Those darn Herper Haters...

[RoyalGuardian]

Ok. So I am 17 and a senior in highschool. I have a totally awesome guy that loves me very much and some really great friends. But at school its a different feeling. People at my school torment me for my religion and my love of snakes... They call me a devil worshiper and I'm not... I dont belive in satan.. I am an Elementalist and its a complete coinkidink that I love snakes. Me being a strand of Pagan has nothing to do with it. Reptiles are awesome! And people in kansas just don't get it, there is way to much hype about Reptiles being "discusting" and "unclean" for them to even consider liking snakes... Around here the first reaction to seeing a snake is to get a shovel. Its aweful i know... I dont bother anyone, in fact I never talk to people that arn't my friends cause everyone else hates me... literally. I hate Kansas. I really want to move to California as soon as I am old enough. I just wish people would understand differences better. I wish that they could see what wonderfully beautiful Reptiles truly are. So this year, my friends and I are bringing our Reptiles to the RenFest this year and educate the over the top republicans of Kansas that Herps really are amazing. Not just the snake in the story of adam and eve. They need to realize that snakes arnt evil! ... ((sorry I had to rant so much.. Its been bugging me for months.. and I know some of you have had problems with dum dumms ...))

[DSGB]

who cares what people think. let them think you worship the devil and scare the crap out of them. thats what id do. i loved to mess with all the preppy kids at school

[Sunny1]

I know that it bothers you, but I would try not to really worry about what everyone else there thinks. Just focus on your real friends, and ignore everyone else. Alot of people will fear or poke fun of stuff that they really don;t know anything about or anything that is not mainstream, which is really such a shame. It is too bad that in this day and age people can't seem to be a little more openminded about stuff, or take the time to learn a thing or two about something before they run off making all kinds of false assumptions about things.
But really, I wouldn't even worry about them, there are so many other things to be concerned with during senior year. But I do applaud you and your friends for wanting to educate the public about reptiles.

[BigCeC43]

I forget who has it as there sig. but someone on this site has a phase that goes something like this...

"Do what you want and say how you feel, because the people that matter don't care, and the the people that care don't matter "

I may have that backwards, but either way I couldn't believe it more. As hard as it may be try to ignore it. I know I cared more about what people thought when I was your age. I'm 23 right now and like Eminem once said, "I just don't give a (fill in with a 4 letter word of your choice)". In all honesty you already said you have all you need, friends. When the only friends you have are snakes then you should start to worry

[West Coast Jungle]

Be who you are and follow your heart! When it all comes down to it our individuality is what makes us who we are. There are millions of people who think and feel what you do, unfortunately they are not in your high school. High school is a very small part of a very big world. It won't be forever. it will all work out. don't lower yourself to the standards of the ignorant. If you do they win.

[RoyalGuardian]

Aww thanks everyone.. I really needed that today! You guys are awesome! Rock on! thanks for everything.

[Jay_Bunny]

I don't really have that problem here, but I do know how you feel. My whole family is like people where you are. As are some of my friend's parents. My friends father would not let my friend babysit another friends snake because he considered them to be damned by god and pure evil. Satan's minions if you will. So yea, know where you are coming from. I would ignore them and try educating those people who are willing to listen to you. Its great you are taking your herps to a RenFest. (I've always wanted to go to one of those, but I'm in Virginia, and have no idea where they are held) It'll be a great opportunity for you to educate people about reptiles.

[dr del]

I have a totally awesome guy that loves me very much and some really great friends.

Pretty much the most important things in life - and if treated right they will last that long as well.

They call me a devil worshiper and I'm not... I dont belive in satan..

It's a fact that seems to escape most people - only christians can be satanists as christianity is the only religion in which he appears. It has to be said it annoys most of the people who call themselves satanists when you point it out as well.

Around here the first reaction to seeing a snake is to get a shovel.

It's probably a subconcious reaction to the amount of bullhooey they know they are about to spout. I find being a polite,rational and considerate human being at this point can irritate them to the point of appoplexy. On occasion my other reaction of pointing and laughing has had unfortunate side effects.

So this year, my friends and I are bringing our Reptiles to the RenFest this year and educate the over the top republicans of Kansas that Herps really are amazing.

An extremely good idea indeed. Search the forums as quite a few of our members have done similar things at schools and there was some great advice on how to ensure things went well and all the points that needed to be considered.

Hang in there - it generally gets better when the people around you start growing up a little.


dr del

[qiksilver]

as long as the people you care about aren't worried, then you shouldn't be. Kids are petty, don't even sweat it. Some stay that way, and some grow up, it's just how it is.

But about bringing the snakes, just be very cautious, because some people may have... strong reactions to them. Especially after reading the story about the kid stomping the retic I've been thinking about herps in public more.

[RoyalGuardian]

If anyone harms even one scale on our babies we will stomp them. We are all very protective of our herp babies as is everyone who owns one.