Why do they feel so threatened?!?
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| Wed, 05-04-2005 - 10:20am |
I am a student, doing a sports science course in London. A couple of weeks ago, we had a day trip for college down to the gym for some practical experience and then went out for lunch as a group. Much to my dismay, I found out that we were going to the local steak house (I am a strict vegetarian). It wouldn't have been so bad if the guy next to me hadn't ordered his steak rare (still dripping blood!) and then proceeded to push a piece of it under my nose and grill me about why I am vegetarian. I said that it was an ethics thing for me and I didn't want to eat anything that had had to suffer just for me to eat it. Of course, the longstanding argument came out: but plants have feelings too. WTH do you say to people like this?!?!?!?!?
I didn't remark on his eating a hunk of cow, why do I have to justify myself to him (and others too, in the past)? What can you say to people like this?
Sorry for the rant...

1. plants don't have a nervous system that 'comprehends' suffering the way that animals do.
2. to them: stop being a pain in the you-know-what; i am not making judgements about your choices, i'm simply living as i see fit.
3. if you want more information, here's a pamphlet.
I also, when pressed with the "carrots hurt too" line, ask how they can without a nervous system!
I've also lost my appetite when meat was forced on me, and once or twice I've let people know that I gave up eating meat because I find it distasteful. Is my baked potato (salad, whatever you managed to find),
People like that are so ignorant and irritating. I would tell him that you've chosen a way of eating that suits you, and you are not obligated to justify that to him. You don't question why he eats that disgusting slab of meat, so he has no right to question why you choose to be vegetarian. And if he still doesn't let up, drop the diplomacy and tell him to him to find something more constructive to do with his time than badger people about silly things like diet. Hope you get him to shut up!
Veena :-)
It's tough dealing with people like this. I think they initially feel threatened because by saying you don't eat meat they think it implies that eating meat is wrong. They immediately try to defend themselves. My brother-in-law is the same way. I've found that explaining the health benefits causes more arguements than stating compassionate reasons for being vegetarian. Especially since some doctors think it's healthier and some don't. It's probably better that you explained it's more of a compassionate choice. When I'm confronted now I just stick with 'I don't like to eat animals. It's a personal thing.' Not many can argue with that but some will try. I've heard "God put animals here for us to eat." It can make you so mad-especially when it's family and friends grilling you. Now that my fiancee has stopped eating meat his family is convinced I converted him and push meat in his face when we go out to dinner. That's really fun.
My best advice is to find a group like this or a group in your city to join where you'll meet people with similar views. They can relate and calm you down. Good luck and stay strong! I'm glad you don't eat meat! :) whoo hoo