maxeemindee wrote:If you consider yourself rational, you should realize that people should not have to change their benign habits such as pacing or chewing pencils for any reason at all. I would also like to address your other stereotype once more because it is similar to this one, vegans should not have to fit into society's standards of "healthy looking", especially if they are in good health. Please feel free to address any weaknesses in my argument.
"Should not" why? In an ideal world, where everybody was completely rational and reasonable and used science based standards for everything, sure. But we don't live in that world.
Irrational perceptions and stereotypes color people's views of veganism, and that in turn (despite rational arguments for veganism) may cause them to reject it. Even something as trivial as having a bad fashion sense. In order to best spread, veganism has to be the "in" thing, represented as popular, cool, sexy. Movie stars do a good job at that, but average people can contribute to that too.
ChipDipSM wrote:I don't chew on other people's stuff and it's not like I chew through flesh or anything.
It's unsanitary. When people get saliva on their fingers, they inevitably spread it to the things they touch, usually unknowingly. Also, it introduces a number of pathogens into your own body in the process.
There's a pretty good reason people find it gross.
ChipDipSM wrote:I had replaced it for a while by smoking, but I gave that up for obvious reasons. And honestly, I've built my life up to the point of not caring what other's think, if it's negative, and don't like the idea of changing myself to be accepted.
Buy a large silicone teething ring, or some other baby chewing toy. Cut it so the cross-section is lollipop shaped, put a little hole in it, and jam a lollipop stick into it.
Optionally, you can buy some food grade silicone caulk from an aquarium supply store or online, with which to make Oogoo (with food coloring), and put it in a mold of appropriate size (probably a smooth cap of some kind), with the stick poking out of it (cut a hole or slit in the side so it comes out right).
Nobody will know you aren't chewing on a piece of candy, and you won't get saliva on your fingers. You'll just be that guy who always has a sucker. Carry some
real suckers around that look the same to share.
That way, you'll be quirky (weird in a good way), but not gross.
If you don't know how to make it, I'll help you with detailed instructions. It's pretty easy.
It can be sterilized in boiling water by microwaving.