Are You for Real?
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
United States
March 19, 2012 5:47pm CST
So I was out and about today and stopped by a chain sandwich store for lunch. I ended up standing behind this guy who was having a full blown tantrum that Subway didn't have a Vegan option. The girl behind the counter said they could do a veggie and remove the cheese, and that wasn't good enough for him. He actually stamped his foot and started yelling about how it was discrimination.
I'm sorry, but that isn't discrimination. The way I see it, if you're vegan you know you have certain diet restrictions. I have a friend who is a Vegan, and when I relayed this story to her, she was mortified. In her words "It's guys like that who give Vegans a bad name!" I was just really surprised he carried on the way he did. When the management finally told him to leave, he threw another tantrum and when he realized they were calling the police, he knocked over all the chips and knocked over whatever cups he could reach. I don't care how upset you might be, that kind of behavior is never acceptable.
I have nothing against anyone who wants to live their life a certain way, but if you are choosing to eat a certain way wouldn't it just be common sense to assume that not everywhere is going to cater to you and your eating habits? Even more so, if you realize the place you are in does not have enough options for you, why wouldn't you just go somewhere else? It's a fast food place, they aren't known for catering to specific diets.
4 people like this
24 responses
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
Whatever it was, short of a psychological problem, the behavior was completely unacceptable. If your an adult, you should be able to keep your bad day in check, a bad day does not make that behavior ok.
@success1625 (533)
• Trinidad And Tobago
20 Mar 12
Bad day or no, you don't just go flinging people's stuff off their counters. He needed a night in jail,so he would've had time to work out his nerves issues and to sort through his psychological problems.
@MissPiggy (1748)
• Indonesia
20 Mar 12
Well, I think he's just immature. :) Who knows he's a new vegan who doesn't know where to find a place to buy certain food for vegans. Maybe he's frustrated as he's hungry and can't get the food he needs. Lol. I don't know. I'm trying to think positive as I wasn't there. If I were there, maybe I would just kick him in the A$$ and ask him to grow up. O:) Heheh...
I like your friend's comment. I have this thought that sometimes a minority can influence the majority of people. Like what this guy has done. People would think that Vegans are just like him. And so those guys who caused 9/11. They caused Islam and Muslims get the bad name. :( But no, I'm not talking about religion now, I'm just trying to give an example that relates to this discussion. I mean, your vegan guy is just one small example, and those silly people are the big example. I don't understand how sometimes people can think so shallow. And the way this guy ruined the fast food place, there's really something wrong with him. :)
@MissPiggy (1748)
• Indonesia
20 Mar 12
I wish I was there and could put a banana peel on the floor so when he walked out of the counter he would fall. Lol. (I seriously have these big horns on my head and I can't stop laughing)
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I agree with you there, he was very immature. What bugs me is that if he was really hungry, all he had to do was get a salad or the sandwich with no cheese and all veggies. I think he's just whiney and expects people to cater to him. It was a very messed up situation to be in.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
19 Mar 12
This guy is a big little baby. Can't have his way so he throws a tantrum. That's what happens when people are not taught that there are boundaries. It's probably too late for him to grow up, though.
How about this? I can't eat pork. So if I go into a restaurant and want chicken sausage and all they have is pork sausage, I have the right to throw a tantrum and knock things over? How stupid would that be, right?
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
19 Mar 12
According to that guy, you totally have the right. I should start implementing this philosophy on places I can't eat. Can you feel my eye roll through the computer? I'm doing it pretty strong, lol.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
20 Mar 12
Really? That's just awful. He sounds full of himself. If he wants to be a vegan he needs to realize that not every single place he wants to go to will have what he wants. He may have been able to try another sandwich shop chain and they may have had more to cater to him. He could have gotten what they offered, gone home and added his own cheese or whaatever vegan thing he wanted.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
Exactly! My friend who's vegan says she knows that if she goes to certain places her choices will be very limited. She doesn't throw tantrums and destroy property, if they really don't have anything appealing, she moves along.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
20 Mar 12
I'm guessing he was a spoiled brat when he was a kid, it clearly shows.
