11May/10Off
how do you explain vegan/vegetarianism to others with out sounding preachy?
people wіƖƖ qυеѕtіοח mе wһу i аm vegan. аחԁ i аm јυѕt dying tο tеƖƖ tһеm аbουt wһаt happens tο tһаt piece οf animal muscle tһеу һаνе οח tһеіr plate.bυt i аƖѕο аm very aware tһаt tһе #1 thing omnivores dislike аbουt vegans/vegetarians іѕ tһаt tһеу try tο convert tһеm. аѕ аחу one wһο felt fervently аbουt a сеrtаіח cause wουƖԁ want tο ԁο, i want tο send tһе message out аbουt tһе ԁrеаԁfυƖ reality tһаt comes wіtһ tһе meat/dairy/egg industry tһаt many many people don't realize. bυt i dont want tο give people tһе message tһаt аƖƖ veggies ԁο іѕ try аחԁ brain wash tһеm. wһеrе іѕ tһе рƖеаѕеԁ medium?
(i mean іf i wаѕ аח environmentalist, i wουƖԁ want tο сƖаrіfу tο people wһаt сουƖԁ bе done tο һеƖр tһе earth. іtѕ tһе same thing wіtһ wanting people tο know vegan/vegetarianism, уου know?)
please חο rude аחѕwеrѕ. οחƖу helpful ones.
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- how to explain animal cruelty without sounding ignorant
May 14th, 2010 - 12:34
politely clarify that you have made the choice not to be involved in harming of animals and you based this choice on your own ethics and what you have read you are making the choice just as others make the choice to eat meat. you dont sound preachy if they question you.
May 14th, 2010 - 13:04
Just tell people that do to what happens to animals to both raise them for and prepare them afterwards for consumption you are not comfortably with putting it into your body, or something like that. Then if they question further, tell them exactly what you feel
May 17th, 2010 - 09:10
Just keep it to physically its a huge problem with everyone who chooses to be dif i dont mid if all you eat is grass i like to kill my own food and try not to eat and store bought processed stuff way dif than you but i see your reasoning but people do what they will and if they are going to find your path its best if they do it on thier own you telltale them about the plight of thier chicken si only going to push people away. really not life mean i have vegan pals and they dont bring it up to me cause i am an ass if u attack my dinner plate lol
May 18th, 2010 - 00:31
The pleased medium is to say the excellent reasons why you are vegan…instead of charitable the reasons you are not a meateater….your certain to draw more appeal if you dont tell people what they are doing incorrect but what you are doing right.
May 20th, 2010 - 14:32
well we hominids were intake meat long before veggies,,and the process today is alot better then it was 100 years ago,, why would you have to go into detail,, just say because you want to be vegan,, i will tell you this though, in the 70s i worked for bartlett pears, and with seeing how they were processed i never ate another pear again, i was in charge of the baby food division and never bought baby pears,, you would be disgusted to find out why
May 21st, 2010 - 10:30
I often find vegitarianism/Veganism to be something that develops out of ones beliefs, honestly. And reckon it’s fine to be Vegitarian or Vegan. And by the way the way we kill animals for consumption is not a new revilation , Native cultures of america regard the way a person handles the intake of animal to be a reflection of themselves.
You are certainly right that americans in general dont realize that when they bite into that steak the cow was killed via air implosion in it’s brain (not very lovely huh?), Or the well loved rise in veal currently loved in cusine. Most Americans don’t realize that the calf’s that veal comes from, are locked in a static cage for a year and fed all stout foods. Then they kill em.
I belive personally that this is really the underlying arguement about meat ,is the way we kill. Now we are complete opposites in that I eat a gray meat diet , and I don’t reckon you can ever say that there is a right “way” to kill.
Secondly, waste is a problem. as a gray meat eater i’m very detested at people whom don’t end meat they are served. The animal flesh you ingest has died to ensure your continuance , by wasting meat you disrespect that animals sacrifice, this above all I detest.
Mabye that helped , mabye it didn’t but it’s the way I look at it.
May 22nd, 2010 - 11:20
People already know what goes on in the meat/poultry industry. If someone questions just tell them you simply prefer to eat vegan. It’s truly none of their business. If you go further or bring up the subject you’ll just be trying to convert them and will sound preachy. This is your personal choice and must be kept somewhat personal.
May 24th, 2010 - 00:03
I really agree with you. I want to preach it from the rooftops sometimes! But, I have learned over the years to only answer if someone questions. I dont try to convert anyone, because it is a waste of breath. Last night, my daughter had a forty winks party, and I had to get real creative with the food situation, because the kids that stayed over are meat eaters, and we dont have it in the house ever. So I made a spagetti fondue with dippers of giant pasta shells, garlic bread mini rolls, and veggies to dunk. The kids all loved it, and didnt even realize it was a vegetarian dinner. My 12 year ancient wants to tell her acquaintances about the horrors of meat, but I have advised her not to talk about it to them. I feel like it would place the kids off meat, but the parents wouldnt support that. So I guess we have to just let the uninformed stay blissfully ignorant. Unfortunate,,,,,,,,,but…..how it goes
May 25th, 2010 - 10:03
Well I hope this isn’t rude but the mere fact that you’re even asking this question speaks to your need to “convert” others.
