I agree, sometimes it can be really tough to admit that you are wrong. Unfortunately, sometimes thats the only way to make significant change. I have flipped stances on many things, not because people have told me to, but because I found my reasons for believing the opposite to be insufficient. And its REALLY tough to do that with the big issues. But to become better people, we must.
That's it. It's an ego thing, I think. Some people seem to think that to admit they are wrong is a weakness, when actually it's weak never to back down. I think it might depend on where you come from and what you experience.
I did the flip thing on white privilege a little while back. It led to an amazing exchange, where loads of strangers came together and were nice to each other. It was something to behold.
Yeah! I very recently stopped eating meat actually.
Good for you. I did that too, way back, but it messed up my dietary intake and I kept getting ill. And, I am embarrassed to say, I got all preachy about it. Don't be that guy. That's guy's a dickhead!