Negative responses to my beliefs.

[MTKO]

Link to original post: [drupal=4077]Negative responses to my beliefs.[/drupal]



So... my title sucks for this blog.

I just found out about the blog section on this site and since I enjoy writing on occasion, I figured maybe I'd give it a try. Except this entry is more of me venting about a problem than anything. :D

I'm a vegan. I don't eat any animal products (meat, eggs, milk, honey, and so on) and I do not use any products that are made from animal parts or tested on animals. I don't believe it is right to do so and that is my own personal belief. I don't force what I believe onto others and if someone asks me why I choose this lifestyle I explain to them that I want to limit the suffering that I cause in the world.

A few days ago I went out to eat with a friend at a place that will make vegan friendly pizzas upon request. I enjoy eating there and I'm glad that they make pizza that I can eat. And I hope that by purchasing that type of pizza in a small way I'm may be contributing to the market for vegan products. However, my experience there was horrible. Not at all because of the restaurant, but because of the people I was with. A friend had invited me along with some of his co-workers, these other people were all my age (19) and older, but acted completely inappropriately.

This is not what made me the most upset. When my pizza was taken to my table, everyone starred at me and giggled amongst each other. This happens to me everywhere I go to eat and happens whenever I eat with people who I haven't met before. Then the questions started coming, I knew it would happen. They couldn't just politely ask why I was eating what I was eating, they had to continue on to make fun of what I was eating and my beliefs. I ended up walking out and asking if my friend could give me a ride home... then they came with us and continued on all the way back to my house.

It seems like every time someone finds out that I'm vegan, they have something negative to say about it. Only twice have I been given a compliment (by two co-workers). Some of my other co-workers and boss even have said negative things about my lifestyle on more than one occasions. I'm not doing anything to harm anyone else. In fact, I'm doing something that I would think would seem kind to most people!

Anyway, I just wanted to get that off my chest. On Friday I'm headed out to California from New York (the state not the city. People like to confuse the two which is kind of funny) to see my girlfriend for two weeks. And we're going to eat at a variety of vegan places, so at least there I won't have to be questioned every time I put a piece of food in my mouth.

Sorry for for the long rant. Does anyone else experience similar things due to what the believe in or something else?

 

[Divinokage]

What kind of negative things do they tell you, if I may ask?

Because it seems again, if it's not the "normal" way of eating then it's automatically wrong.. Beliefs will always clash upon another, honestly it's pretty stupid. I so wish everyone could understand each other much easier.. They just need to leave people alone and let them do what they love or what they think is right. You know, whatever floats your boat as they say. I know it sucks being judged, but there's simply no way around it either.. I think it's good to confront people about it since eventually theyll just stfu about it and leave you alone... if not it gives them more reason to laugh at you. Just be firm in your stance while at the same time you don't force your belief into another person which you already mentioned you don't do which is good I think. That's what I have to say to that. =P

 

[Melomaniacal]

Are you sure that it wasn't in fun? I honestly can't imagine someone being truly mean about one's decision to be vegan. It's an extremely respectable lifestyle that has nothing to be angry about, really.

 

[link2702]

i cna respect peoples beliefs ect., like not eating meat, or what they believe in, ect.

its the ones that force these things on you that i hate(you've already mentioned you don't do this)....

prime example; PETA


all the extremists of peta will constantly attack anyone who doesn't "treat animals like equal CITIZENS" such as throwing red paint on folks who wear leather or fur, constantly attack people and protest (not peaceful protests either) places for serving meat as well as a hundred other things that i'm too lazy to lits atm about why i hate peta(you can tel i hate em alot can't u? doesn't help that i enjoy fishing alot and ran into one of these people protesting me out on the lake -_-; )


anyway

/rant about why i hate peta


back on topic

what those people who were with you, and even some of you co-workers did, was wrong, no doubt about it, but sadly....tis something that is just always gonna happen, its the same thing that homosexuals have to go through, or people who have a different religion from the popularity.

something/someone that is different from the "norm" is always gonna get backlash....hell that is part of the reason i try to dodge any questions brought up about my "religious" beliefs in public...people tend to hate athiests and agnostics more then then satanists alot of the time :s least from what i've seen.

Just try to ignore things like this when they happen.


and think of it in this way....they are just limiting themselves from trying a different cuisine.


as for having a similar experiance....


just like I said about my above beliefes on religion..., i tend to get alot of hate from people for my beliefs, and many even trying to force me into their own >.<;

 

[El Nino]

Well, I empathize. People do a double take when I tell them I avoid eating meat whenever possible. I guess I don't really look the type (because apparently there's a "type"). The "why" question is inevitable, and the only answer that makes people shut up is "for religious purposes."

Since I don't see the point in lying, but I don't want to get into it with anyone, sometimes I just say it's "for health" or "personal choice--I don't really like meat." And usually, they'll follow up with asking me what I feel about the "animal rights" activists, and I just say that I understand where that group is coming from.

