PUBLIC OPINION > Eating Meat Isn't All That Manly
SodaHead Living
2012/05/29 19:49:50
A recent study suggests meat-eating men are perceived as more "manly" than the vegetarian-vegan herbivorous guys. It's definitely true in language -- meat metaphors are typically masculine, no matter what the language, which means there is probably some primordial basis for the perception that meat-eaters are manly. But does that idea still stand? We asked the public.
It may have been true once upon a time, but no more. Nearly two-thirds of respondents shrugged off the stereotype, so vegetarian guys can finally reclaim their manhood. Besides, there far better ways for a man to defend his pride. As the Top Opinion points out, "Real men are those that die gloriously in man to man sword combat on a bloody battlefield and who earn their entry into the Halls of Valhalla to sit beside The almighty Odin." You could also try fighting a grizzly bear with your fists or drinking milk out of the carton, if those more convenient.
Women Aren't Impressed
About half of the men who responded thought eating meat made them more manly, but only a fifth of the women agreed. Clearly, this is something that has more to do with men's perception of each other, rather than society at large -- a sort of competitive hunter instinct. In the same way that football may emulate a primal urge to pounce on the competition, eating meat emulates enjoying the prize. But the perception is still losing ground.
Carnivorous Conservatives
Interestingly enough, the political breakdown was more telling than the gender breakdown. In fact, it was the most significant difference overall. Nearly two-thirds of conservative voters agreed that eating meat is manly. We suppose it make sense in that conservatism prefers to hold on to traditional perceptions, and if the perception that meat-eating is manly has a historical basis, conservatism would naturally prefer to maintain that perception.
Skinny Skips the Stereotype
Weight class didn't correlate quite as much as gender or politics, but it still turned out about how you might expect it to. The skinniest voters -- the class that probably contains most of the vegetarians or vegans -- were least likely to think meat-eaters are manly. Athletes, on the other hand -- a class that probably contains quite a few voracious carnivores -- were most likely.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about meat-eaters. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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««Gingey, the Master Debate... 2012/05/29 23:25:19
+7Conservatives were the only group stupid enough to think it is. Imagine my surprise.
Apparently it takes a REAL man to eat tofu. HAHA
Sorry but I lol'd. Really? REALLY?