Is it normal to be ridiculed for being a vegetarian?

I've been a vegetarian for as long as I can remember. My family is and it just seems right. My friends always make fun of me for it. I thought college would be better, but it has just gotten worse. They will say things such as, "Oh, you didn't save this cow," while shoving beef or chicken into their face. I just don't understand. IIN?

Voting Results
65% Normal
Based on 106 votes (69 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 63 )
  • anti-hero

    If they say "Oh, you didn't save this cow" while shoving chicken in their mouths, they may be slightly retarded...

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • You know what I mean, dick.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • anti-hero

        Calling me out for being a dick is like calling out double dribble at the special Olympics, some things you gotta let slide haha

        Comment Hidden ( show )
    • Wrud

      They may say that while shoving something else into their face. ;)

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • It's not very nice. And to be honest, this is expected of people and humanity because most of us have no regard or empathy towards animals. As egotistical beings, we see ourselves as 'above' them, and will often use animals for our benefit -- food, clothing, entertainment.

    It's cruel and unacceptable, but don't stop your habits of eating vegetarian food because you are saving lives of animals, and at the very least, you are not spending money and supporting the animal food industry. Stick up for what you think is right, and screw other people, they don't understand and don't have the capacity to.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • JLT1993

    Yes, vegetarians are hated due to the cruel nature of their diet. They cause the starvation of many animals by eating their food and forcing meat eaters to eat their carcasses to prevent them from taking up too much space

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • iEatZombies_

      Haaa! XD =D

      Comment Hidden ( show )
    • shuggy-chan

      HAHAHAHA i dont know who you are sir or ma'm, but i love you for that laugh there LOLOL

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • They are most likely just playing with you, not intentionally trying to hurt your feelings. Kind of like when someone gets a girlfriend/boyfriend, they'll make little jokes about it, but don't mean it in a negative way, just for jokes.

    If it bothers you so bad, perhaps tell them that it does.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • iEatZombies_

      I would love to agree with that, however, I'm a vegetarian, and I'm telling you people can be downright cruel about it. Friends or not. I used to have many friends plain harass me for it. And when I tell them it's my effin choice after they've bothered me about it for days or weeks, well then I'm a b*tch.
      Of course, those could just be poor friends. I wouldn't know, I stopped telling people. Heh. Too much fight for such a silly subject.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Not saying it doesn't happen, just saying that it doesn't happen as much as vegetarians like to think. I was in an animal care course, and there were about three vegetarians, nobody bothered them about it, and the group was filled with all types of assholes. Regardless, people shouldn't be mocked for their food choice, and that goes to vegetarians mocking meat eaters, too.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • iEatZombies_

          Oh, absolutely. It hardly happens anymore. I mean, you get the occasional asshole who bothers you endlessly, but other than that it doesn't happen anymore. As for preaching veggies, they suck. Heh. They're usually hypocrites and they're very pushy. I'm sorry for anyone who has to deal with that. Also sorry if you're one of those victims.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
  • NeuroNeptunian

    Wow. Yeah that will happen. But the kind of people that do that are assholes to begin with. They put down others to make them look and feel better about themselves. Nothing wrong with being a vegetarian, I wish I was, the health benefits are fantastic on top of the humanitarianism of it all but I love meat too much, I don't believe I have the self-discipline for it.

    Tell them that there are other ways to compensate for how lame and little they feel. Tell them that a used, late model Mercedes that is in really good shape is actually a lot more affordable than they think it is. Or maybe give them coupons for breast enhancements or encourage them to visit their local Best Buy and buy themselves an IPhone, IPad, and Iwhatthefuckever. Maybe they would appreciate it if you found them a good rim/extremely loud car stereo store. This is Capitalism here, material wealth is almost the same thing as self-esteem. Because we all know that if everyone notices you, that means that they respect you and you are worth something.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • floodimoo123

    Just tell them that it's what you like and no amount of them shoving hamburgers down their throats like animals is going to change it. And if they still don't accept you, find some new friends.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • MacGruber

    It's what you deserve, so yes.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • im a vegetarian and i couldnt care less what people may say

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Allistalla

    If your a male yes ,becuase poeple generelly will see you as a hippie or else weak and not a " REAL MAN " as it is sometimes believed it not directly said " REAL MEN EAT BEEF " . I personlly cant live without it myself but to each their own choice ....