Sometimes I'm more direct: "Saw a slaughterhouse video, and it didn't sit right with me. So I'd rather not support it." Clean, simple, to the point, not trying to convert anyone.

Have fun in CA. There might be a lot of vegan/vegetarian places depending on where exactly in Cali you'll be. In places I've been, being vegan isn't really a big deal. People do hate on the lifestyle, but it's mainly reflected by how you carry yourself. Too much self-righteousness, and you'll come out like a religious extremist. But if you're fairly low-key and honest about it, then I don't think there should be too much of a problem.

And if there is, who cares? It's your business what you put into yourself.

 

[MTKO]

What kind of negative things do they tell you, if I may ask?

Because it seems again, if it's not the "normal" way of eating then it's automatically wrong.. Beliefs will always clash upon another, honestly it's pretty stupid. I so wish everyone could understand each other much easier.. They just need to leave people alone and let them do what they love or what they think is right. You know, whatever floats your boat as they say. I know it sucks being judged, but there's simply no way around it either.. I think it's good to confront people about it since eventually theyll just stfu about it and leave you alone... if not it gives them more reason to laugh at you. Just be firm in your stance while at the same time you don't force your belief into another person which you already mentioned you don't do which is good I think. That's what I have to say to that. =P

Mainly things to put down what I believe in or try to provoke an argument to make me upset. I also get a lot of stuff about how my good smells or tastes disgusting (when they haven't even tried any). One other thing that really gets me is people telling me they're going to put meat in my food when I'm up to go to the bathroom or something like that. This has happened on several occasions and now I've just decided to not leave my food unattended. I've been able to let this problem not bother me for a long time, but I finally got upset and felt like I had to get it off my chest.

 

[MTKO]

Well, I empathize. People do a double take when I tell them I avoid eating meat whenever possible. I guess I don't really look the type (because apparently there's a "type"). The "why" question is inevitable, and the only answer that makes people shut up is "for religious purposes."

Since I don't see the point in lying, but I don't want to get into it with anyone, sometimes I just say it's "for health" or "personal choice--I don't really like meat." And usually, they'll follow up with asking me what I feel about the "animal rights" activists, and I just say that I understand where that group is coming from.

Sometimes I'm more direct: "Saw a slaughterhouse video, and it didn't sit right with me. So I'd rather not support it." Clean, simple, to the point, not trying to convert anyone.

Have fun in CA. There might be a lot of vegan/vegetarian places depending on where exactly in Cali you'll be. In places I've been, being vegan isn't really a big deal. People do hate on the lifestyle, but it's mainly reflected by how you carry yourself. Too much self-righteousness, and you'll come out like a religious extremist. But if you're fairly low-key and honest about it, then I don't think there should be too much of a problem.

And if there is, who cares? It's your business what you put into yourself.

Yeah I usually try to give a quick answer about it. The area I live in has a lot of country type people who hunt, lots of people who are racist, and very religious people. So those things may contribute to why I'm questioned so much.

 

[sooshi shef]

Dude just forget about it and don't worry

 

[Fuelbi]

Around here, you're a vegan, you're a tree hugging hippie

And sadly nobody approves of those kinds of hippies so I'm sorry for you bro :/

 

[Teran]

I don't care about what someone chooses to do unless they start giving me **** about what I choose.

I guess in a way, vegeterians and vegans have been known to blast on the flesh eating masses.

Still, it's just as dumb to give the reverse treatment.

 

[Omnicron's Baklava Enterprises]

I'm going to condemn you for eating vegetables instead of meat.

 

[Savon]

I would laugh at you as well if we were friends, but it would be out of good fun. Nonetheless screw the haters and just do you. I remember when my Catholic friends were looking at me funny for eating meat on a Friday during Lent. I would conspicuously take an obnoxiously large bite out of my chicken leg right in front of them.

Just do you though son.

 

[Luxor]

I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm glad to see someone sticking up for his beliefs. Keep on going, man. You've got my support.

 

[Ryu Shimazu]

I could never be a vegan, but there's nothing wrong with being it.

J/W, what goes on a Vegan pizza?

 

[GOD!]

vegans are underclass citizens and you are disgusting

 

[mountain_tiger]

There's nothing wrong with being a vegan. It's just... unusual.

I can understand entirely why someone might not want to eat meat or wear leather/fur but... why abstain from eggs and milk? You aren't causing the chicken/cow any harm by doing so...

 

[MTKO]

I could never be a vegan, but there's nothing wrong with being it.

J/W, what goes on a Vegan pizza?

Pretty much just like a normal pizza, but with no cheese. So I get: Crust made with no egg, milk, or honey, no cheese, and a lot of vegetables, and sauce.

 

[GOD!]

i have a solution for vegans

and pretty much anybody

the sooner you stop caring what idiots think about things

the better

also wtf i got infracted holy **** ***k these mods

 

[MTKO]

There's nothing wrong with being a vegan. It's just... unusual.

I can understand entirely why someone might not want to eat meat or wear leather/fur but... why abstain from eggs and milk? You aren't causing the chicken/cow any harm by doing so...

