# Damned Vegans/Vegetarians **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 30, 2002, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530 "2002-04-30T19:13:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/41 "2002-05-01T15:57:56Z")
What baffles me is this idea that a vegetarian diet is very restrictive. IANAV. I am a very happy omnivore. Yet, I eat “vegetarian” meals all the time. I’ll bet the prostelytizing carnivores like the OP do too. A “vegetarian” meal is not necessarily a pile of tofu–it’s just a meal that does not involve meat. I had an apple and cheddar for lunch yesterday. I guess that is a vegetarian meal, but I sure didn’t think of it that way. It’s just what I felt like having. Then I had chicken and broccoli from the take-out Chinese place for supper. Again, that’s just what I felt like having. I don’t require meat at every meal, and I’m just as happy eating no meat at any given meal. Anyway, all of this is directed at people who express concern that children won’t be healthy if raised without meat. Meat is nutritious, but so are boatloads of other foods. It is really easy to get adequate (and more than adequate) amounts of protein and other nutrients on an ordinary lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. When you start moving into the realm of veganism, things get trickier. Vegans have to be more careful, and kids, by definition, are not careful eaters. It’s possible, of course, to raise a healthy vegan child, but the parents must be vigilant. Why shouldn’t vegetarian parents raise their kids vegetarian? Especially when there is no reason to believe that it’s harmful at all. The kid may remain a vegetarian, or may become an omnivore later in life. Like anything else, you raise your kid according to your values and practices, and then the kid picks and chooses what he will take with him into adulthood. I’m going to raise the Beansprout as an omnivore, because that’s what I am. At some point, he may choose vegetarianism. No biggie. If he chooses vegetarianism at a time when I am still cooking for him, I will happily accomodate his wishes part of the time, just like I would accomodate any other food need or preference part of the time. As to the OP–it’s not too hard to read between the lines–you’re hostile towards vegetarians/vegetarianism. Maybe if you looked beyond that, you could learn a thing or two from them. As far as the crazy couple–well, it’s been said already, but I’ll say it again–they weren’t vegetarians/vegans (cod-liver oil!). They were just crazy/abusive. ---
**Author:** ![easy\_e](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/eb8c5e/32.png) [@easy\_e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/easy_e)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/42 "2002-05-01T15:59:44Z")
I’m smart enough to realize that this couple is not representative of the vegetarian or vegan community. I heard on the radio this morning that the father is unhappy with the foster care arrangement, because he thinks his daughter is getting “fat”! :mad: I wonder if the parents have body-image problems. ---
**Author:** ![Ferrous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Ferrous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferrous)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/43 "2002-05-01T16:30:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Scylla \* > \*\*I still remember one of the great lines I have ever heard. > > “Vegetarianism is the logical precedent to Breatharianism.” Breatharianism is where you 've trained your digestive system to such a fine degree where you go through life absorbing your nutrients from air around you, and you live in harmony with all of nature, hurting or injuring no living thing in the course of your life. > \*\* I was _sure_ this was a put-on. But I did a search, and it ain’t. And several folks have died from it. [Cite.](http://www.darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin1999-58.html) And from [The Breatharian Institute of America website](http://www.breatharian.com/) , there’s this: > [@](#): > > The world is flooded with books on food and eating. No one seems to realize that eating is not natural, but an acquired habit, like smoking and drinking, and that FRESH CLEAN AIR is the Cosmic Reservoir of all things, including the substance that builds and sustains the human body. > > Science has shown that the body is built of cells, which are composed of molecules, which are composed of atoms, which are composed of electrons, which are nothing more than whirling centers of force in the ether. > > Electrons do not eat, atoms do not eat, molecules do not eat, cells do not eat, and the body is built of and sustained by the cells, and not by what man eats. Yes, people really are that stupid. Un-fucking-beleivable. ---
**Author:** ![kitarak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kitarak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitarak)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/44 "2002-05-01T18:11:46Z")
Yeah, I’d heard about the breatharians before. People like that make me doubt there’s really any hope for the human race… ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/45 "2002-05-01T18:21:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Testy \* > A confirmed carnivore checking in here, just to make sure it isn’t a persistant flashback; but did I read that right about vegans/veggies eating placenta? As in afterbirth? Yup. The Master [covered it here.](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_104.html) ---
