Veganism is being blown WAY out of proportions.

First off, when you say that vegans on the internet "treat veganism as a religion and make it sound like if you're not a vegan, you're an awful human being," you should give an example so that we know exactly what you're talking about. Of course there are vegans on the internet trying to persuade others to adopt a vegan lifestyle - they're simply passionate about their cause and wish to do good to the world through their own way. There's nothing wrong about that. These vegans are simply passionate and wish to defend their beliefs, as would social activists or just about anyone else. I also agree that there are individuals who go way beyond the limits in criticizing others on their lifestyles, but there will always be people of this sort, even non-vegans, who say that vegans are ignorant, uninformed, etc. No need to make it sound like vegans are the only ones doing this. Of course, meat isn't necessarily a bad thing. I agree that it can be a good or even better source of protein, which helps in many bodily functions. However, a misconception that I think needs to be addressed is that the human body does not need as much proteins as we think - 56 grams for the average man and 46 grams for the average woman every day. That's about a twentieth of a kilogram. The average American consumes much more than this guideline, which amounts to fat gain and other health issues such as osteoporosis. This is one of the greatest reasons why America has the highest obesity rates in the Western world. Bodybuilding can also be achieved with other means than eating meat; there are endless examples of strong, healthy athletes who depend on a vegan diet, such as Mike Tyson. There are countless vegan foods containing reasonable amounts of protein, such as tofu and lentils. No need to depend so much on meat. Secondly, I would like to correct you on several points you brought up in your argument. Vegans do know about their contribution to the natural environment, if that's what you're wondering by "then why don't people know about their contribute to stuff like global warming, and erosion to the surrounding area, and air/water pollution." This is a huge reason for which many people resort to veganism, and you can ask vegans around you to confirm that point. Also, 722 gallons of water is a lot compared to the amount of water used to grow vegetables. Only about 10 gallons of water is necessary to grow a pound of lettuce - you can see how the two compare. Also, a few vegans are definitely not enough to stop the animal slaughter business as a whole, but they are already making a difference to many animals, no matter how minimal, and that's what matters to them - knowing that they've done everything in their part to make a difference. Also, just because the slaughter business is unstoppable as of the moment doesn't mean that it is morally justified. And just because the slaughter business is still up and running right now doesn't mean that vegans should give up believing in a better world for the people, the animals and the environment. Also, animals don't cause pollution! I don't know where you got that information, but it's simply not true. Animals are part of a well-defined ecosystem that regulates every aspect of itself. The waste they create can be used to fertilise the soil. They consume plants in a well-defined manner so that the plants can always grow back. I've never heard of animals causing industrial pollution, or global warming, or mass deforestations. Humans are the main and ONLY cause to the rapid deterioration in the present world. "Also, if a majority of the population was vegan, there would be a major drop in fruit and veggie production because more people will be demanding veggies. I think that's how it works." "I think that's how it works." If the majority of the population were vegan, there would be a major raise in fruit and veggie production because more people will be demanding veggies. A well-known, established rule is that the greater the demand, the greater the production numbers to meet that demand. This will mean more economic opportunities for farmers, and jobs for rural communities as well. Remember the transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources? Electricity, for example, grew into a prevalent power source in a matter of years, and the same will occur if the majority of the population were vegan. The world would be a much better place if the majority were vegan. I think THAT's how it works.