Do you try to convince others to go vegetarian?
When I first cut down on meat and then stopped eating it entirely it was for environmental reasons. I was also thinking that me going vegetarian could inspire friends to become vegetarian. I find it funny how often the “why vegetarianism” topic comes up, and I’m happy to talk about it, I’m quite read up on the environmental impact of diets and let people know how that motivated me, then typically I just address questions they have or discuss with them if they claim I’m wrong. But it doesn’t seem to convince anyone to actually cut down on meat. One theory I have is that I, as a 40 year old, probably mostly talk to people over 30 that are already quite set in their way of life. Did you ever have any success in converting anyone to vegetarianism?
You don't. It's every person's own choice and you have no business "convincing" them to.
I can understand saying how ones experience with it was, things like, "I thought it was going to be rough because I love me a good cheeseburger, but it hasn't been too bad", but beyond that proselytizing turns me off, same as if someone was trying to convince me of their preferred religion.
I do think the impact matters enough that it’s a good thing if someone is inspired to become vegetarian because of me. I’m very low-key about this advocacy. I generally just want to show it’s possible. I think that should be enough to convince someone.
It might not be. But, we do hope for the best.
Its like in therapy groups or quit drinking groups, often one is asked to only speak in a way, "for me" "for me it was like this". And never tell other folks what they should do or feel. I apply that with veganism/veg too.
Other folks gonna do what they do, and we can only control ourselves.
That’s interesting, I didn’t know that about therapy groups.
yeah, when someone is talking about thier own personal expierence, maybe a bad event, could you imagine another person chiming in, "you did what!? I could never do that, how aweful, I would have..." Its just not kind.
We can only speak for ourselves and offer support.
When I was vegetarian (a decade ago) I got the same question a lot but also found it hard to convince people to do the same. The drop in the bucket counter argument to the ecological standpoint is just too strong for most people. Even if they change there is no tangible benefit (unless everyone changes) because the footprint of one person is almost immeasurably small.
When I learned more about ethics and what goes on in slaughterhouses and went vegan that gave me a bit more ammunition against that argument because yes on the whole scale of humans killing 3 trillion animals a year, one person stopping doesn’t move the needle, however for the 100+ animals a year that you are no longer causing to die it means everything. Eating no cheese was not the end of the world for me but it would’ve been for them.
I don’t think the drop in the bucket argument is a strong one. That would invalidate a lot of prosocial behavior, such as voting in many elections.
I never had a problem (from my pov) of coming out on top in a discussion. But changing people’s hearts and minds is obviously harder. Did you ever feel like your words swayed someone to the good side?
Never have and never will, outside of it being germane to the conversation.
I was raised vegetarian, so I have literally never chosen to eat meat. In our house, I teach my kids that being vegetarian is the healthiest choice for me and for the planet... I am also always clear that it is a big pain in the ass due to norms and attitudes in our culture. I did not choose to force my diet on my children.
Outside my house, I do talk enthusiastically about both the pros and cons if (and only if) asked about the topic. I literally never bring it up first, as it is usually not productive or relevant.
“outside of it being germane to the conversation.” I would include that situation in the topic. That’s the only way I ever discuss it myself. You and at least one other commenter seems to have interpreted my description of myself as someone who brings up vegetarianism out of the blue to proselytize. Sorry that I wasn’t clearer, I never bring it up first. Or at least only extremely rarely. However if there are vegetarians who are more aggressive in that aspect I would love to hear their stories too.