Or maybe he's right, he needs more vegetables because he was advised by his doctor to take it for lack of brain cells.
I can't believe there are people like these. I mean, I've encountered some before, too, and I just can't stand them. You can't even call them stupid because stupid people might get offended.
Or maybe he's right, he needs more vegetables because he was advised by his doctor to take it for lack of brain cells. I can't believe there are people like these. I mean, I've encountered some before, too, and I just can't stand them. You can't even call them stupid because stupid people might get offended.@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I know right! On the upside, my daughter was giving him a total side eye which I thought as funny. My six month old seemed to know he was behaving like a dummy.
@Leeper (79)
• South Africa
20 Mar 12
I think he was simply an escaped lunatic calling himself a vegan, thinking it was some kind of character from a science fiction movie. There is no way a real vegan would act like that - it is often (though not always) a compassionate choice to eat more consciously. However, perhaps he is simply paranoid - who really knows with people?
As a vegetarian (not vegan, yet), I used to eat at Subway often. The vegan diet is much more restrictive...as in he may not have been able to eat the bread due to its ingredients (nothing animal derivative can be eaten).
It is challenging to cater for vegan preferences, although he does have a point that it is very difficult to find food that is free of animal product. However, his behavior was obnoxious and nothing to do with being vegan (unless maybe he is a bit low on his B12 vitamins).
They have basic salads, even a rabbit would be happy with, well they did at the one in Earls Court, London where I ate at almost everyday for a while. Now wonder there is no peace in the world...yet.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I agree, there was no reason for him to carry on the way he did. My friend is a vegan and yes it can be hard for her to find places to eat, but she doesn't throw a tantrum like a child. She just realizes that being a Vegan is a choice and that not everywhere is going to cater to that. While I respect anyone who is willing and able to live the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, I respect them even more when they act like adults and don't behave like the world should revolve around them like this guy did. Gives Vegans a bad name.
@anne25penn (3305)
• Philippines
20 Mar 12
I have never stomped my foot in anger when I can't get my way in a fast food store
. I have asthma and sometimes when I have a bad asthma attack, I stay away from eggs. And this translates to not really being able to eat at any fast food store because even the buns that they use may have traces of egg. And it kind of defeats the purpose if I just order the veggies and call it a sandwich
.
I have an aunt who is a vegan and what we do when we eat out is we go to her favorite restaurant. The staff already know what she can eat, so we no longer have to worry about the food that will be served. I have a seafood allergy and there are times where I have to ask first if the food has any seafood. This frustrates my hubby because he loves seafood and I can't eat it. But we have never caused a scene because of my diet restriction. I guess the guy ahead of you was just having a bad day. Or maybe he is a starting vegan and is displaying signs of meat withdrawal.
. I have asthma and sometimes when I have a bad asthma attack, I stay away from eggs. And this translates to not really being able to eat at any fast food store because even the buns that they use may have traces of egg. And it kind of defeats the purpose if I just order the veggies and call it a sandwich.
I have an aunt who is a vegan and what we do when we eat out is we go to her favorite restaurant. The staff already know what she can eat, so we no longer have to worry about the food that will be served. I have a seafood allergy and there are times where I have to ask first if the food has any seafood. This frustrates my hubby because he loves seafood and I can't eat it. But we have never caused a scene because of my diet restriction. I guess the guy ahead of you was just having a bad day. Or maybe he is a starting vegan and is displaying signs of meat withdrawal.@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I'm allergic to peanuts, so I often have to ask what the food is cooked/fried in, but I would never throw a fit in Chik-Fil-A because I can't eat there, you know? It just isn't acceptable behavior from an adult. A bad day does not excuse that behavior, and I think as a whole we need to stop justifying bad behavior with someone having a bad day, but I guess that's just me.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I agree with you. I don't eat seafood so it would be my fault if I went to a crab shack or red lobster and complained. When you have special needs - you need to check the menus before heading to a place to eat. My mom was diabetic and she had to check out the menus ahead of time.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I'm allergic to peanuts, I don't eat at Chik-fil-a. Wouldn't it be easier to just move on if the place your at can't accommodate you the way you want? Did he think the tantrum was going to make them put more vegan friendly options on the menu or something?
