eat 'hasn't seen the light of day', actually, I walked passed the beef I ate tonight probably three or four weeks ago whilst on my way to work. Not many others can claim this but I'm sure they buy their meat from reputable sources with organic and welfare declarations on the packaging where they can. In the UK (and the EU) there are several law's that make sure that animals welfare is paramount, and from posts on other threads there are similar animal right laws in other countries.
What I'm trying to say this isn't the place to convert people, if you do try to horrifying people into it that's when the abuse will start. The calls of proof etc., and when people start to be unfriendly. Though healthy questioning, and presenting of your life style to people who are genuinely interested is great- there are times with aforementioned friends- were I ask about how they do it and any good recipes (I like some veggie dishes over their meat including variations sometimes!). Thinking about it during a college trip to Venice the vegan I knew and the vegetarians had a hell of a time coping with it all. The vegan lost like half a stone as other then side salads there were very few things she would eat- and I respect her for that I wouldn't have the same determination.
I, like many people here, prefer scientific peer reviewed journals and sites over documentaries (which are easily edited to peoples agendas or use reductio ad absurdum), hearsay or biased websites. I am more then willing to read anything you present, one can not learn without questioning things.
Yet again, I have no irk, rancor, or issue with the majority of vegetarians and vegans and completely respect your choice, but don't force it on me.
Have a nice evening
frando
x
The majority of omnivores, myself included, completely respect your choice of diet. I have many people in my life, on and off this site, that are dedicated vegetarians but I only know two vegans (I had photography class with them back at college). In my experience vegetarians and vegans are kinda in groups;
*Moral - the object to eating animals, they're treatment during slaughter etc.
*Taste - literally they don't find it appealing
* Inability to Digest- they lack the enzymes to actually break down protein
A few of the people I know who don't eat it on moral grounds, whether it's religious, on the grounds of their treatment or just the idea of it they find objectionable. Some people don't want to know that their burger used to be a cow and other people just won't eat it as they object to this or the other. I am lucky enough to live in a village with its own butcher, whose family also run the farm, I see the animals I eat as they amble about in the field- and I like the fact they lived a nice happy life before hand.
The majority of the vegetarians and vegans I know just don't like the taste! My cousin practically went off meat over a week- she's been a veggie for the past part of five years now.
I only know one person whose a vegetarian as his body lacks nearly all but a small amount of the enzymes that break down protein. He has to monitor his income from vegetable protein as much as animal protein etc.
I am positive I'm not the only omnivore that has a similar set of friend and family. Never once have I tried to force meat on them and those with moral objects haven't tried to force their life style up on me- that's why I respect them.
That's where the big issue comes along; remarks made by some with little or no evidence trying shock tactics to scare people into vegetarianism. I do not like being told the meat I eat 'hasn't seen the light of day', actually, I walked passed the beef I ate tonight probably three or four weeks ago whilst on my way to work. Not many others can claim this but I'm sure they buy their meat from reputable sources with organic and welfare declarations on the packaging where they can. In the UK (and the EU) there are several law's that make sure that animals welfare is paramount, and from posts on other threads there are similar animal right laws in other countries.
What I'm trying to say this isn't the place to convert people, if you do try to horrifying people into it that's when the abuse will start. The calls of proof etc., and when people start to be unfriendly. Though healthy questioning, and presenting of your life style to people who are genuinely interested is great- there are times with aforementioned friends- were I ask about how they do it and any good recipes (I like some veggie dishes over their meat including variations sometimes!). Thinking about it during a college trip to Venice the vegan I knew and the vegetarians had a hell of a time coping with it all. The vegan lost like half a stone as other then side salads there were very few things she would eat- and I respect her for that I wouldn't have the same determination.
I, like many people here, prefer scientific peer reviewed journals and sites over documentaries (which are easily edited to peoples agendas or use reductio ad absurdum), hearsay or biased websites. I am more then willing to read anything you present, one can not learn without questioning things.
