Coping with Closed Minds

I admit, I have been afraid of snakes my whole life. I got my first snake "bp" this week and still a little skiddish holding him. BUT...I think they are beautiful and fascinating creatures and the more I learn about them, the more I like them. I just wish I could get my first bite out of the way haha.

I really don't mind if people dislike snakes. That is probably an extention of how I feel about myself. If someone doesn't like me that is their personal choice. As long as they don't act on their feelings no harm and no foul.

What burns me is if someone dislikes snakes and tries to prohibit people who want them from owning them. I dislike plenty of stuff that many people might possess or do and as long as it doesn't harm me or another person more power to them. I kinda figure that I'm due the same consideration in return.

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Originally Posted by spasticbeast

The only way to combat ignorance is with education. I am dealing with the issue now with family and coworkers, but I am bringing them around with snakes. Now, getting them to agree with me about how great pitbulls are, is another battle.

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Yup, I am always up for the opportunity to educate someone about snakes. You can't win them all, but you can sure try and who here doesn't love talking about our scaly friends?

On the other hand, its great when "certain" people have fear of snakes. My parents for instance. Although they live 2,000 miles away, they have openly stated that they will never visit our house. I am perfectly ok with that! :D

I guess I don't really need to explain the bad rap that pits get. Some of the sweetest, best family dogs I ever met were pits. Chihuahuas (or similar breeds) on the other hand, I have found to be rather snippy and temperamental. I've known many people who had them and gotten bit, especially kiddos. I've known more people with pits than chihuahuas and no one I know who owned a pit has been bitten by them.

You just have to ignore people like that, or constantly come back at them with actual facts.

One of my close friends used to tell me all the time that my snakes were evil and that I should just let them go outside or kill them. For the record he considered them evil because he likes mice/rats and I was feeding live when I got my first snake. :rolleyes:

Every time he would say something like that I would come back at him with facts or explain how much my snakes mean to me. I think he started to get it too, because he will occasionally ask about my snakes now and it's been a long time since he's said anything negative.

Well if she wants to use religion JESUS death forgave all sins so that would include the snake's sin as well. Or what about the people who have been taken by the Devile does that make all people bad as well. As for personal hatred of snake educate them show them how docile and easy handled BP's are. Or just dont invite them over to see your snakes. I could not have snakes as a boy my mom is terrified of them but with some education and time she will look at them at least now:) Best of luck and remember to not use anger but love to help change a person it works a lot better:D

Been there. I too have heard the "They represent the devil" BS, thanks to the bible. But a person here made a really good comment that I always use to respond to that phrase. Snakes are God's creatures, too, and if they weren't meant to be here, they would have gone extinct years ago. :P

Irrational fears, I truly understand. I respect that completely. I have a serious phobia to a lot of bugs. It's so bad, that I can't even kill them. I would probably avoid going to someone's house who kept those giant roaches as pets. It just plain wigs me out. But would I suggest they should kill them? Never.

To each his own. :)

I find a lot of people who say those types of things can be really curious of snakes but really scared at the same time. Just don't humour them with an arguement. I'm in the military and trust me I hear it all the time... "don't get your snake near me or it'll end up without a head, my belt, etc....". I just say ok well don't get your dog or cat near me or it'll end up my welcome mat. (Obviously I would never do that) It get's them to understand that they are talking about something I care about and I love just the same way they lover their pets. Usually after that comes the flood of questions. You have no idea how many people I have met who claimed they hated snakes but I got "hey maybe I can hold one of the snakes and take a pic with it or something" it's just put it in perspective they can understand. If that doesn't work well then just say you do what you do I'll do what I do. Never get in an arguement with them it'll only make them feel better. You have no idea how many times I have had to refrain from punching someone when they are like "I saw a snake this weekend, ran it over with my lawnmower haha". I just respond with "cool story bro" and leave it at that. Never let them see it bothers me or get's me upset.

I think it was just the way that they responded. I understand fears as well as anyone else. Spiders and Scorpions scare the bajeebus out of me. Just the same I do not think I would ever tell someone who owned one and considered it there pet to kill it. I think that sometimes people just don't think when they say things. As I said, my cousin did apologize for making the comment about killing them. I think people just have preconcieved notions that all snakes are dangerous or that all constrictors will end up the size of an anaconda.

I am just trying to be patient and explain my stance on them. Whether people agree with it or not, I truly love them. I have never been bitten, but I am SURE its far less detrimental than a dog bite. What blows my mind is we've had a family member mauled by a dog, nearly tore half her face off, yet they love dogs and will bad talk snakes. Have any of them ever been bitten by a snake? NOPE! lol.

Sometimes I wish my mother were still around. I know for a fact she would have loved my snakes. She used to come down to the science lab when I was working there and hold the rosie boa. At least I know that she'd be on my side if she were around! Thanks everyone for all the support!

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Originally Posted by bigmike

You have no idea how many times I have had to refrain from punching someone when they are like "I saw a snake this weekend, ran it over with my lawnmower haha".

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You mean the same snake that chased them around the yard? :rolleyes:

i live in an asian country where snakes are considered atrocious, almost everyone i meet will throw a disgusted face when i told them i own a snake. some people even said harsh things about me n my snake. i was disappointed with the negativity and have learned to keep this hobby just to myself.

my housemate is herpetophobic, he's absolutely afraid of snakes and wouldn't let me keep any in the house, but after much persuasion and some facts he finally gave in and allowed me to keep one, with conditions. im just so glad that he agreed!

sometimes i feel so alone not having anyone to share my joy of snakekeeping.
wouldn't know what to do without this community, thank god for bp.net i love you guys!!