@katie4720011 (218)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I am guessing that there is more than just food going on with this guy. His behavior seems a little over the top so to speak. This could be caused to either having a bad day, a bad temper, a just plain mean disposition or even some sort of psychological problem going on. I have been to subway and there is a wide variety of vegetables to choose from and they ask you before they put anything on your sandwich.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I don't see how anything short of a severe mental issue makes this acceptable behavior. They do have a ton of veggies and they ask what kind of cheese you want. If you are an adult, you should be able to keep your bad day or bad temper in check. It's just unacceptable behavior.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
20 Mar 12
I don't understand why the guy didn't accept the suggestion of the girl who serves him. At least he was given the option of giving him food although it is not exactly in his specification. If he didn't want the food there, he could have just left and find food which exactly mirrors his preferences. There is no good reason to cause a scene or create a distraction on a place of business.
I also didn't get why he was being discriminated. Because of the food options? I don't about him but usually, food companies offer a specific image or brand of food. although they created an optional for other diners, like vegetarians, they don;t have to comply to the minutest detail. If want food to his specification, he could go home and create his food himself...and not bother other people and business.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
He wasn't discriminated against, he just started yelling that he was. I have noticed in the past that sometimes when people don't get their way they start claiming discrimination. I agree, there is no good reason to cause a scene.
@butterscotsh (1012)
• Philippines
20 Mar 12
Maybe he has some kind of a personality disorder
or maybe he just wants attention. The good thing
was that no one was hurt. But I agree with you that
he should have thought of eating somewhere else since
fastfoods are really mainly meat.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I think short of a mental disorder, his behavior was just childish. Exactly right, thankfully no one was hurt in his temper tantrum. I just don't see why you would choose to make a scene instead of just taking your business elsewhere if they didn't have what you wanted.
@NailTech (6874)
• United States
20 Mar 12
Well, it is Subway and not Burger King where they have always said they do it "your way", so he should grow up and move on if the place isn't what he wants. This guy is a total jerk, and probably has some screws loose. I would never make a fool out of myself i that way in a restauraunt, I would have him escorted out if he wasn't happy. No one needs a customer like him.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
It was just one of those moments where you think, is this seriously happening right now? If you know you have certain dietary restrictions you should also know that not everywhere is going to cater to you.
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
20 Mar 12
The guy really had a bad day. And I hope he should acted like an adult. If you they do not offer what you need then move to the next one. It will save you the time and effort from the tantrums. Maybe he was too hungry and felt frustrated that he cannot eat immediately but still it is not an excuse.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
The thing is, he could have eaten immediately, all he had to do is say "Ok, the veggie sub with no cheese" and he could have eaten. He didn't act like an adult, he acted like a spoiled child who wasn't getting the toy they wanted. There really is no acceptable excuse for how he behaved.
@justme0k (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I am a vegetarian (not vegan). That is why I do not go to places like McDonald's. If I went to Subway I would calmly ask for a sandwich with just the veggies. He could have easily left the cheese off. I think he was just having a bad day and wanted to make everyone around him miserable. I feel for eveyone he came in contact with that day. And if you want meat on your sandwich it won't bother me.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
There is a sandwich called a Veggie Delite (or something like that), I get it a lot. You can get whatever veggies they offer and cheese or no cheese. I just don't get when people decide to take out their crappy day out on everyone else. It's not acceptable behavior, and I think we as a whole need to stop allowing it to slide.
@Citizen_Stuart (2016)
•
20 Mar 12
What a clown. Has this guy not heard of the free market? If he's not happy with what's on offer at Subway, he's perfectly at liberty to find an eaterie that does cater to vegans. It's not up to Subway's management to cater for every dietary requirement imaginable. They're in business to make money, which means serving food that the majority of people in the area are going to want to buy.