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • hamwich

    Haters gonna hate.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • justsomekidfromcanada

    I don't really get it but in my opinion if you don't try to force it on other people than they should probably just leave it alone.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • iEatZombies_

    My fiance and I are vegetarians. We have gotten ridiculed for it. Just remind them it's a diet choice and their say-so in it is about as limited as yours is with their choices, and to continue to say snide comments is only going to bother you, not prove some point.
    Or you could remind them that they're the ones who can't seem to stop shoving meat in their mouth... Mmmmm weiner... -Or maybe "I've got some meat you can suck on". Join in on the mean jokes and they'll get the point.
    Or you could play along and they'll stop when they get bored.
    Me personally, I've ended friendships over it. What kind of friends ridicule you over a diet plan? Iwas a vegetarian before them and I'll be one after.

    It still depends, though. There are people who ridicule and people who joke. The "Save a cow" thing is just rude.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • ronpaul4prez

    I'm a vegetarian too and all my friends make fun if me for it . I know just how you feel. Hang in there

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • NocturnePonyFan

    Personally, I've felt vegetarians are just a bit hypocritical. Plants are living organisms, as well. So by that notion, we should not be eating plants because of the inhumane way we spray them and walk on them and tear them apart with our teeth.

    SAVE THE LETTUCE!!!!!!!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • candle8

    I know what you mean, it's the same with me. I believe non-vegetarians have a sense of guilt for eating meet, and that's why they need to attack you. They have no better arguments than "it's tasty, i like it" and so they're in a weak position. The only way they can defend their actions is by acting like assholes.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Aleks85

    I will always make fun of vegetarians. Meat is part of a healthy diet.

    I especially dislike vegetarians who do it because they don't want to kill or eat killed animals.

    Guess what, it's part of life, it happens in the animal kingdom a thousand times a day, it just so happens we're on top of the food chain. Be grateful you're not a fuckin gazelle or something, whose only purpose in life is to provide for hungry predators.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • chewy

      One more thing making fun of Vegetarians isn't going to help set an example for them at all.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
    • chewy

      In some places they kill the cows in the most fucked up ways. When it isn't necesary to make an animal suffer before a horrible death, animals have feelings too you know.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Aleks85

        That's not my fault. Or any meat eaters. I never said I support inhumane killing. Just because it happens some places isn't going to stop me from eating meat.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • chewy

          I'm glad because many Vegetarians are often pale and sick for avoiding meats, the ones that really stick to it though not the ones who say they are and lie about it.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • iEatZombies_

            I haven't eaten meat in almost seven years, I'm completely healthy looking. Doctor's opinions as well. I certainly don't lie about something as silly as my diet.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
  • mtg710

    In all honesty, I've noted more incidents in which my meat-based diet is ridiculed over that of a vegan. Perhaps I live where vegetarianism and veganism are more prominent?

    Nonetheless, I never last long before I find myself withstanding the preachings of certain extreme vegetarians, though I don't recall reciprocating instead with the demeaning of a plant-based diet.
    Therefore, I openly return the question to you: Is it normal to be ridiculed for practically being a carnivore rather than a vegetarian?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • iEatZombies_

      It's not normal for anyone to be ridiculed for what they eat. Unless you eat children or something. Heh.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • DannyKanes

    I don't think it's fair you got rediculed about it. These types of posts are always close to home to me as I've been tossing up the idea of being a vegetarian or not :/

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Avant-Garde

      If you do become a vegan, try to only tell other vegans. Stating that you're a vegetarian in a room of carnivores can go sour very quickly:/

