Commentary
Healani Brennan

Whenever I tell people that I’m a vegetarian, they either treat me like I’m stupid or call me a tree-hugger. The ignorance of some people appalls me. I choose to not consume the meat of animals because that is my personal dietary choice, and if I am a tree hugger what difference is it to these people who hate them? As Alan Whitney Brown once said, “I’m not a vegetarian because I love animals, I’m a vegetarian because I hate plants.”

I’m not harming the meat consumers of the world, so they should let me be who I want to be. I happen to think animals are adorable, and contrary to one popular argument, just because I don’t want to sink my teeth into their cooked flesh does not mean that I think I am saving every single one.

Meat eaters actually consume more than their fair share of meat. Trust me, I definitely know I am not saving all animals, because omnivores seem to eat enough meat for two vegetarians. More hurtful than random strangers or acquaintances thinking I’m nuts for my lifestyle is the reaction of my extended family.

Some family members have come to terms with my decision and actually educated themselves by asking me questions about why I chose this. It’s simple; I just don’t want to consume that. But with a part of my family still continually choosing to think that I’m dumb for being a vegetarian, I can always expect some comment about it at family dinners. It’s hard enough to find a wide variety of vegetarian options at restaurants as it is, but to have family poke fun at something that defines the kind of person you are is silly.

Since I became a vegetarian (I’ve been one for three years now) I have noticed a significant change in my health. I’ve lost weight, developed better eating habits such as consuming my recommended amount of fruit, and have felt more positive about myself. I would consider becoming vegan to become even healthier if it didn’t mean I would have to give up cheese.

All vegetarians aren’t crazy. A stereotype has somehow developed, implying that we are all health nuts or will throw blood on you if you wear fur. I can ensure you now that we are not all like that. If people took the time to stop judging me and instead ask questions about my choice, which I am always happy to answer, then maybe those ridiculous stereotypes would no longer exist.