Maybe it's a symptom of the underlying political sickness that seems to permeate Western society these days - people think they have the right not to be offended, and to have everything they want served to them on a plate (in this case literally).
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
It was just insane. I suppose I could understand if he had mentioned he was disappointed that there was so few Vegan options, but to actually throw a tantrum like a child, that is just unacceptable behavior.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
19 Mar 12
Hi immortal kit sune: I don't understand why this person act in that immature way. To adopt a style of life shouldn't be a reason to attack other people. Actually there are different options and some specialized restaurants for vegans. He should ask before going to that restaurant and not act like a fool because they don't offer what he wants.
ALVARO
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
Hi there, I totally agree, he just made himself look foolish.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
21 Mar 12
Yeah it is guys like this who make people roll their eyes at Vegans. When you think about it, when you have a special diet, a lifestyle, you might need to prepare your own meals a bit more, as there are times where places will not cater to you. Therefore, it is up to you to really look into what is being served and what places do cater to those type of options out there. There is a menu for a reason and in this day and age, these things can be researched online.
There is no call to throw a temper tantrum because someone does not cater. I don't care how upset you are, that type of behavior is something that is the behavior of a mentally unhinged person and not really someone who who has a gripe. If they had conducted themselves in a respectable manner, I might be a bit more sympathetic to their plight, but this person did not conduct themselves in a respectable manner, therefore I have no sympathy.
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
10 May 12
Well, this discussion caused quite a stir, it seems! Almost all responders seemed to respond in the same manner, with very similar arguments. I have a different take on the matter. Okay, I think this dude is probably just starting out on the vegan diet & when we feel strongly about an issue sometimes, we may get a little too involved in teaching others what we ourselves are in the process of learning. I reckon this guy was a bit of an activist. No vegan in their right mind would go near places like Subway & support them financially – even to buy “vegan options”. I reckon this guy was not even hungry and had the sole purpose of taking as long as possible to be served & not buying anything in order to hold up business for as long as possible as well as put others off buying from this outlet. How “successful” on that account do you think he was? How many lives do you think he saved & how much revenue did he take from this outlet? Now I’m not giving him “hero status” among vegans, but this sort of thing does happen. It also gives me some really good ideas of my own! Watch out Subway, Australia – you guys are going down… I’m letting loose the vegan Ninja’s on you!
@success1625 (533)
• Trinidad And Tobago
20 Mar 12
If I was management I would've still called the popo (police) for his @ss.
That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. He would've never goten away with that kind of crap here in Trinidad.
He didn't just stamp his foot, he threw down stuff? Isn't that damage to property??
But subway has vegetarian meals, so what exactly did he want???? As you rightly said they would've removed the cheese, 'cause everything else in the veggie sandwich is vegan. Probably if he was eating some meat he would've actually have some behavior,lol.
Wow, people could be really selfish, dumb and stupid.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I would think so. The manager did stay on the line with the police, the guy just got out of there before they got there. It was just insane.
@Runite (307)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I really don't give a crap about vegans but please. Keep your beliefs to yourself, I love eating meat and all but the last thing I want someone to do is show me videos of animals being tortured and mistreated as they are getting slaughtered. I don't care about your beliefs about animals, plants are living too so why don't you give a crap about them and eat them too? Some vegans just need to shut up and stop spreading something that isn't beneficial to us. We are at the top of the food chain, we have the rights to torture animals and eat them. If you don't like it please don't go to a meat place anymore, you'll only cause trouble.
@ImmortalKitsune (152)
• United States
20 Mar 12
If someone wants to be a Vegan, more power to them, but know what you're getting in to, ya know? How do you not know that fast food type places aren't going to cater to that particular style of eating? It was just ridiculous that he behaved the way he did, it was pathetic. If your an adult, you should act like one, you know?