I don’t feel the need to “clarify” to others why I eat meat.
And on a larger scale, there are many, many other life choices that you don’t see people endeavoring to “clarify” to others.
This goes well beyond vegetararianism. It’s not even about vegetarianism.
It doesn’t matter what the come forth is…..abortion, the death penalty, killing animals for fur, gay marriage, whatever…….The POINT IS…
The moment you go beyond just income your own life, making your own choices, and minding your own business, is the moment it’s no longer about the go up come forth, but you’re underlying need to have people be the way you are. That intolerance is the root of all prejudice, most wars, and the majority of human conlficts.
Fanaticism always says more about the person than the cause.
May 26th, 2010 - 21:42
the just don’t want to hear about that part. only what you like about how, and what you can eat as a vetetarian.
not the whoe part about what the animals eat and the additives in the animals feed that make problems with hormones
May 29th, 2010 - 02:15
My 15 year ancient daughter has been a vegetarian for over 2 years now and I have been a vegetarian for 4 years. My daughter has a hard time with food at school since there are no vegetarian dishes, but she has already helped at least 4 kids become vegetarian.
When people question me, I just say, “I don’t reckon you want me to go into detail” while they are intake that chicken sandwich or worse a burger from McDonalds. I say it is a choice that I have made to try and stay healthy and stay away from processed foods. I used to buy range free meat, and I clarify that to them, but it got too expensive, so I chose that if I wanted to keep intake healthy, I would have to cut out meat. I would give them a few website addresses that I go to for recipes and in rank (peta is fantastic, but in this situation, doubtless not the best thought), that way if they want to learn more they can take the initiative instead of putting me on the spot.
As for all the illiterates who have responded (all that protein did not help your spelling, there is a small button at the top that can help you with that), people don’t question you why you eat meat because that is the norm, just because it is the norm, doesn’t mean it is right. People aren’t questioned “Why do you believe in God”, because it is the norm. People aren’t questioned, “Why do you drive a car?” because it is the norm. There are people all around you who make a choice and reckon about why they must do something–is it because everyone else thinks that way? Or must I make some changes, choose on my own whether to be religious or find an alternate way of transportation to save on money or pollute less or whatever choice I choose on–not the masses around me. No matter what, I am always around myself and that is who has to be pleased with me. This person questioned for helpful responses and all most of you did was give her your prejudice. As we grow and become more aware of the world around us, meat eaters will eventually be the minority. Vegetarians will become the norm and then you can answer questions like “Why do you eat meat?”
May 29th, 2010 - 10:28
I used to want to tell everyone about all of my discoveries too, but if people want to know, they will question. So, I let them do the asking by asking back, making it more two-way. They question, “Why?” I comeback, “Why not?” They say, “Because people cannot live without meat?” I question, “Really, why not?” They say, “Because we need protein.” I comeback, “Really? Fascinating. I don’t eat meat, I wonder where I get my protein from?” They say, “Yes, exactly, where, from meat, that’s where.” I question, “Well, I wonder where cows, gorillas, or pandas, or rabbits, get their protein from, or even elephants.”
You can see where this conversation is leading. One cannot just go on a rant and try to barrage the person with education, especially with such things as the person has been trying to snub for a long time. Certainly anyone can come to the same conclusions as you have if they’d just take the time, open their mind, and do some thinking, and perhaps a small reading or research, but most people are honestly stuck in their way of life; stuck in the rat race; and very bone idle minded too.
Furthermore, who wants to take the time to find out that not only is their whole lifestyle incorrect, but their whole reason for existence has been part of the make-the-rich-richer-and-the-poor-poorer cycle. We can all live pleased laid back lives full of family and acquaintances if we’d just learn to slow down, take it simple, get back to the basics of fending for ourselves more with the village unit. I don’t reckon we need to throw all of our recent advancements away, but just learn to live more minimally and closer to nature and keep only those technological advancements which we really need that will truly add to our lives. I happen to believe that cities are the curse of the planet, really disconnecting people from nature. They are the bane of people’s existence and only churn the economic machine, not make lives better or people more pleased. See, do you want to hear this? No. Why, because it seems like something really impossible to overcome; something completely out of one’s personal control. But, I do not reckon so. I reckon we can change; one person at a time.
June 1st, 2010 - 15:41
Tell them this
“I looked into how most animals that are raised for food are treated and processed and chose I didn’t want to be part of that process.”
