I dont think I have ever seen a completely responsible story about snakes in the mass media. The use of the word attack in most stories about snakes or snakebite is pure hyperbole. Whereas some snakes may show more aggression than others, snakes in general dont attack humans. To imply otherwise does an injustice to the public at large because it perpetuates the false stereotype of snakes as evil creatures that are out to get us. Journalism is more than just writing sensationalistic headlines or spewing fear-inducing vitriol to a naïve public. It carries with it an obligation to educate and inform. As the video says, you cant expect objectivity from people who hate snakes. I spend much of my time trying to teach people that snakes are not evil, malicious creatures, and its hard enough without uninformed media hype that contradicts the truth. Most people who love snakes dont keep venomous snakes at home, and most states dont allow it. There are always wingnuts out there who break the law and make us all look bad by association, but most herpers are knowledgeable and responsible. This is a recent story from the Today Show. Dav Kaufman and Dan Krull of USARK provide the rebuttal. Please share this widely. -Utah Reptile Forum
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:57:23 +0000
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