      Comment Hidden ( show )
    • iEatZombies_

      If you choose to do so, don't tell people about it unless you have to. It's the best way to avoid unnecessary drama. Just work your way around the meat in situations. Heh. The longer you've been doing it and the less you say about it, the more accepting people seem to be. =)

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • iEatZombies_

        I agree with Avant, but even with vegan/vegetarians it can get sticky. Sometimes they pressure to "fight" with them. Of course, if that's what you want to do, then cool. Otherwise, be careful about them, too.
        It's not as complicated as I'm making it sound, I promise. lol

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • ThatChick28

    Not healthy. Eat some meat. It's good for u. I like how someone pointed out that we have canines...it's true lol, it's meant to b part of our diet

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • shuggy-chan

      well there are cultures and religons that eat little to not meat, and much of the world is too poor to eat meat, except on special occations.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • chewy

    Screw them they are ignorant fat ass assholes that get fat on meat. It makes me angry how people don't care about killing poor animals and eating them that explains why the so called people are just like animals no regret at all this is one of the reasons that humanity sucks selfish cunts.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I was a strict vegetarian for four years and I was only antagonized about it once, by my father. But he's a narrow-minded dickhead about a lot of things, so I really don't care what his opinions of my dietary habits are.

    I did a few things that kept me out of the negative limelight though. I never used to get preachy about vegetarianism, not even with other veggies. It was a personal choice and I was very discreet about not eating it. When invited for dinner, I never asked the host to make special food arrangements for me, I would just eat the options that didn't have meat in them. Normally, if someone asked why I wasn't eating meat, I'd say that I'm just not into it as much and would rather skip it. People have likes and dislikes about food, so saying that I'm not interested in it seems more normal and easier for people to understand than making the statement: I'm a vegetarian.

    That's just me though.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Unfortunately it is normal, I get it all the time!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Avant-Garde

    The first time I became a vegetarian, it didn't last long and I was met with much negativity. I was in after school and had told some people. Two of the people at the table didn't agree and said that they NEVER ate veggies! To which I told them that lack of fiber would cause constipation. My prediction of their digestive system turned out to be true many moons later. Despite "winning" that conversation, I still didn't like being called names due to it.

    I became a vegetarian because I felt that meat was wrong. I was the only vegetarian I knew and I didn't have many resources for living a proper vegan lifestyle.

    That year, I ended up going on a trip to the south with some of my relatives. They gave me a very hard time about my diet. It was like they were taunting me. Eating meat in front of me like they were trying to get a raise out of me. I remember one of my aunts was making spaghetti and my grandmother had specifically told her that she needed to make me a separate sauce without meat in it. She had flip out and got angry towards me. If I accidentally got meat, they'd poke fun at me for being upset. About a month later, I had to sop being a vegan.

    I've recently become a vegan again, because I'm allergic to meat and I've kept it to myself. I don't want to be ridiculed and hassled because of it.

    You friends aren't real friends. They and your classmates are extremely immature. Get new friends preferably other vegans. You unfortunately can't get new classmates... There must be someone at your school that is also a vegan. Maybe, you could find a vegan support group? They would be understanding to your diet.

    Good Luck:)

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • iEatZombies_

      I know. When I first became one, on my 18th b-day my family got me a cake that was made to look like a burger. I tried not to be too sensitive, but secretly I wanted to cry. Course, I was probably just being a baby. Other than that, people constantly harassed me for it. But the longer you do it, the less people bother you. I'm coming on seven years, people hardly bother me now.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Avant-Garde

        You weren't being a baby. It was insensitive what they did and I'm sure most vegetarians would be upset. I'm glad things have gotten easier for you, though:)

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • iEatZombies_

          Thank you. It'll become easier for you, too. I promise. Takes time and effort, but it pays off. =]

