Posted July 8, 2010 by Rachelle Owen
Once upon a time, I was a little girl who loved eating meat. I loved it so much, I even made fun of my vegetarian cousin for not eating the big ol’ dead centerpiece on Thanksgiving. I was the worst kind of hypocrite—the one who played with her dog 24/7 and claimed to LOVE animals, but then sat down to eat them like nobody’s business.
The truth is, most of us ate meat at some point in our lives—and we need to remember that and use our mistakes to relate to others who are still eating animals.
We’ve all heard them … “But what would happen to all of the cows if we didn’t eat them?!” and “What about all of the starving CHILDREN?!” These questions seem D-U-M-B to us now, but guess what? There was a time when we didn’t know the answers either, so when someone asks you where you get your protein from, tell them—without any arm folding, eye rolling, or laughing, got it?
Every animal rights activist’s goal should be to get people to ask questions. So these “dumb” questions are actually little victories for us, because your friends, family, and your classmates are actually being forced to think about something other than their significant others, Twilight, or how much they hate their homework. Our battle is the battle to get people to consider animals, and when people ask you questions, that’s just what they’re doing—so give everyone polite, relatable, accurate answers, every time. People aren’t asking you these questions to be annoying, they’re asking you because you sparked a little light in their head (win!), and because they simply don’t know any better—remember, we’re taught that eating animals is healthy, normal, and that animals on factory farms live lovely lives before they end up on the plate.
Arguing and coming off like a jerk when you’re answering questions won’t help any animals. In fact, it will turn people off from ever asking you another question, and the animals will be left voiceless. Do everyone a favor and don’t be a jerk!
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
1042 days ago
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I am very excited Peta2 will be holding a live chat to address all the questions.Could the conversations held be posted up on a page or something to be referred back to or for people, such as I, who won’t be able to attend the event?
1052 days ago
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Agreed!
1053 days ago
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It’s easy to tell if someone is asking you questions out of interest in your lifestyle/diet or if they’re trying to tease you or wind you up so I answer appropriately for each situation.
1053 days ago
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I loveeee this post. I totally agree and when someone starts asking me questions, i know this is going to come to mind. sometimes when people tease me or whatever I tend to get a little frustrated but when people ask real questions, i love to answer them!
1053 days ago
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I used to eat meat upto November 2008, The guilt i felt afterwards was heartbreaking. Since that day 20th November 2008 I’ve never looked back and is proud to be a vegitarian…My only regret is that i didnt give up meat at a much earlier age. But i Know i will die first before i eat meat ever again. Meat is not an option and the animals have the right to live in my eyes as we do.
1053 days ago
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i find when people ask me questions about being a vegitarian its easy to get defensive and “be a jerk.”