I have been a vegetarian for about five and a half years now. I do it because of my absolute love for animals and for the well-being of the planet. In my time as a vegetarian, I've been offered encouragement, genuine and informed curiosity, and knowledge from those sharing in my lifestyle. However, I've also heard quite a few rude or ignorant phrases more times than I can possibly count...and not going to lie, they're getting annoying. Here is just a sample of some of the more common ones.
1. "But then what do you eat?"
Believe it or not, a majority of meals do not contain a dead animal. In fact, if you're getting technical and looking at that famous food pyramid, meat is a very small portion of what I can and should be eating on a daily basis. Also, thanks to the genius minds that took soy and other animal-friendly products and made them into substitutes, I can eat just about anything you can.
2. "Oh I could never be a vegetarian… I like meat too much."
Trust me, I completely understand dietary restrictions or just simple preferences that make someone want to remain an omnivore. However, this is a cause I'm extremely dedicated to, so much so that I changed my entire diet and way of life to adhere to it. Think of whatever cause you're passionate about and want to share with the world. How would you feel if someone brushed it off and simply said, "Nah, not important enough." By all means, you do not have to join me in my cause; just don’t minimize its value to me.
3. “I went vegetarian for a month one time two years ago!”
That's awesome! And I completely understand when people have to stop living a vegetarian lifestyle if they have some kind of dietary restriction. But hearing you decided to take up my cause and then drop it just because you didn't care enough... not awesome. And not something I really want to hear, as explained in the previous list item.
4. “My cousin twice removed had a boyfriend who was a vegetarian.”
I appreciate the attempt to relate to me and I think it's very polite, but instead I'd love to talk to you about a vegetarian meal you've found that you really like or a cool new way to cook tofu. I can do a lot more with that than discussing some stranger you've met once who also didn't enjoy meat.
5. “But plants have feelings too!”
If I had a dime for every time I've heard this "joke" I would be rich enough to shut down factory farming once and for all. Please don't make a mockery out of something I've dedicated my life to. Just stop.
6. “Oh doesn’t this look good? It’s because it has meat.”
Have you heard of manners? Use them. I don’t order my meal and shove it in your face saying “Look cruelty free! Doesn’t this look yummy! It’s because I don’t murder animals to eat!” And if a different vegetarian does do that, you should also remind them of their manners. If we sit down to dinner, I’m not going to make negative comments about your food, I’m going to let you eat and enjoy your meal and expect that you do the same for me.
7. “You’re not actually making a difference.”
This is probably one of the most hurtful and rude things you could say to someone. I am standing up for the rights of animals and for the sustainability of our planet. This is something vegetarians center their entire life around and work hard to maintain. Every effort counts. Not to mention a typical vegetarian saves anywhere from 371 to 582 animals per year. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like quite a difference to me.
8. “Aw yeah, cows are cute but they’re just so tasty!”
See number 2. Also, insert "dogs" into the third word of that sentence and see how horrible it sounds. They’re both animals, one has just been deemed by society as wrong to eat and the other hasn’t.
9. “You’re un-American.”
Really? If you’re basing your entire country’s worth off of how much meat is eaten, you may want to reevaluate your priorities. I also realize that often this is a joke, but it’s not a funny one. At all.
10. “No, don’t tell me how the animals are treated, I don’t want to know.”
As someone who has always been a bit of an activist and also loves to be informed, this statement has always baffled me. It does hurt that you’d rather be ignorant of the cruel lifestyles animals face on a daily basis, but to each their own I suppose. I won’t shove facts down your throat.
11. “But what do you eat during Thanksgiving?”
Does no one realize there is usually only one thing on that entire table vegetarians cannot eat? Trust me, I load up on some mashed potatoes and I do just fine.
12. “Don’t you crave meat?”
No. No I don’t.
13. “How do you get your protein?”
While I do genuinely appreciate the concern others show for my well-being, this question can get old. Somehow everyone suddenly becomes an expert on protein intake and its importance when they learn I don’t eat meat. Plant based protein supplies me with all that I need, there is no reason to become concerned. Not to mention that if meat is the only source of your protein, that’s actually quite worrisome.
14. “Are you some kind of hippie?”
I literally do not know how to respond to this question. What do you even define as a hippie? Because I mean I do love flower patterns and I’d consider myself to be pretty happy with life. So sure, I mean, I guess I am?
15. “Can’t you just pull the pepperoni off?”
No. Simple and flat out, no.
16. "Do you eat fish?"
Someone who does not eat most meat but still eats fish is called a pescatarian. Fish do feel pain and they are animals, so by definition, I would feel very wrong and upset about eating them. I do understand this question more than others though, because I know the term "pescatarian" isn’t widely known. And I do love to teach people about vegetarianism if they care to learn.
17. "If a pig lived a happy life and died of natural causes, then would you eat it?"
No. Just… No. Please don’t ask me this.
18. *Looks at my veggie burger* “Ew, that’s disgusting. What even is in it?”
You realize your regular burger is a literal carcass right? Or did you know that the average hamburger could have a hundred or even more different cows making up one patty? I’m not trying to shame anyone — honestly eat whatever feels good to you. But please, just think before you insult what someone else is about to eat, and look at your own plate.
So in conclusion:
Now by all means, the vast majority of omnivores I meet and am friends with are polite, open-minded and respectful of my dietary choices. I don’t view anyone higher or lower in worth based on what they eat and I would never want to force my ideal diet onto someone else. All I ask is for the same understanding and respect that anyone fighting for a cause they’re passionate about would want. And perhaps a good tofu recipe if you have it, because that stuff is delicious.
