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Snake Stigma?
I haven't kept a reptile in over 30 years, hence the userid. When I did, as a teenager through part of college maybe, I noticed that there was a definite social stigma attached to keeping snakes. Maybe it was living in hick-ville Illinois, or maybe I was just overly sensitive, but I believe that simply not hating snakes was reason enough for people to look at me funny. I was categorized as "odd", and referred to as "that snake guy" or "snake-lover" or just avoided. I don't think that I ever knew anyone else with interests like my own. I was one of a kind, the only kid with a caiman and a boa, and I really think that if I went back for a class reunion (not likely), I would be remembered by some only because I actually kept live snakes in my room! (God only knows what he does with them in there.)
I still do not have any reptiles, and I turn 50 this year, but I'm seriously considering getting back into the hobby. I don't think I care that much about what other people will think of me now, but I am curious what your experiences have been. Are you stereotyped or considered "odd"? One thing I see is that there are certainly a lot of you out there, and the community seems rather friendly. That could make all the difference with the stigma thing, knowing I wasn't alone. Anyway, thought it might make an interesting discussion...
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