Krishna

[jack]

I met up with some vegetarians, who were nice. I don't define myself by vegetarianism, but it's more central to who am than having red hair would be.

But as well as being full of vegetarians it is full of Hare Krishnas. It is very strange -- though quite refreshing, it's nice for once *not* to think about it -- to not be the only vegetarian in a room full of people who agree with your philosophical believes, but vice versa.

But while most people were just nice, a minority were, well, offputtingly evangelical. I want to -- and effectively did -- say "Thank you for the food, and the book, and the friendship. But interesting or not, I won't take anything I feel puts me at an obligation to take you seriously, I'm sorry."

And "Be aware I've met CICCU's best, you may choose not to waste your time with me."

And "You're striving. You're not supposed to strive. Be happy, it's a much more effective advertisement."

As I said to mum, don't worry, I'm not going to be brainwashed. I've been preemtively debrainwashed very well, as curious as I am about, well, lots of things, skepticism is still my rock, and I'm incapable to believing anything contrary, even when I try :)

Comments

[ghoti.livejournal.com]

Perhaps evangalisation is the wrong word; I tend to get the feeling that people assume that I think the way they do. Sometimes I do, but there's this whole big theism thing where we just don't meet. I don't mind a discussion of views, it's when the starting place is assumption of atheism, then if I stop and say 'but I'm not starting there', that's when I feel it.

It's a minor matter, and one I mostly live with, it's just that your post reminded me.

[cartesiandaemon.livejournal.com]

Ah, sorry, no, I *do* know what you mean. I think the best thing would be to say something like "Hey guys, remember, some of us *are* Christian here" or equivalent, and most people with a small reminder would be grateful to be reminded and remind themselves not to go off arguing so much they forget to be avoid accidently insulting people present.