Well, in some places the chickens and cows are harmed due to the people working at these places having no respect for them at all. That is not how it is at most places though, but I don't want to take the risk of buying something that came from one of those particular places.

 

[-Jumpman-]

You do realise by not eating meat (or anything produced by animals) you're in no way improving the conditions they live in, right? It's quite simple. If you don't eat meat, people producing meat don't care about you. If you eat biological meat, you show that there's a market in that, and therefore make a difference.

I respect your beliefs, but if your goal is to make a difference, you're doing it wrong.

 

[Pogogo]

Jumpman you assume that humanitarian ends is the only goal of veganism when its strickly better for your health and the environment. Just saying. "You're doing it wrong." Nice. Come up with that one urself?

As I am in a similar situation and have meditated on this awhile I have had an epiphany. People react negatively not because its weird or unmanly, but because you are implying what they are doing is wrong. You are, without even saying anything, taking the stance that places guilt on meat eaters. Why? Because if meat eating were guilt free/ok, why don't you do it? There isnt a perfect solution. But I find if you dont stress your opposing point of view, you only really run into trouble at meal time. And Im sure as a vegan you dont really care what occurs during this period.

See even saying that I sounded like a *******. Thats my point.

 

[BlueSamsara]

I think that if people hate on you for being a vegan, they're probably very, very dumb.

 

[Dre89]

You could substitute vegan for racist, sexist, fundamentalist, anti-homosexual, or Justin Beiber fan and the rest of the post would still fit perfectly.

I love that all these threads do is bait "everyone should respect each other's beliefs" responses. You're not going to change a narrow-minded person's mentality by saying that, so all that achieves is trying to show off how humble you are.

 

[Hype]

I hate those "everyone should respect each other's beliefs" posts.

not all beliefs are respectable...

not that I have a problem with someone being vegan.

 

[The Good Doctor]

I hate those "everyone should respect each other's beliefs" posts.

not all beliefs are respectable...

not that I have a problem with someone being vegan.

I like you!
<3

 

[Omnicron's Baklava Enterprises]

I'm not a vegan so I'm going to condemn you for being a vegan.

Hurp durp durrrrr your opinion is wrong.

 

[Dre89]

I hate those "everyone should respect each other's beliefs" posts.

not all beliefs are respectable...

not that I have a problem with someone being vegan.

The problem is that most people who say that end up finding any viewpoint they disagree with not respectable.

The interesting thing about the "everyone should respect each other's beliefs" argument is that you would have to respect the belief that everyone's beliefs shouldn't be respected.

 

[4 Aces]

vegans are underclass citizens and you are disgusting

lol this'll be good.

As for being vegan, how do you get the nutrients that you omit by not eating meat/milk/cheese/etc.? Just curious. Other than that, I really don't care.

 

[Flutter NiTE]

Don't see how anyone could be negative to this. Some animals eat only meat, some eat only vegetables, some eat both. It's a cruel world.

 

[Twinkles]

^^^That Pikachu sig is incredibly tantalizing. I'm sorry, where was I?

Oh yeah, right.

There's no problem with being vegan. Generally, I feel that a lot of people who bag on vegans are people who feel kinda self-conscious about eating so much meat themselves. But, of course, what do I know on the subject? Anyway, you don't force your lifestyle onto others and I can honestly understand a person not eating meat on the basis of personal belief or even personal taste (as hard as that might be for me to believe). Just don't sweat what other people tell you. Hey, you're on Smashboards, if you get down, play Smash!

 

[4nace]

No one said it is easy to go against the grain. If you want something enough you'll be willing to endure for it. You only get one shot on this planet, and I think that alone is reason enough to not buy into peer pressure.

-4nace

 

[MTKO]

You do realise by not eating meat (or anything produced by animals) you're in no way improving the conditions they live in, right? It's quite simple. If you don't eat meat, people producing meat don't care about you. If you eat biological meat, you show that there's a market in that, and therefore make a difference.

I respect your beliefs, but if your goal is to make a difference, you're doing it wrong.

Well by using non-animal products I'm increasing that market by one and decreasing the animal product market by one consumer.

Plus I just feel it's wrong to eat the animals or use them for clothes and other things no matter how well they are treated.

 

[MTKO]

You could substitute vegan for racist, sexist, fundamentalist, anti-homosexual, or Justin Beiber fan and the rest of the post would still fit perfectly.

I love that all these threads do is bait "everyone should respect each other's beliefs" responses. You're not going to change a narrow-minded person's mentality by saying that, so all that achieves is trying to show off how humble you are.

I didn't want to be humble at all really lol. I just wanted to rant and rave a bit because I was pretty angry and it got to me.

 

[Dre89]

I didn't want to be humble at all really lol. I just wanted to rant and rave a bit because I was pretty angry and it got to me.

You're not who I'm talking about, it's the people who you baited.

I honestly wonder what geos those people's heads- "oh someone wrote a thread about being discriminated against, I better go tell everyone in there to respect each other's beliefs".