...to wonder why people are so rude about vegans?

[CheekyWombat101]

Obviously not everyone, but in general, I can’t go a single day without hearing a comment or spotting an eye roll if the word ‘vegan’ is spoken out loud. It’s like a dirty word. Ironically a word usually brought up by someone who isn’t vegan, but starts the conversation and then takes offence at it. It’s really bizarre.

Over and over again you hear associated words like... fad, militant, extreme, unhealthy...

Why? Why do some non-vegans take such an interest, and such an offence to it all?

Non-vegans who don’t care or are supportive - you are awesome! Please keep doing what you’re doing, it’s really refreshing.

not*

I use the term 'dietary prejudice' to differentiate from dietary requirements, such as coeliacs, where you've got absolutely no choice in the matter. You're right, I could say 'dietary preference, or choice'. I shall say that in future.

I don't disapprove of veganism, or vegetarianism, I simply don't care. Any more than a vegan or vegetarian should care about my dietary prejudices/preferences/choices!

Why do you assume humans taste good anyway?

It is delicious.

It's the proselytising and lack of consideration for non vegans

Only person I've ever blocked on FB was a vegan friend who posted graphic animal cruelty images on my timeline after I mentioned in a post that my family were eating a roast.

Why do you assume humans taste good anyway?

It is delicious.

hmmmm....
well, that would be an answer to the overpopulation of our poor planet, but that's probably worth of a new thread entirely

I think it's a mixture of guilt and discomfort at knowing that the vegans have made the harder choice and are sacrificing ease/fitting in with the majority for ethical reasons. It's definitely the harder choice isn't it. I think the meat eaters feel that guilt and defensiveness, but the vegans probably end up coming across as sanctimonious because they are constantly forced to defend their choice too, so it's a vicious circle.

I've said it before and stand by it, labelling people doesn't help, it would just be great if everyone had a diet that was more realistic to what the human body actually needs, was as environmentally friendly as possible, and just moderate! Mostly plants, beans, pulses, some carbs and some local, not intensively farmed meat/game. The whole system is a mess and tied up with giving consumers exactly what they need instantaneously, out of season food etc that is flown across the world. Producers jump on the vegan bandwagon and will end up causing more environmental problems by flying vegan alternatives across the world. Basically it's all got so confusing for people to know what's best I think they just bury their heads and refuse to reconsider what they are used to. The uncomfortable truth is just too uncomfortable. It's easier to ridicule than actually look into it, for fear of realising there is truth in it and have to actually change their diet

Still no one has yet addressed why it's ok to mock vegetarians and vegans, yet religious dietary restrictions are sacrosanct.

All these MN posts end the same - the purity of the messenger (or lack of it) is used to dismiss the message. So veganism isn't valid because some vegans eat avocados (so do meat eaters) and fly and drive. Basically it comes down to - it's my choice to eat meat and dairy/ fly long haul/drive and I don't give a care about the planet or anyone else, because my choices, entitlement and comfort are more important and I don't want to be inconvenienced. If this continues to be the dominant mindset we as a planet are totally screwed.

Also, most of the developing world is vegan/vegetarian because meat and dairy is expensive and resource intensive to produce.

but we are not cannibals, we are omnivores, so that's a non-issue.

Why do you assume humans taste good anyway? I love lamb, but can't stand the taste of deer.

That was a joke but to make the production more "human"

However, don't assume that because I'm eating meat, cheese, eggs and the rest of it that I need "my eyes opened" or "educated". My food choices are nothing to do with you. Respect goes two ways.

That's the problem though, when people adopt an extreme view point that can't then be reconciled with the opposite end of the spectrum. But also, I would struggle to see how anyone can not respect veganism as it is not doing any harm and it is definitely doing good. Whereas respect the other way.. what is to respect about eating as much dairy and meat as you like with no thought as to the consequences? I don't think you will ever get respect from a vegan!

A vegan, an atheist, and a flat earther walked into a bar. I only know because they told everyone in the first thirty seconds....

Vegans - fine, no problem with.