Yet again, I have no irk, rancor, or issue with the majority of vegetarians and vegans and completely respect your choice, but don't force it on me.
Have a nice evening
frando
x
0
Replies
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Nicely put and well written!0
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This is well said. I have been mostly vegetarian in my adult life with occasional returns to eating some meat. For a long time now I've eaten turkey and scale fish, but eating less turkey all the time. I'll probably end up a pescetarian. My reasons are mostly that I love animals and object generally to the idea of them being farmed for food; but I appreciate very much all efforts to give the animals that are raised for food a better life and a less horrible death. Whenever possible I opt for eggs, dairy and turkey that are raised this way.
I have never pushed my preferences on others or made a big hairy self-righteous deal out of it, and I try to avoid situations where they will interfere with social occasions. I do wish that more meat eaters were like you, because I've had a lot of omnivores in my life be outright ****y about deliberately not accommodating my diet (choosing group outings at barbecue joints where even the coleslaw has bacon in it, etc.) ridiculing me to my face for not wanting to eat pig, beef, etc., and making a big nasty show of savoring their meaty meals and even being more animalistic in eating them just to gross me out.
It would be nice if people wouldn't try to convert each other quite so much, wouldn't it?0 -
The way animals are handled and slaughtered and processed in the US is different from the UK. It really is horrendous to know how commercially processed meat is treated and distributed here. I'm not trying to convert anyone, I'm just pointing this out.0
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Great post
from the veggie side of things, not all of us want to convert you, or particularly mind what you eat, as you have pointed out - individual choice. :drinker: The number of people who have tried to "make" me eat meat though.....well, you'd probably be surprised. It works both ways
I agree with Spud - maybe we should all stick to our own choices. But hey, the boards probably wouldn't be as "interesting" without those people
Anyway, enjoy your animals
:laugh: 0 -
This was well stated. Members of our family have resorted to lying about their dishes being meat free and it's sad. we don't push our lifestyle on them yet we are always the brunt of their jokes during our family gatherings. Thank you for posting.0
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Nicely put and well written!
Thank you, I kinda wrote this in my head at work =^--^=This is well said. I have been mostly vegetarian in my adult life with occasional returns to eating some meat. For a long time now I've eaten turkey and scale fish, but eating less turkey all the time. I'll probably end up a pescetarian. My reasons are mostly that I love animals and object generally to the idea of them being farmed for food; but I appreciate very much all efforts to give the animals that are raised for food a better life and a less horrible death. Whenever possible I opt for eggs, dairy and turkey that are raised this way.
I have never pushed my preferences on others or made a big hairy self-righteous deal out of it, and I try to avoid situations where they will interfere with social occasions. I do wish that more meat eaters were like you, because I've had a lot of omnivores in my life be outright ****y about deliberately not accommodating my diet (choosing group outings at barbecue joints where even the coleslaw has bacon in it, etc.) ridiculing me to my face for not wanting to eat pig, beef, etc., and making a big nasty show of savoring their meaty meals and even being more animalistic in eating them just to gross me out.
It would be nice if people wouldn't try to convert each other quite so much, wouldn't it?
One, bacon in coleslaw? What a waste! I love coleslaw, putting salty bacon in it just seems a bit... odd o_O
It would be good if we could all appreciate each others differences instead of critising them, I really do feel sorry on behalf of those rude jerks that force you into those situations. I would love to say I could compare it to when my family goes to restaurants specailising in hot curries and chilli laced salads etc. when hot food makes me feel sick, but I don't think it's on the same level.
*hugs*0 -
*yawn*0
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Anyway, enjoy your animals :laugh:
I enjoy the meat I eat differently to the company my cat gives me ;D0 -
I'm sorry I'm a terrible person and couldn't read all of this but I feel I got the gist of it and I completely agree!
Where I come from in Asia, we have some of the earliest vegetarians and them and us meat eaters have always lived in peace. They too went vegetarian (even vegan) due to moral reasons but they didn't tried to choke down meat eaters with their believes. They just lived and let live!
