Why are some people so weird about vegetarianism/veganism?

[Anonymous]

Recently I made the decision to go vegan. I've only told those close to me but when I did majority of them acted really weird about it? Like they just blankly stare at me or are really arrogant or tell me how hard it's going to be (it's really not that hard). I think a lot of people in society have this view, but I can't understand why? How could anyone have something against another persons dietry choices? I understand that a lot of vegans are really full on and judgmental towards people who eat meat, but my family and friends know me better than that so it must be something more?

[Kiwedin]

"In psychology, cognitive dissonance is the mental stress or discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time, performs an action that is contradictory to one or more beliefs, ideas or values, or is confronted by new information that conflicts with existing beliefs, ideas, or values.

Leon Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance focuses on how humans strive for internal consistency. An individual who experiences inconsistency (dissonance) tends to become psychologically uncomfortable, and is motivated to try to reduce this dissonance—as well as actively avoid situations and information likely to increase it."

In an example case where a person has adopted the attitude that they love animals and do not wish to harm, but eats animals on a daily basis, the four methods of reduction are:
-Change behavior or cognition ("I will become vegan")
-Justify behavior or cognition by changing the conflicting cognition ("It's okay for me to eat animals because I don't do it often")
-Justify behavior or cognition by adding new cognitions ("I adopted this dog from a shelter, so that makes up for me abusing other animals")
-Ignore or deny any information that conflicts with existing beliefs ("Eating animals isn't bad")

So yeah, it's natural for humans to react negatively to veganism. It's just psychology. Dr. Melanie Joy has written a book about the psychology of meat eating and it's really interesting, especially because people are so unaware of what's happening in their own heads. It feels like a natural reaction for people to feel annoyed at vegans, but it's actually so much more complex than that. Everyone wants to believe that they're loving, kind, compassionate, and non-violent, yet eating meat goes completely against those core values. It has nothing to do with us being vegan, but more with them trying to come to terms with the fact that they are taking part in something so negative. They're struggling with their own conscience, but direct that frustration outwardly at you. It's so interesting, I'll link Dr. Melanie Joy's lecture here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqE0gUCp0oI

[Asker]

wow that's awesome, thankyou!

[MissNowhere]

Totally feel ya.
I've been a vegetarian for ~10 years so I have heaps of experience with judgmental people. I've found that meat eaters are actually more judgmental towards vegetarians/vegans than the other way around. Guess they just simply don't get it. It's sad.

[Asker]

It is sad :( A few months ago I never would have imagined myself doing it but I still thought it was a really honorable thing to do and something to be proud of when I found out others were vegetarian or vegan.

[George1992]

I am not a Vegetarian myself but as a general rule, people are afraid of whatever is different. While everyone (whether they admit it or not) recognizes that a vegetarian diet is ethically superior, it's easier to make jokes than it is to make changes.

As far as TV is concerned, it is all financially motivated. If Wendy's declared the health, environmental, and karmic benefits of a vegetarian diet- what would that do to their sales?

With regards to your friends, you need to get tougher and learn to ignore them- or educate them and point out exactly what it is that they are eating.

Vegetarianism is not for sissies. i would not be able to do it so well done to you. I would just ignore those remarks and keep up the vegetarianess if i where you. :-) hope it helps

[Asker]

You are so right, one of my bestfriends asked me why I was doing it and when I began to explain how horrible the livestock industry is she just turned away :O However I don't have anything against people who eat meat because a few months ago I was eating all da bacon and chicken

[George1992]

Look, everyone has their own reasons for going plant-based. Whether you’re vegetarian, ovo-, lacto-, vegan, etc., if someone asks you why, it means they are interested in what compelled you to make the choice. Consider sharing it with them in a light way and offering some insight into your decision making process. Back it up with information and positive facts about your lifestyle. Chances are, by the end of the dialogue, even tough they make fun of it now or mock you it’s something they’ll think about trying. just dont let the snotty comments and actions get to you.

have a nice day:-)

[TheBraveLion]

My sister is vegetarian, well recently became one, I understand why she's become one I take the piss sometimes for fun haha but it's sensitive and I respect that. I think people find are arrogant towards vegans because they feel vegans are doing the right thing and thus meat eaters feel kind of offended about this and try to defend eating meat.

[kodalinell]

I think many (animal product eating) people feel sometimes like veganism is something they need to defend themselves against, because vegans have different views on consuming animal products than they do. Or for some people, its envy because they aren't allowed. I also think most people recognise that by going vegan you are doing a kinder thing than they are by eating meat, and so they have a guilty conscience. However they don't want to give up their bacon so they try to come up with reasons against veganism, and try to enforce the stereotype that all vegans are pushy and stuck up.

[DamnCurtis]

Yep pretty much spot on.

[bomba78]

I've seen both sides being very judgmental.
I don't really give a rats ass what anyone decides to eat or not eat. When going out to eat in a group it can get difficult. Especially when there are hardcore veggies coming along. Like the ones that will straight out puke, if they find out that their soup was made with broth... It really limits the options.

I also cannot stand people trying to "convert" me. Let me eat my fucking steak every couple of weeks!
I do care about my food. I buy organic produce as much as I can. I like my food to come from a place where the animals at least had a good life and are not pumped with antibiotics. I limit my meat intake and only eat happy eggs, I try to buy from the local farmers market, etc etc

[mememellow]

It's just not really common so it could feel weird to another person who's not vegan/vegetarian.

[Anonymous]

You CHOOSE to deprive yourself from numerous delicious foods. That's what's weird about it.

[Asker]

I CHOOSE to value all lives as much as i value my own. :-)

[Opinion Owner]

You don't have to explain yourself to me. I get it. It's still weird.

[Anonymous]

I find them annoying. You can't really cook for them and whatever you make it'll taste bad...

[Anonymous]

Cause meat is good.