Bandwagon vegans - I don’t look down on you for your life style (and as said previously the usual hypocrisy so don’t keep looking down on mine

Veganism and vegetarianism is just as valid as dietary preferences/prejudices/choices based on religion. Or any other mindset. You make your choices based on your beliefs, and I will respect your right to do so. I might not respect them, but that shouldn't worry you in the slightest! I'll make my choices based on my beliefs, and would appreciate it if in turn, you respected my right to do so. You will not respect them, but that (equally) won't worry me in the slightest!

Still no one has yet addressed why it's ok to mock vegetarians and vegans, yet religious dietary restrictions are sacrosanct

Maybe because being a vegan isn't a protected characteristic?

I haven’t read the full thread. I’m veggie, not vegan. I prioritise protein and minimise carbs in my diet. I’m allergic to tomatoes. The current trend for meeting vegan needs only (usually based on carbs and little protein) is proving to be an absolute disaster for me. I attended a 2 day conference last week and despite sending my dietary requirements weeks in advance, someone decided that vegan gluten free pasta with ratatouille would suit me.

So I’m not a fan of veganism right now.

@BjornAgain81Oh such wit and originality.

Bet Peter Kay is shitting himself.

I’m an omnivore but we have cut down on meat over the last few years. Started with meat free Mondays and now we have about 3 meat free days a week.

One of my good friends is vegan and celiac. I’ve quite enjoyed finding things to make for her when she comes over for food (occasionally). She’s not evangelical though, if anyone asks, then she’ll explain, but doesn’t mention it otherwise.

Some vegans are aggressive though and like with a lot of things, it’s the noisy minority that give the rest of vegans a bad name.

I have no idea why people are so rude. I've often wondered the same. I admire them for having the willpower.

AryaStarkWolf

thank you, I kind of know it's a joke when I am making one

@SwimmerGirl40 well done to you. ☺️ It all makes a difference.

My DP is omni but eats vegan with me a couple of times a week, less animal products being bought and consumed all helps.

Most people will have experienced a smug, patronising, judgemental vegan and it will have stuck in their minds. People love to see a fall from grace so that is why they like to try to catch people out. Nobody likes to be preached to about what they are eating. It won't make anyone change, it will just make them like you less.
The vegan lifestyle isn't victimless and quite frankly not really sustainable.
One assumes true vegans refuse necessary medical treatment that has been tested on animals? Or vegetables that have been grown using pesticides and harvested using animals?
Farm animals will become extinct if everyone was vegan. I also think of all the plastic shoes, handbags, belts, etc, and acrylic jumpers still in landfill in 3000 years time.

Thank you @CorBlimeyGovenor for acknowledging the willpower. I actually have shit willpower in general, but never faltered as a veggie, or now as a vegan. And God, I miss Galaxy Ripple and Original Doritos sooo much.

Also, I'm a shoeaholic, I own 200+ pairs of shoes. I can't buy leather or suede any more.

When I miss a food, I try and find an alternative and remind myself of the reason I do it. The animals. 💚

I think it's similar to religion. Most people will accept someone's belief without question, but they don't want to be converted by do gooders.
My niece as much as I love her constantly posts things on fb, and people don't want to see it.
At the same time I wouldn't add her to a post about my favourite food as I know it would be disgusting for her and other vegetarians or vegans.
I go out of my way to cater for people's needs when hosting, and will continue to do so.
If you are vegan and not a Christian just imagine somebody Bible bashing at you, and don't bash people your belief.

It doesn’t bother me at all if someone is Vegan, Vegetarian etc in fact I can see the reasoning and benefits and it’s something I’ve considered (more vegetarian) as I’m not crazy about eating meat. I think what some people find annoying is the militant vegans (particularly) who try to enforce their ideas on you and I guess non Vegans are a bit wary of that

the large bulk of people who survive (and have always survived)on a vegan diet are in the 3rd world. There'll be a billion vegans in India

I think some of the animosity comes from statements like the above. Given India has a population of 1.3 billion and only a third or so are likely vegetarian I'm not sure where the 1 billion vegans can come from.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-43581122 the myth of the Indian vegetarian nation

fader

Not sure if you are into Doc Martins but my niece has vegan boots and shoes from there. They weren't cheap though