So I spent the New Years with my carnivorous friends, one of whom kept constantly attacking me about my vegan beliefs. I didn't ever bring it up, but my "friend" did, and she CONStantly harrassed me with rediculous questions about my ethics, alternately sneering and yelling at me as I answered them. I didn't do a great job, however, as, though I know LOTS of basic information, she constantly badgered me about my "sources" and exact data, and I didn't have any of that memorized. Her "source" was her doctor, so I am the obvious idiot, right? Right. She weighs over 400lbs, is on all kinds of medication, and is under what sounds like constant doctor's surveillance.

Meat eaters never have to defend themselves, (not in MY neck of the woods) but I have heard them complain about Vegetarians "trying to push their views on them". Meanwhile, I have been attacked and ridiculed for 2 years now, just for saying "no thanks" when offered meat. It all starts there, and goes downhill. I have NEVER even mentioned someones food choices - why is it "open season" on vegans? Yeah...I'm pissed.

ANYway, I just purchased the CHina Studies and - one other book who's name i just now forgot - in the hopes I can arm myself with some quotable facts so I can start fighting back. It's not just about me and my health at this point. I am vegan because of the animals and the planet. I can educate people. Maybe not the mean ones that attack, but all those who stand around and listen with a partially open mind, seeing who will "win". If I can plant a seed of compassion in an omnivore's mind... that's where great things can happen.

Does anyone else ever get "attacked"? You know, with what starts out as a seemingly simple question but turns into a debate, or worse yet, a verbal assault? Is it just my choice of rude acquaintances? sheesh.

I've never been 'attacked' myself, but certainly questioned repeatedly and a few strong disagreements.  I tried to 'arm myself' with facts as well, but truthfully when I use those facts, they don't want to hear them.  One friend said it's her choice if she'd rather not know so she could continue to eat what she liked.  I liken that to not wanting to know if your favorite clothing label is made in a sweatshop because you don't want to have to stop buying it -- but hey she's right, it's her choice.

I would say that your 'friend' isn't much of a friend if she felt the need to attack you for your beliefs.  From your description, she's certainly in no position to give you diet and health advice.  I'd just tell her we'll have to agree to disagree and leave it at that - and if she can't, again, that's not what I'd call a friend.

The China Study is an excellent book and will give you much valuable information, but again, good luck trying to get meat eaters to want to hear any of it.  I've also found that some people are willing to do just about anything to get healthy and prevent disease -- except eat right.  What can you do?

Yeah, I hear ya...

I really WOULD love to change people, but I know it's not my job, though it IS my business since I feel like someone has to speak for the animals. Nonetheless, I never bring up the subject. It's always someone else who notices, or is sometimes offended, that I'm not eating what they cooked, or what they bought or brought.

It's funny, isn't it, when people ask us why we don't eat meat, and then when we tell them, they say "I don't want to know".  Why people WANT to remain ignorant is really, really bizarre to me.

And you're right. She's a "friend-of-a-friend" more than MY friend. With good reason!

Still, I want to make a good, strong representative for animal's rights. I was introduced to the Animal Rights concept 25 years ago by some really RUDE people, and that's why I shunned it. Still, if they had kept their mouths shut and not said ANYthing, I might not be a vegan today, because even though they made me think that "all vegans are rude", I constantly, through the years, thought about the pictures they showed me, and the few bitter things they told me, and wondered if they weren't right. If they would have been nicer and more factual, I might have started my veganism right then.

So I use this as a lesson for my vegan pursuit. If I am smart and convincing enough, and nice and approachable enough, maybe I can sway some people to at least make small changes, immediately. Or maybe even go vegan. If not, maybe I'll just be planting a seed, and even if they "fight" me today, they might start rethinking things later. And maybe it won't take them 25 years  like it took me. Even if it does, better late than never.