NAT GEO's TABOO

[rrupp1179]

SO.....I watched a show last night on pet owners. It was an episode of National Geographic's Taboo.

I was really upset by the last portion of the show. I am not sure if you would be able to view it on YOUTUBE. I am sure you could because they have everything on there.

Anyway...the last portion was on snake (exotic) owners. They spent more time talking about how DEADLY they were rather than what a joy they are to have as pets. The show preceeded to talk about anti-venom squads in Florida and all the horrible things that have happened to ppl with snake and exotic animals.

However, during the dog portion of the show they never discussed some of the awful things that have happened to dog owners. I thought the show to be extremely biased.

I myself am the owner of a new BP and a dog (and a cat and two parakeets lol).

I just don't think that the HERP world was represented very well at all. They even interviewed a man that said the only reason why ppl own exotics is to be different and have the thrill of
owning a dangerous pet.

I guess I just needed to vent.....

[Kristy]

Welcome to media vs. the herp community!

Seriously In the last year, I can think of maybe two or three good news or show segments that were new, that were truthful and good involving reptiles. The rest, bad press.

Its because the general population doesn't understand reptiles (mostly snakes) they fear them, and its because of just that. Bad press, lack of knowledge of the animals, and all the idiots who put them in the press in a negative way (irresponsible owners in you will).

I totally understand your rant, and it sucks that people fear them so much. Thats why we as a whole need to set an example of safe, responsible herp keeping.

[Spaniard]

Its very annoying but unfortunately snakes are one of the few things that illicit irrational fear out of a majority of the population. The media knows this so they take advantage of it...cute furry puppies! Evil slithery snakes!

[MasonC2K]

Not meaning to change the subject, but as an aside, does anyone else find the "Nat Geo" term childish?

They seem to be trying to be "hip" or something. "National Geographic" sounds more professional.

I can understand the shortening on the internet but not on TV.

I mean no one runs around saying "LOL."

Or do they?

[Spaniard]

National Geographic is a pretty long thing to say, studies have shown that people have a much shorter attention span coupled with an increase in the speed at which they process information. Commercials are getting shorter, people talk faster, time is money etc...

Nat Geo does sound a little cheesy to me but I somewhat understand why they would shorten the name.

[PythonWallace]

It's true, everyone who owns a bully breed or a rott is a thug dog fighter, everyone who owns a parrot wants to be a pirate and everyone who owns a ball python gets his jollies from the trill of how dangerous they are.

Total # of snake bites annually in the U.S. (venomous AND HARMLESS, with less than 1/1000 being deadly)
8,000

Total # of reported dog bites annually in the U.S.
800,000, with over 1,000 per day ending up in emergency rooms (5th greatest cause of emergency visits in the U.S.)
*http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

Cats bite 1/170 people in the U.S. annually (765,000), with 80% of all bites becoming infected.

*http://www.thecatsite.com/Snips/120/...Cat-Bites.html

[dc4teg]

which time did u watch it, i watch it twice i think the 9 o'clock and the 1

both times i was not impressed

[BHB]

Jake,
That was some great info! A thanks for sharing! I have talked with the people at Nat Geo and they used to be one of the reptiles communities best friends. The put out great material that was informative and for the most part possitive on herps. They now have a new objective, that's shock value. They realize that if it's shocking, people will watch. It's all about the ratings, telling a great story about reptiles doesn't get people to tune in. Making them seen dangerous makes people watch. Look at Brady Barr, he's their reptile guy! I miss the days when National geophraphic was some of the best form of media out there??? It's truly sad! Brian(BHB)

[Jenn]

Perhaps "we" should send them a letter! These responses and statistics are great. As the greatest forum on BP's ever, if we don't do it who will?

[Jenn]

OK I'll start...

Dear Nat Geo,

We here at Ball-Pythons.Net were a bit disheartened to see your recent program covering exotic snakes and their keepers. In the past you have always taken the high road and presented the "facts" about keeping these amazing animals, and not gone for the "shock factor" that we so often see.......

Anyone???