Kudos to vegetarians, kudos to meat eaters! Do your thang!0 -
Anyway, enjoy your animals :laugh:
I enjoy the meat I eat differently to the company my cat gives me ;D
:bigsmile: Sadly my cat shuns my company when there is food around, he's learnt I never have anything good saying that, there have been times I've considered roasting him. Cheeky sod :laugh: 0 -
The way animals are handled and slaughtered and processed in the US is different from the UK. It really is horrendous to know how commercially processed meat is treated and distributed here. I'm not trying to convert anyone, I'm just pointing this out.
Fair enough, but one can not assume everyone who converses in English is American (or English for that matter), but thanks for pointing it out.0 -
I'm sorry I'm a terrible person and couldn't read all of this but I feel I got the gist of it and I completely agree!
Where I come from in Asia, we have some of the earliest vegetarians and them and us meat eaters have always lived in peace. They too went vegetarian (even vegan) due to moral reasons but they didn't tried to choke down meat eaters with their believes. They just lived and let live!
Kudos to vegetarians, kudos to meat eaters! Do your thang!
It is a bit lengthy (part of me misses writing fifteen page essays for English!) but yes, let us do our own thangs ;D0 -
Anyway, enjoy your animals :laugh:
I enjoy the meat I eat differently to the company my cat gives me ;D
:bigsmile: Sadly my cat shuns my company when there is food around, he's learnt I never have anything good saying that, there have been times I've considered roasting him. Cheeky sod :laugh:
Ah, if my cat hears yoghurt pots or smells fish he knows it the right time to purr up to my dad!
edited for spelling mistake, cat is spelt with a c and not with an e!0 -
Anyway, enjoy your animals :laugh:
I enjoy the meat I eat differently to the company my cat gives me ;D
:bigsmile: Sadly my cat shuns my company when there is food around, he's learnt I never have anything good saying that, there have been times I've considered roasting him. Cheeky sod :laugh:
Ah, if my eat hears yoghurt pots or smells fish he knows it the right time to purr up to my dad!
Funny you've said that - my cat licked my yoghurt bowl out for the first time tonight, no tuna in sight :laugh:0 -
Love this and totally agree with it!
It does work both ways though, as a lifelong vegetarian and now vegan as of three years ago, please can omnivores not tell me to eat bacon because it tastes good or shove pepperoni pieces/mozzarella sticks in my face (happened before!) there needs to be a mutual respect from both parties and it's a shame when people don't do that... I am by no means a militant vegan, i'm happy with my food choices and I don't particularly care about anyone else's, I do love it when I have a good convo with an omni if they bring it up about the meat/dairy industry and they're willing to listen. Especially when they take something from it (even if it's something like, they're more aware of where they source their meat or eggs from, etc.) (:0 -
I wish I was around meat eaters the past five years of my life that thought the way you do.
I don't care what others eat, but I just simply do not enjoy eating meat. I now eat vegetarian most of the time (from strict veggie for 5 years), but I will have a meal with meat maybe once a week. Which of course doesn't go well with some vegetarians I know, just a few weeks ago one told me I was the "worst vegetarian I ever met" because I ate a turkey sandwich. But the reason I ate it was strictly because 1) I was hungry 2) I had NO food in my house 3) My friend offered me a sandwich knowing I can't afford food right now and that is what she had to give me. And 4) It sounded tasty. I didn't hate the sandwich, I'm not going to go out and buy meat myself though. So I guess basically, in some cases, I am willing to eat it, but if I have other options, I'd rather not. And there are some meats I just can't do, no matter what. I can get my protein and food from other sources. But, I do NOT care if we are sitting down to eat and you want a steak. If you offer me to try it, I will say no thank you (steak is one thing I can't do nor am I willing to try). But I won't sit there and judge you for eating it, just like I hope you aren't sitting there judging me for not eating it.0 -
Well said, even if a little long.
