Perceptions of "Creepy Pets"
Wednesday July 16, 2008
I just completed an interview with a magazine writer on the topic of "creepy" pets. Though sometimes I find doing interviews difficult, this one was rather fun, and the writer asked some interesting philosophical questions about the general perception of creepy critters. I don't want to give too much away, but the questions really got me thinking. Of course, "creepy" is all in the eye of the beholder; one person may have an extreme phobia about an animal, while another thinks the same animal is a great pet. I do have a list of creepy pets, but it was done in the name of fun and I truly consider the list arbitrary and somewhat unfair to its inhabitants! I think a lot of perceptions and fears about certain "creepy crawlies" are learned as kids growing up a society where some animals are considered cute and lovable and others revolting. What do you think is the best way to get kids to appreciate all forms of life, and stop considering some animals creepy (and perhaps less important)? Use the comments link below to share your thoughts on the topic; later on I'll share some of my comments from the interview.
Comments
I have a younger sister(she’s 6 now) who is already saying that spiders are creepy. I try to discourage that behavior by telling her every life is important and has purpose, and everything is created in equality so it should be seen as beautiful. It has taken me a while to see every animal as beautiful(I definitely have an array of what people would call “creepy pets” and I adore them all) but it is worth it when you get there because you begin appreciating every life. Snakes are my all time favorite animals, so I’ve helped in raising her to see them as the wonderful animals they are, and not the misconceptions others make them into. Teaching your children basic information about certain “creepy” animals allows them understanding, which takes away the fear. Most parents don’t care about their impact on children as far as whether spiders or bats are creepy, but they should. Like most things, what is imprinted on you in childhood carries on for years into adulthood.
i have owned a mexican red knee tarantula for 15 years now. i disagree with those who claim these furry giants cant be tamed. she has never attempted to bite and allows me to handle her nearly every night.