The "How to Educate Others" thread

[JamminJonah]

How does one go about educating others on snakes. My mom isn't upset about my BP but she has always been scared of snakes. Are there any good videos out there or anything that can teach people about BP's or snakes in general?

Please share your stories of times that you have taught others about snakes or explained why you kept them that were effective or at least sparked a respectful debate. I'm just interested to hear how you have effectively communicated the overall coolness of snakes.

[Wizill]

my entire fam hated snakes, couple of forced handling sessions and now they beg me to get em' out.

[Smynx]

I agree with Will. Usually once someone has actually handled a snake, they're fine with it. In fact most people become fascinated with them after they've handled one. I don't know if forcing is the best method, but hey, whatever works.

I work with people who have a range of interest in them. One actually went out and got herself a BP last week. One is generally fascinated with them. One is gradually getting used to the fact that I keep them. And one is deathly afraid of snakes but has asked if she can come over and see mine in the hopes that just being around them will quell her "unreasonable fear" (as she calls it).

[Marla]

generally counselors use gradual introduction of whatever is feared when treating phobias, so if I were dealing with someone who was very afraid or leery and it was important to me that person get used to snakes, I would approach it in a similar way. Basically, something along the lines of talking about snakes, followed by talking about my particular snake(s), then photos of the particular snake or species I keep, then information on the behavioral traits of the species, then seeing it in its enclosure from across a room, then seeing me hold it, then being encouraged to touch it with me holding it, then being encouraged to stroke it for longer periods of time and look at it more closely (eyes, belly, scales), then given the opportunity to hold it. Depending on the individual, this could take anywhere from 20 minutes to several months.

[beaglegod]

One good thing you can almost always use provided the person doesnt have a phobia, is curiosity. My wife has never and may never hold one, but for someone who didnt want anything to do with them, she cant help but peek in on them from time to time (often disapointed by the lazy ba%$#rds) and shes even felt their skin!

[iceman25]

People fear what they do not understand! I'm tired of hearing all the snickering remarks about my little girl :evil: I just tell myself what sad pathetic excuse for human beings they are and just walk away. They have no idea what they are missing out on :wink:

[Jeff]

Kinda harsh there iceman.... not everyone has to like herps

[Soul_Of_Fire]

Personaly I don't mind when people don't like snakes cause then it keeps them away from my house LOL a bonus to keeping snakes and others who want to but the evil snake myth to legend I help them experience the joys of herps and clear them of common misconceptions.
Andrew

[MacWin]

When I first got Bob my mother in law said "OMG well I am never staying overnight again"

[iceman25]

Kinda harsh there iceman.... not everyone has to like herps

Not at all Jeff. I have no problem with anyone not liking herps or cats or donkeys and such. Just don't talk down upon people who like them. I'm not a big fan of cats, but I would never mistreat one or talk smack to someone who loves cats. Thats just plain wrong IMO!