And if you that are veggies were to come to my home for dinner, I guarantee you would be able to eat without concern. Accommodating others' dietary needs and wishes is just not that difficult. I look at it as an opportunity to broaden my cooking skills!0 -
My best friend has been vegetarian since we were in jr. high, and I am an omnivore. Much like you and your friends we respect each others dietary choices. Unfortunately as others have said there are some seriously disgusting places within the U.S. meat industry and I purchase my meat at a small local place because of it. I also won't eat at places like KFC and McDonalds because the idea of whats in there makes me want to run for the hills. There are times when I think Upton Sinclair must be rolling in his grave honestly....0
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please can omnivores not tell me to eat bacon because it tastes good or shove pepperoni pieces/mozzarella sticks in my face (happened before!
This has happened to me more times than I can count. The first major holiday that I went veggie, my family (extended family) put bacon in EVERYTHING. I was going in thinking, I could have a piece of bread with cheese, mashed potatoes, veggies. Nope, everything had bacon.
Then another time a cousin gave me a bowl of veggie soup, and was waiting for me to eat it because he also put a scoop of beef stew on the bottom. I've had people order pepperoni pizza knowing I don't eat it, then told me to pick it off or just "man up and eat it anyway" Or they would just put meat on my plate and told me to eat it "because you are human, and that is what we do".
Annoying. And I never ONCE told them not to eat meat.0 -
I'm glad to hear there are other omnis (new favourite word
) that have the same ideas as me.
Though, the behaviour of other omnis (that have been described and I've seen myself) does shock me - shoving food in people faces or putting them in difficult positions I thought we were grown ups here!
Sorry again about the length, maybe I should do an abstract and conclusion section?0 -
Nah, each to their own I figure, however non meat products are awesome... no one can deny that!
And quite frankly, no one can deny that a properly cooked pork or beef steak is one of lives tastier pleasures!
However, if I had to choose one or the other, meat would loose, I love meat I do, but veggies and that variety in taste would be too good to give up for just meat...
I was brought up on meat, and eat daily more than dose usually, in fact I love biltong (I guess jerky to you americans?) I eat biltong almost daily, if I have 500g I will love it, if I have 50g I will love it, in fact I would eat biltong for the rest of my life if I could and not care... that is the only meat product I could lol...
When we were little, our culture gave as biltong when we had a toothache! No dummy or soothing cream, we ate meat to get better haha 0 -
I have been a vegetarian since I was 14 (although I've been considering stopping recently) and I completely agree with you. I believe the reverse is also true - respecting meat eaters not forcing meat eating on vegetarians/vegans! We all have to make the decision for ourselves.0
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please can omnivores not tell me to eat bacon because it tastes good or shove pepperoni pieces/mozzarella sticks in my face (happened before!
This has happened to me more times than I can count. The first major holiday that I went veggie, my family (extended family) put bacon in EVERYTHING. I was going in thinking, I could have a piece of bread with cheese, mashed potatoes, veggies. Nope, everything had bacon.
Then another time a cousin gave me a bowl of veggie soup, and was waiting for me to eat it because he also put a scoop of beef stew on the bottom. I've had people order pepperoni pizza knowing I don't eat it, then told me to pick it off or just "man up and eat it anyway" Or they would just put meat on my plate and told me to eat it "because you are human, and that is what we do".
Annoying. And I never ONCE told them not to eat meat.
Ugh! I'm offended on your behalf and just don't understand it.0 -
* Inability to Digest- they lack the enzymes to actually break down protein
Aww I feel special. I'm mentioned on this thread. Yes, we exist. Though it's not the inability to "digest", for me it's the inability to break down certain amino acids. if my body can't break them down, they build up in the blood and are toxic.
fun times
But I'm essentially a vegan now, because I'm a little weird and I can't consume dairy without picturing someone sucking milk out of a cow's udders. so yeah...ew.0 -
please can omnivores not tell me to eat bacon because it tastes good or shove pepperoni pieces/mozzarella sticks in my face (happened before!