          Comment Hidden ( show )
    • shuggy-chan

      really, i had no idea you were a vegetarian, im personally close to one. My dad is a vegetarian, but not a vegan, we still eat eggs, cheese, Etc. are you a true vegan or a normal veggie head. I enjoy food and 2 of my favorite things are portobellos and eggplants. so as long as i can work one or both of those in my meal im very happy. And i love thai and indian food, with often has no meat, due to most of their diets

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Avant-Garde

        I'm not a true vegan, because I eat eggs and dairy:)

        I have to relatives that are vegetarians. One is a true vegan and the other is a veg head like me. I used to love eating mushrooms and mixed vegetables. It was delicious. The only Thai and Indian foods I've had were mostly meat based, but still pretty good.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • shuggy-chan

          well if you tell them or ask, they can make with veggies and tofu and indian have a tons of meatless dishes if you know where to look: Example,

          Palak Paneer, choles are chickpea curry,

          Here is a link that shows the easy 5 min meals you can have, <a href="http://www.nomeat.org/archives/14" rel="nofollow">http://www.nomeat.org/archives/14</a>

          cook some rice, and have peta bread with one. its awesome and easy

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • Avant-Garde

            Thanks:)

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • shuggy-chan

              i gave you a my recipe on the other post lol, dont sell it to a cook book or ill sue you LOL

              Comment Hidden ( show )
  • truercheese

    I've been on and off vegetarian. I guess. Lol. Not committed enough to last much longer than a year, but I really don't even like meat.

    But yeah, people say things. Even my dad would say things to me about it. He'd be eating rare steak and telling me he likes when it still moo's when he cuts it, and things like that. I hate steak, and most meat. I just ignored all the comments though, don't let them get to you.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • myownopinions

    I think your friends are just joking around, but if it really bothers you then just tell them to stop, and if they don't, then they're not your real friends.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Frosties

    Some countries don't really do vegetarianism and they do find it odd. In the country I live in, I know people who never ever eat fruit and I've come to accept that, but other countries would find that incredible too.

    However, if vegetarianism is practiced by more than about 5% in your country, then your friends are of above average ignorance.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • bigcabbage

    I'm vegan. I don't know why some people care so much if I don't eat meat and they get so offended about it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • shuggy-chan

      are you a true vegen, or do you eat egg and dariy, vegan eat, not animal based food, that is a step too fair for me, personally

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • NocturnePonyFan

    Why do you think we have canines?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Captain_Kegstand

    People tend to single out anything that is different. Being a vegetarian makes you different in their eyes so you get picked on. I'm not a vegetarian simply because I lack the willpower to give up red meat, but I respect the sacrifices you make (for whatever reason you do). Keep your head up, who cares what they think?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • JustinBiebsFan#1

      i have chili, delicious chili and i am hung over. lets carve obscne shapes into pumkins. i want the uglist pumpkin the groccery store has, i want their 10 ugliest pumkins. what obscene shapes can you think of? i want to carve an uncut dick, we could carve some words in there too, then we can leave them out till it snows, rotten pumkin fight!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Captain_Kegstand

        lolz I have no idea what the point of that was, but it gave me a good laugh.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • JustinBiebsFan#1

          i like my whisky

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • Captain_Kegstand

            More of a gin guy myself, but I can drink whisky if the mood hits me.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • JustinBiebsFan#1

              my fav drink is gasoline and i wash it down with birth control pills, it really fucks you up

              Comment Hidden ( show )
  • tbiM20

    That is incredibly rude of them. Now, personally I'm skeptical of vegetarianism, mostly because the ones I've known don't do it properly so don't supplement their nutrition properly, act self-righteous, or "cheat" when they claim humanitarian reasons & then validate themselves ("no its okay its just a little bacon on my salad!"), so its mostly skepticism of that kind of behavior. I do, however, respect their opinion and do not mock them for it (unless they're self-righteous in which case, game on!).

    Time to find some worthwhile friends.

    Comment Hidden ( show )