Where has all the tolerance gone?

I read this wonderful article in vegetarian times when i first became a vegetarian about a year ago. The article written was by a news reporter and what i remember the most about it, was her point on tolerance.

It is NOT something I have forgotten since. What makes us (veggies) special is our tolerance for the "living" creatures. Sooo my question is, why do so many of us lack the tolerance necessary to deal with others lifestyle choice? (i.e. meat eater, or any "form" of vegetarianism)

Me myself, i choose to educate those who are ignorant, have questions and press on.. But if someone is trying to better themselves in anyway but cutting back on meat, or making small changes (such as my work in progress bf)i dont scowl, frown or look down upon. Im sorry, i just think it goes against what make our lifestyle choice so beautiful.

well said. i think there are many that feel the same way. the ones who don't just seem a bit louder than you. they don't understand that when you attack offensively most people will not listen to anything you have to say and your whole point is lost.

Exactly, it's very difficult to seperate the emotional/psychological reasoning behind a vegetarian lifestlye and the logic/science of it all, and I believe that causes quite a bit of anger and dissention even within the ranks of vegetarianism. Tollerance is not a strong suit of any culture that is designed this way. imo

Personally, I think the raging animal-rights type veggie is mostly a negative stereotype. I have met very few vegetarians (or vegans) with that type of attitude, if any. It's like women who get all upset about these "crazy man-hating feminists".. Uhm. When's the last time you personally ran into one? You know? I think veggies have more tolerance than they're given credit for. Way more.

Most of the people that come across in my day to day life are pretty much the generally tolerant ppl that you speak of  journey.. But after reading countless passages from ppl on this site, it made me a little resentful and, truthfully, sad. Id truly hate to be put into the stereotype that some of these people help set. And it has just made me wonder, how many people outside of rural Jersey think much of the way that these other veg's do?

I do find myself getting frustrated at times, when all i want is a nice veg meal. Or to order something simple w/out causing an inconvenience to the host/restaurant etc.. and get back some kind of derrogatory remark. but then i remember that i chose my more humane lifestyle, and with that comes patience and tolerance.

I've met the crazy vegans, and the man hating feminazis. They really are out there and very loud. However, I found them to be the minority in that most tolerant people don't introduce themselves by listing their moral beliefs the way those on the extreme end of the spectrum tend to.

My best friend is a vegetarian, and I am all about meat. We talk about injustices to animals. We talk about why she considers making the change to veganism, I tell her about the awesome new steak marinade I used. There are no lectures or judgement or anything. I love eating at her house, and when I come up with a new recipe I love, I plan a meat-free version so that I can make her taste it. There are no lectures, no debates, no trying to bring the other over. In many ways we have very similar beliefs, but have different opinions on their execution.

Anyway, as for tolerance, most people don't know that she's tolerant because they don't know she's vegetarian. It's not something she brings up, or something she feels the need to justify. She doesn't demand every event have veggie alternatives (though they do, because we like her : )
So I think the lack of tolerance is largely a stereotype driven by the small loud minority, and that many people are tolerant and deal with differing diets with finesse, but they just don't call as much attention to themselves.

I agree and disagree with the topic.

On one hand I am that tolerant veggie who doesn't demand special treatment or tofu skewers at a barbeque.  If I go to a barbeque, unless the host lets me know they will have an option for me I bring my own fave brand of veggie burger.  I don't impose my lifestyle on anyone.  In fact I was veg a year before my husband was, and I still cooked meat for him, however uncomfotable it made me feel.

On the other hand if I am ordering/eating/or topic comes up and I mention I am vegetarian there could be one of three reactions. 1. "Good for you", 2. "Oh, you are? OK" and 3. "Oh you're one of those....."  If a person chooses the first, they tend to ask questions, or initiate a bit more discussion I will talk to them about it.  If they choose number 2 it is evident they aren't interested in a conversation about it, so I don't press.  If they choose number 3 and start attacking me for my choices, is when I attack back!  You insult my choice to avoid meat, well I'm gonna defend myself and insult you right back! 

Yes there are veggies and vegans who impose their opinion on everyone around them, and they are annoying.  I find most veg/vegans do fall into my category and only open their mouth to defend themselves or talk to people who ask about it.

I am in no way against vegetarianism, it is a commendable choice to make. What I am against is holier-than-thou vegi's who think that because they don't eat meat they are a better person or intrinsically more ethical than somebody who does eat meat.

I think we all do the best we can.  I'm vegan, but I don't look down on vegetarians, pescatarians, omnis, or anything in-between.  It was a long road for me to get where I am now.  I'm also married to an omni and want to live my life peacefully.  I don't push my diet on others, and in return I ask for tolerance about my lifestyle.  If someone asks, I will talk about my lifestyle choice as long as the conversation doesn't take a sour turn.  There are times when I end up on the defensive, but I jusy try to be as tolerant as possible.  Bottom line:  no one likes to be told what to do or how to life their life.