This has happened to me more times than I can count. The first major holiday that I went veggie, my family (extended family) put bacon in EVERYTHING. I was going in thinking, I could have a piece of bread with cheese, mashed potatoes, veggies. Nope, everything had bacon.
Then another time a cousin gave me a bowl of veggie soup, and was waiting for me to eat it because he also put a scoop of beef stew on the bottom. I've had people order pepperoni pizza knowing I don't eat it, then told me to pick it off or just "man up and eat it anyway" Or they would just put meat on my plate and told me to eat it "because you are human, and that is what we do".
Annoying. And I never ONCE told them not to eat meat.
Ugh! I'm offended on your behalf and just don't understand it.
agreed!0 -
please can omnivores not tell me to eat bacon because it tastes good or shove pepperoni pieces/mozzarella sticks in my face (happened before!
This has happened to me more times than I can count. The first major holiday that I went veggie, my family (extended family) put bacon in EVERYTHING. I was going in thinking, I could have a piece of bread with cheese, mashed potatoes, veggies. Nope, everything had bacon.
Then another time a cousin gave me a bowl of veggie soup, and was waiting for me to eat it because he also put a scoop of beef stew on the bottom. I've had people order pepperoni pizza knowing I don't eat it, then told me to pick it off or just "man up and eat it anyway" Or they would just put meat on my plate and told me to eat it "because you are human, and that is what we do".
Annoying. And I never ONCE told them not to eat meat.
There are sadly self-righteous jerks on both sides
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You are lucky to live in a place where you can get fresh, humanely and healthfully raised animal products.
I am not a vegetarian despite the fact that I am scared of the meat produced and sold in this country. The animals are treated poorly and they are raised in environments that are not healthy or humane. Eating something that was treated like **** is basically eating **** in my opinion. But, I enjoy meat and mass produced is what I can afford. If we ever can afford space or money for a deep freeze, I fully intend to purchase meat differently. Until then, I guess I'll have to take my chances. I don't like to be bullied about my choices either though.0 -
* Inability to Digest- they lack the enzymes to actually break down protein
Aww I feel special. I'm mentioned on this thread. Yes, we exist. Though it's not the inability to "digest", for me it's the inability to break down certain amino acids. if my body can't break them down, they build up in the blood and are toxic.
fun times
But I'm essentially a vegan now, because I'm a little weird and I can't consume dairy without picturing someone sucking milk out of a cow's udders. so yeah...ew.
I don't have milk, purely because I do not like the taste... in just about anything... Then learning how they are treated solidified my choice now I will never have milk again ever more than likely... It is shameful, and to be honest, not needed and not tasty by one bit haha cheese I love still though... 0 -
* Inability to Digest- they lack the enzymes to actually break down protein
Aww I feel special. I'm mentioned on this thread. Yes, we exist. Though it's not the inability to "digest", for me it's the inability to break down certain amino acids. if my body can't break them down, they build up in the blood and are toxic.
fun times
But I'm essentially a vegan now, because I'm a little weird and I can't consume dairy without picturing someone sucking milk out of a cow's udders. so yeah...ew.
When he told me about it, I was like 'seriously?' then I thought 'well people are lactose intolerant so it'd make sense' he was so worried that he'd passed it on to his daughter or son (thankfully he hasn't).0 -
You are lucky to live in a place where you can get fresh, humanely and healthfully raised animal products.
I am not a vegetarian despite the fact that I am scared of the meat produced and sold in this country. The animals are treated poorly and they are raised in environments that are not healthy or humane. Eating something that was treated like **** is basically eating **** in my opinion. But, I enjoy meat and mass produced is what I can afford. If we ever can afford space or money for a deep freeze, I fully intend to purchase meat differently. Until then, I guess I'll have to take my chances. I don't like to be bullied about my choices either though.
It is sad that people are put in this situation but I do love the fact that if you could change it you would, you have my respect for that *hug*0
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