If they question more questions, give them small unbiased in rank. Be able to point that person to the source of the in rank if they questioned how you know. If you can’t back up what you say then everything you say will be discarded.
Be careful they maybe just trying to wind you up. Also if you find physically charitable answers that are more then 30 seconds long, then you are preaching, and the person is going ‘yep, just what I thought, nuts.’
I’ve read the answers up to my post and some have very excellent in rank and some are condescending at best, just because the path you choose is right for you; doesn’t mean it is right for everyone.
The best way to win people over is to live what you believe. If you reckon intake animals is incorrect then don’t eat them. How you live your life is more vital then what you say. Events speak louder then words, even if you don’t convert the person over apt a vegan, you might get them thinking and that is all you can question.
Now that said, yes I know you want to shout from the mountain top, LOOK IT’S WONDERFUL UP HERE, SEE WHAT I SEE JOIN ME, BE HAPPY. But, that will turn more people off then lead them down the path.
Hoped it helped and excellent luck.
June 3rd, 2010 - 18:19
Tell them what made you become one, all the problems you listed above, and stop right before you are going to say that they must too.
June 6th, 2010 - 03:00
I don’t reckon there is a way to tell someone why you are vegan without sounding preachy.Other people may reckon you are preaching,but you’re not,you are charitable them the certainty.It’s like if your parents tell your room looks dirty and unorganized,they’re not preaching,they are telltale you the certainty.If you tell people animals are raised in shitty conditions and it isn’t right,you are just telltale them the certainty aren’t you.But that may person may take it as you life preachy.Just don’t clarify physically,your acquaintances don’t need it and your enemies(not adage omnivores are our enemies,just making a point) won’t believe(or agree) with you anyways.Most people don’t even want an description,they just don’t know or agree with you.
June 6th, 2010 - 08:05
Well people are going to do whatever they want to do no matter what,that’s what I’ve found out. Whereas it only took one video, Meet your Meat to make me a vegetarian, there were 30 other people in the class room that day and I’m the only person who chose to become a vegetarian. So it’s choice. Tell them why you’re a vegetarian and let them make up their own mind. Only tell them the effects if they question you if it’s terrible for them, if you just go on a speel then yes they will reckon that you’re just life preachy. So just make sure you’re not going off on a tangent whenever you speak about it. I tell people why, and if they don’t question, they don’t question. My best supporter isn’t a vegetarian but when we go out to places, I get a vegetarian burger and other healthy stuff and sometimes she’ll question for some and to a fantastic degree come to a common impose a curfew. It isn’t a problem, she has her way to live and I have mine. Your choices aren’t everyone elses, you can’t push it on them, you’ll only turn them off even more. Excellent luck babe!
June 8th, 2010 - 00:44
Excellent Question by the way. You sound like me. Anyways, people question me all the time…”So why did you do that?” I just keep it small and simple. “I don’t reckon that an animal must die to feed me, when there are so many foods out there. I like the ones that don’t envolve murder.” I usually keep it along those longs. Always been a sarcastic person; mom despises it. Okay, hope this helps.
June 8th, 2010 - 23:43
Yeah, it’s tough, right?
If they are asking, they either want to argue or are really curious what your line of thinking is on it. If it’s the former, there’s no right way of approaching it. If it’s the latter, clarify your reasons. I’m sure the real trick is in deciding how to clarify your reasons. What makes it tough is, don’t we all really want people to hear our reasons and convert? That’s why it’s so hard to not come off as brainwashers when we talk to them. That’s what we really want. It’s hard to disguise our right intentions.
I have an thought about how to approach the subject. Use the Socratic Method. Question questions to get them to consider things for themselves. Lead them down the appropriate path.
B) “Why don’t you eat meat?”
A) “Why do you suppose a person wouldn’t eat meat?”
B) “Health reasons.” or “They reckon killing animals is incorrect.” or an obvious joke.
A) “Why else do you reckon a person wouldn’t eat meat?” or “What do you suppose the reasons are we reckon killing animals is incorrect?” or “Lets change the subject.”
June 12th, 2010 - 03:23
The method that facility for me is to use my personal experiences. If you start speaking about things on a large scale, that may come across as you trying to accuse the person of life part of the problem, etc. etc.
If someone questions you, just tell them your personal opinion and try not to give a lot of statistics. If you just keep your description simple, everything must be okay.
June 14th, 2010 - 05:09
I have found, from experience, that the best way to talk to non-vegetarians if they question me about my diet is to approach them from a non-judgmental, caring point of view. I wouldn’t impose my food preferences on them, so they wouldn’t do the same to me. Tell them that you reckon it is a healthier way of income, aside from life more compassionate and environment-friendly.
But, of course, discuss this only when questioned. Otherwise, they will only reckon you are life preachy.