Veganism & vegetarianism

[Ashground]

Omnivorous. The closest I ever came to being vegetarian was after I dissected a pig's heart in high school. Lasted about 3 days.

[MentalGiant]

I'm plenty used to it. I got bullied endlessly at school for being vegetarian, people would just walk up to me, sitting on my own, and start laying into me. The "arguments" people use as adults against me (unprovoked) aren't any more sophisticated.

I suspect it comes from fear and discomfort. Some people instantly feel guilty when they find out I'm vegan, and feel the need to "defend themselves" even thought I've launched no attack. I make no effort to try and preach or make people uncomfortable, so if I've ever come across this way, then I apologise. I generally don't talk about it unless it comes up in conversation. It's one of those subjects I find a lot of people can't talk sensibly about so I don't bother unless they show genuine interest.

 
Any of this sound familiar?

[robvalue]

Lol yes! I just scored bingo in every possible way using my life experiences.

I've had conversations literally as stupid as this:

"Do you want some of this [meat]?"

"No thanks, I'm a vegan."

"Well animals eat each other in the wild, don't they?"

[The Grand Nudger]

The proper response to "no thanks, I;m a vegan" is - excellent...because I didn't actually want to share anyway - these ribs are delicious!

[downbeatplumb]

I like animals and wish they weren't so tasty.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Why would anyone rant to a vegan about how wrong they are? What the F difference does it make?

Consider the source.

[robvalue]

I even specifically remember the "canine teeth" from that bingo board. This one boy at school would keep coming up to me and pointing out what kind of teeth I have, and telling me what function they are intended for.

I remember that I got bullied by a teacher also. Again, I never brought it up, but almost every day he would lay into me and make ridiculous defensive arguments. I really should have complained about that.

[The Grand Nudger]

Your friend didn't understand the concept of show teeth, apparently.  -Our- "canines" aren't actually helpful, in the least, when it comes to carnivory or omnivory. Great for slicing away at roots and hard skinned fruit - and scaring the neighbors...and thats about it. They aren't long enough to hold or sharp enough to shear. Their placement amongst the others gives away their lack of predatory usefulness.

[Catholic_Lady]

I eat meat but I highly admire vegans/vegetarians, and wish I could be one myself. Have tired in the past but given up. It would be purely for animal reasons, not for health reasons... since I don't think meats are all unhealthy.

In the meantime the best I can do is buy organic/humanely raised meats.

[Catholic_Lady]

I do try to avoid pork as much as possible because I feel pigs are more intelligent and thus suffer more than chickens or fish. And even cows. I hardly ever eat pork.