To make us mad? To tell us how stupid/ignorant we're being for having a heart and saving the lives of innocent animals?? I don't understand!!
You can say it's for anyone, but all you do is down us, and state what I said above. We're here to answer/ask questions about something we care about. We don't want answers from people who don't know wth they're talking about. Honestly??
Why do you/they come here?
GoldenCupcake
Favorite Answer
Because they like to shove their opinions down our throats?
Really, they don't understand/like that we've made this choice, so like to question and rant and give "evidence" that we're not doing our bodies any favours.
Just ignore them, let them rant and rave and show how ignorant they are...and feel smug that you're not filling your body with hormone stuffed battery meat.
If that doesn't work.....tell them to shove it where the sun don't shine!!!
Vrinda R
Someone who is truly at peace with their own decision of non-vegetarianism is unlikely to ridicule a vegetarian. Very often, people who put you down for upholding an ideal are doing it because they dont want to admit even to themselves that they could be doing something wrong. It is a sub-conscious reaction to the perceived threat that the ideal will gain wider acceptance.
Some people are critical of vegetarians because they are the type of people who cannot open their minds to views different from their own. They genuinely cannot understand an opposing view because their faith in their own beliefs is so strong. It just so happens that they are ridiculing you for vegetarianism. If the belief under contention was some other issue where they feel differently from you, they are likely to react the same way.
There could be other reasons as well. Such as sensing judgment from vegetarians whether intended or not.
My own view is that vegetarians should consider being less touchy about criticism of vegetarianism. If the motive behind vegetarianism is kindness, then we vegans/vegetarians may want to try extending some empathy to people who dont "get" vegetarianism yet. I was raised as a meat eater and converted to vegetarianism in my childhood. I ate meat earlier because "it was the done thing" until I made the connection between slaughter and the food on my plate. I gave up leather / dairy / cosmetics and other products that exploit animals much later because I truly did not realise what I was doing. For a long while I was not aware that silk and wool could be produced through cruel practices. Animal products are so pervasive that I have empathy for those who are not awakened to why they are cruel.
From a vegan-activism viewpoint I think getting annoyed with non-vegetarians, even if they are being boorish on the issue is the least likely way to influence them or make them see the vegan point of view. Some people who are more kind and compassionate on other aspects than I could ever be, consume animal products. I think vegan activism can only achieve success if the activists adopt a kind/patient/accepting approach and one that does not make others feel vegans/vegetarians have cornered the market on kindness.
Trivial One
3 reasons:
1. I browse the entire Food and Drink section, which brings up questions from all the subcategories.
2. A lot of why I come to Yahoo! Answers is so I can learn about things I don't know about. Don't you want people to learn about vegetarianism and veganism?
3. I sometimes have something to offer: while I am an omnivore, I do know a bit about nutrition and health. You'd be surprised how many "Best Answer"s I get in this section.
Stop being so defensive and exclusive. Knowledge is good. You should want as many people as possible to read this section so they learn, understand and appreciate. And, you should develop a thicker skin about people who are trying to bait you. That's good advice for all areas of our lives.
margarita
Don't hate me because I'm a meat eater, but you'll find that with anything these days. It seems that vegetarianism/vegan-ism is like discussing religion or politics. Some people feel the need to voice their opinions and cause trouble. It goes both ways and you can pretty much say that about anything that's worth discussing. I tend to avoid those types of people which is why I stay away from the religion and politics sections. I rarely answer questions in this section unless someone is judging me because I eat meat.
?
Some don't know they are here. They answer a question from the main food and drink page and don't realize the question falls under this subcatergory. The others just want to be mean and cause trouble. Many people do this when they don't understand something. They act like a bunch of pre-teen girls (and you know how mean they can be!)