**Author:** ![Trion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ccd318/32.png) [@Trion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trion)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/46 "2002-05-01T18:37:29Z")
I’ve just been poking around on the Breatharian web-site. Did you know that they hold seminars? Only $2,000.00 Check it out: > [@](#): > > How much: $2,000.00 includes the seminar, a single occupancy hotel room, **meals** and full use of the Sierra Hot Spring’s vast property and healing pools. Meals? MEALS?? Just how good are these seminars anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/47 "2002-05-01T18:53:39Z")
The thing I’m wondering is that since breatharians absorb their nutrients from the ambient energy around them, if you irradiate them (like with an x-ray, or fallout from a nuclear bomb,) will they get fat? ---
**Author:** ![Sealemon88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c68b51/32.png) [@Sealemon88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sealemon88)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/48 "2002-05-01T19:15:02Z")
Hell, for that matter, if they face a stiff breeze will they explode? As for the OP, it’s just a little more proof that some people simply do not deserve to breed. I hope that the child grows up healthy and has a happy life in spite of its natural parents. Hell, judging from what the latter half of the article said, I hope the baby makes it past its first year. Those two fuckers almost killed the baby, and would happily finish the job if given the chance. ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/49 "2002-05-01T19:25:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by even sven \* > It’d be just as absurd to demand that I feed my kid meat as it would for you to demand that a Chinese couple feed their kid McDonald’s, or a carnivore couple feed their kid tofurkeys. I just think it’s absurd that there is something called “tofurkey.” ---
**Author:** ![heptapod](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@heptapod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heptapod)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/50 "2002-05-01T19:26:24Z")
The original post was not a “question” but stating my opinion in addition to sharing that news item with the Straight Dope Message Board. The question about vegetarian parents asking their kids if they want to be vegetarian was just a question. I’m sorry you felt it was confrontational. ---
**Author:** ![seawitch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@seawitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seawitch)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/51 "2002-05-01T19:40:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by JeffB \* > \*\* > I just think it’s absurd that there is something called “tofurkey.” \*\* You should try the horror that is “Not Dogs”. There is not enough mustard in the world. ---
**Author:** ![cleosia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@cleosia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cleosia)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/52 "2002-05-01T20:46:21Z")
> [@](#): > > Would vegetarians eat human flesh if the humans gave themselves willingly to be eaten? Human flesh given willingly would solve any ethical dilemmas of exploiting animals, and should be very easy to digest. Oh, and if you get over the ethics of cannibalism. **SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE!!!** ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/53 "2002-05-01T22:00:23Z")
Well, heptapod, it’s just a ridiculous question to ask really. How is a baby or toddler supposed to make a decision about their dietary needs/wants above the obvious “COOKIE!!” request? And it doesn’t sound very fair to require a vegetarian/vegan to cook and feed meat to their child if that isn’t their lifestyle. I’m a vegan and have been for over 5 years. I cook meat for my boyfriend, we have meat in the house, it’s really not a big deal. As far as your saying your friend said “oh I made a vegan meal because I don’t eat meat” yeah? So what? A lot of food is vegan. I didn’t realize they were supposed to bend over backwards to accomidate your overbearing need for meat at each and every meal. Whenever I have company I cook pasta or something, just because my guest eats meat doesn’t require me to make it for them. And Scylla? All I can say is who cares? Why do you care what anyones beliefs are? Are they imposing them onto you? “the problem occurs when people start to believe their personal preferences are universal truth and act accordingly” the key words you failed to pick up on is PERSONAL PREFERENCES. If they’re not hurting you, who gives a damn? Why is it a “problem?” I’m vegan because I think animal products are icky. Bottom line. If someone has a problem with it, I believe that problem is due to their own insecurities, not my dietary preferences. ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/54 "2002-05-01T22:15:48Z")
