Why Do So Many Humans Fear Snakes?

                             WHY DO SO MANY HUMANS FEAR SNAKES?

 

Lori sent this excellent question over a month ago, just when my travel schedule became extremely busy and I didn’t have the time to give it the attention it deserves. In fact, I realize that it opens a whole new avenue of questioning which probably contains more of the answer than limiting the subject to this one particular topic of the Fear of Snakes. It really falls directly into the category of FEAR itself, no matter what the object. As you have surely noticed, I like to expand the range of each question beyond any specific incident, so that others can also find resonance within their own hearts. If we can unlock the larger subject of “What makes us afraid?,” then a person who fears flying but loves snakes, might also find it applicable.

For the past year, July, 2012, to July, 2013, I have travelled leisurely throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Six weeks ago, I arrived in Europe for my final two months of solo, exploratory hosteling and the pace picked up; making privacy and quiet solitude to do the questioning much harder to come by. As soon as I can arrange it, I will post the answer here.

Thank you, Lori, for opening the big scary well of Human Fears. I, too, would like to know “why,” or if it is simply a general characteristic of our immaturity as a Human Race? Sort of like asking “Why do kids cry?” That could well be the answer, you know! And, just as “lots of things” make children cry…. it may be that “lots of things” make us afraid. If that turns out to be true, then we should all just relax and give somebody else a little help on their particular speedbump if it doesn’t quite match our own. In the meantime, here’s Lori’s question:

I wanted to ask why so many people have such a strong dislike for reptiles? Snakes, in particular, evoke hatred from humankind, for which I see no reason. There has been a horrible tragedy recently in Canada where two young boys were found lifeless in the same room with an escaped large boa constrictor, yet the media had already hung the python before the investigation was complete.

Having had reptiles as pets myself, I have first-hand knowledge of how constrictors feed. The whole story has many unanswered questions regarding what really happened. Had the snake been the true culprit in this scenario, the scene would have been much more horrific.

Is the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden all to blame for the undue hatred towards these creatures? They have been villified time and time again throughout history for unfounded reasons. How can we, who appreciate and even adore snakes, educate the rest of humanity that they are not evil? They have a rightful place on earth and in God’s kingdom just as does any other divine creature with whom we are lucky enough to share the planet.

My heart goes out to the family that this happened to. I can’t imagine the heartbreak they are going through. But at the same time I am also saddened that the media is purposely causing more hatred towards creatures that a large majority of people are very uneducated about. Why do people hate things they don’t understand?

About Linda J. Brown

Linda is a solo around the world traveler, having slowly explored the world's two hemispheres. A third trip around the equator has just begun, planned to last at least four years. After living for a year in the spiritual and beautiful town of Santa Fe, New Mexico, she has transferred to the beautiful and spiritual town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Feeling honored that the mysterious Hurricane Patricia paid her a call during her first week; she is none-the-less, eternally-grateful that this "worst hurricane in human history" decided to leave the planet alone, after all.
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