My boyfriend's brother-in-law has been asking me lately: "Why do you have SO MANY reptiles?! Why would you even want a reptile?"
To which I replied: "Why do you have a baby? Gosh, why would you want a baby? They're expensive and poop all the time and cry.... Just because I don't like babies doesn't mean you can't have one. It's whatever makes us happy, right?"
I get called the Reptile girl or 'The girl with the snakes'. Lots of different names.
One thing I've noticed is the people that are the most scared are the ones that are so quick to throw out negative stereotypes. I was moved to a new department at work because of renovations. I'm in with Accounting for a month while they rebuild my office. When they found out I have snakes, the... most boisterous lady in the 'group' here stood up and said: "You have SNAKES?! And REPTILES?! OH MY GOD!" and proceeded to make a huge scene, telling me all sorts of stories that she's heard and trying to convince other people why they are dangerous.
I calmly let her freak out for a bit, then told her I'd be happy to answer any questions or concerns. So everyone started asking me things instead of telling me things, and I was able to clarify some concerns. To the point two of the ladies went from being judgmental to being curious. Phrases like: "I've never heard that about them. That's actually neat." were being tossed around.
But, it was so clear to see how just one person's negative (and loud) opinion could scare other people into believing it. I'm glad I was there to disspel a variety of concerns and rumors. Like eating cats. I laughed. I'm like: "My corn snake is maybe 1.5" at her thickest part. A cat is... what... several inches wide? That would be like trying to stretch a sock over a watermelon! Haha."
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