My only problem is when a vegan comes to MY HOUSE and gets pissed off at ME because I cooked food with meat, eggs, cheese, fish or milk in them because that’s what I eat. I prepare foods in my house that are within my normal dietary boundaries, and if someone comes over and asks me for some food, they best not bitch at me because I didn’t make something they like. ---
**Author:** ![cercaria](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/87869e/32.png) [@cercaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cercaria)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/55 "2002-05-01T22:25:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by catsix \* > \*\*My only problem is when a vegan comes to MY HOUSE and gets pissed off at ME because I cooked food with meat, eggs, cheese, fish or milk in them because that’s what I eat. > > I prepare foods in my house that are within my normal dietary boundaries, and if someone comes over and asks me for some food, they best not bitch at me because I didn’t make something they like. \*\* Would you get pissed off if a friend you invited over got upset because s/he was trying very hard to lose weight and you served fried chicken and chocolate cake for dinner? ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/56 "2002-05-01T22:45:42Z")
There’s a difference between something you LIKE and something you CAN EAT. Vegans and vegetarians get very ill if they consume meat/animal products (depending on how long they’ve been that way) I know if I eat any animal products I get DEATHLY ill, i’m in the bathroom for HOURS. And no, it’s not in my head, in some cases I won’t even realize I’ve eaten it (it’s in something and the person who made it forgot) until I’ve been in the bathroom for awhile. I think that’s what some meat eaters don’t get. It’s not like vegans/vegs can just eat some of that steak or chicken to “be polite”. But i’m sure you can eat some of the pasta they made for you without puking up your insides. THAT’S the difference. If you were allergic to seafood, would you get mad if someone invited you over and served lobster and shrimp? ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/57 "2002-05-01T23:01:33Z")
I look forward to the day when the extremist vegans/vegetarians start turning on each other in classic internecine warfare, each proclaiming their way is the only way. Of course, none of them have sufficient muscle mass to make the battles interesting, but it might be good for a few laughs. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/58 "2002-05-01T23:15:35Z")
Bryan: Have any of the vegs on this board claimed their way was the only way? Can you provide a quote? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/59 "2002-05-01T23:24:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cercaria \* > \*\* > > Would you get pissed off if a friend you invited over got upset because s/he was trying very hard to lose weight and you served fried chicken and chocolate cake for dinner? \*\* Or if you had a friend with a severe allergy to tomatoes, and you were serving spaghetti? I mean, if they got pissed at YOU for eating YOUR cheese or YOUR eggs, that’s one thing. But I wouldn’t blame them for being upset if you served them meat, when they said they don’t eat it, or cheese. Etiquette, anyone? Hello? Is this thing on? ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2002, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530/60 "2002-05-01T23:26:08Z")
My kitchen is not a restaurant. If a person comes to MY house and asks me for some food, they can either eat what I cooked or not eat. Did you or did you not see that part about **asks me for some food**? As in, I didn’t invite them to dinner, they showed up and invited themselves into my refrigerator. And I have had vegan friends complain that while I prepared some dish just for them, specially, if I invited them over, it was rude of me to have meat for myself and the other meat eaters in attendance. I made vegan spaghetti for one particular person who was visiting, including noodles, from scratch, no animal products. I also made a meat-version that was for all the meat eating people who were coming over. I kept them in separate pots and bowls, but that didn’t stop the vegan from telling me that I was an inconsiderate fool for having meat _on the same table_ she was eating at. That pissed me off a bit, yeah. I went out of my way to cater to her dietary concerns only to have her tell me that she can’t eat in my house because there was meat on someone _else’s_ plate? 'Scuse me for being so insensitive. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damned-vegans-vegetarians/106530.md?page=4)