It's easy to let stereotypes get in the way of how we perceive or view others' opinions and lifestyles, but come on, it's been long enough and it's time to realize it is okay that other people may have different eating habits than the general population. Vegetarianism and veganism are both very unpopular and uncommon practices and therefore are seen negatively by most people. Let's let it go.
Many of the "meat eaters," (or omnivores as I like to call it) that I have talked to about the situation all say the same thing: "Well, most vegetarians are always in your face about it and make you seem like a horrible person for eating meat." While that is true for some vegetarians, it is definitely not the case for all vegetarians.
Vegetarians and vegans all have different reasons for why they choose to exclude meat/dairy out of their diet. Some choose the lifestyle because it is healthier, and many dairy products and meats have added antibiotics and harmful chemicals inside. Others choose the lifestyle simply because of the inhumane way of treatment towards the animals who are slaughtered or milked. There are many more reasons, but whatever the reason is...why are you so concerned? Many vegetarians really don't care that you eat meat, and we do not think you are a horrible person for doing so. Yes, it might make us a little queasy to be around greasy, fatty meat sometimes, but very seldom will you experience a vegetarian or vegan scolding you for eating what you please.
Just because eating meat and dairy is the most common eating habit, it does not mean that people who decide not to eat those things are "activists," "weird," or "crazy." We just simply chose a different way of eating. So, again, why are our eating habits of any concern to others? Well, in the society we live in today, it is very easy to let one bad stereotype ruin it for all of the others. For example, the stereotype of feminists being crazy, misogynistic, naked lunatics tends to lead the general public to the assumption that all feminists are this way. (Which, I am in no way hinting that I agree with that stereotype, because I definitely do not.)
Another way that we are alienated by society is the extensive arguments made against our decisions. For example, the argument that we have "always eaten animals and that's just way it should be," or "animals were put on the Earth to be eaten," which neither of these in context are true. A man of the name of Plutarch once said, "A human body in no way resembles those that were born for ravenous;
it hath no hawk’s bill, no sharp talon, no roughness of teeth, no such
strength of stomach or heat of digestion, as can be sufficient to
convert or alter such heavy and fleshy fare. But if you will contend
that you were born to an inclination to such food as you have now a mind
to eat, do you then yourself kill what you would eat. But do it
yourself, without the help of a chopping-knife, mallet or axe, as
wolves, bears, and lions do, who kill and eat at once."
For most, vegetarianism and veganism are hard concepts to grasp, and that's okay. Many do not understand why or how one can live this way, but instead of making fun, making others feel bad about their decisions, or coming to the assumption that they are crazy activists, try to understand them better, and I guarantee there will be much less backlash. Do not concern yourselves with what and how we eat, because it is our personal decision. Nobody should feel alienated because of their dietary habits. So, the next time someone tells you they are a vegetarian, forget the stereotypes and accept this person for who they are and what they choose. Accept difference and you will find peace!
