When faced with a being that they don't understand, why is the first reaction of some people to kill it?
We were watching one of those silly reality Big foot shows, where a guy supposedly actually shot and killed a Bigfoot. Of course, there were 10,000 reasons why he didn’t have the body as proof. However, they had actors portraying the Big Foot tribe that was involved, and it was just horrific to me that his first thought, and action was “SHOOT IT!” In the story, the animal wasn’t even threatening him.
Granted, this was fiction, obviously, but some people really are that way and I think that it’s scary, sad and horrible that for some, when they see something they don’t understand, their first thought is to kill it.
Why are they this way? Is it some base instinct that they don’t even think to question?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
22 Answers
This instinctive attitude proved to be beneficial for survival for your ancestors and is a positive evolutionary trait.
Those who feared and then killed/avoided the unknown, even if it was benign and harmless, were more likely to survive than those that did not fear the unknown, and then were killed because it turned out to be a hungry sabertooth tiger.
It’s your classic fight or flight instinct.
If there were a real Bigfoot, I’m sure that any number of idiots would shoot it not because of fear or genetically encoded aggression, but because they know that they’d be instantly famous if they could deliver a Bigfoot corpse. They’d probably profit even more from a live one, but that would be riskier.
So yeah, greed and bragging rights.
I agree with @ragingloli . It is in our genetic make up.
Our ancestors were the ones that killed the unknown threats before they themselves were killed. The one who didn’t ended up as food, or slaves of the ones who did.
If an unknown turned out to be harmless, the result was the same.
There’s a famous quote written on a rock by some Neanderthal. “Ugg m gook ka.” It roughly translates to “Better safe than sorry.” Apparently H sapiens followed his advice to the letter.
Consider this scenario: Jake and Bubba are out deer hunting. Suddenly, a unicorn crests the top of the ridge. Jake has a clear shot. Now, you just know that unicorn is toast. Why? Because Jake’s survival instincts are kicking in?
Yet another question where I agree with @ragingloli. Will wonders never cease. This makes three. Are you softening, @ragingloli?
@zenzen Merr zik goog. (Trans: My antelope hock is yours.)
I agree that it’s in our genetic make up too. But…as humans, aren’t we supposed to TRY and rise above those base instincts if the situation isn’t really threatening, just unusual? I mean, is that what drives racism and bigotry? Is it instinctive?
Well, would you rather shoot it or get raped by it? I mean, everyone knows that the Big Foots are notorious rapists, sheesh.
TWIT! <3
And just in case anyone gasped at Dutchy’s last comment, it’s perfectly fine!
Hmm, being the first to get raped by a yeti. Sign me up.
I have a semi-direct line to him. I’ll give him your number.
Thank you. I’m practicing saying that word, to see if I can get used to it. @WillWorkForChocolate is who I am practicing on. So far, no good. Don’t like it. I feel skanky and stupid.
You’ll get used to it if you say it enough. Go ahead, say it again. Gives me goosebumps when you do! :D
bitch, bitch, bitch! That’s all you do, bitch, is bitch! No…I didn’t mean that. :( The 4th bitch I didn’t mean, is what I mean. The first 3 bitches and the 5th bitch I did mean. :) I think I’ll quit now before I get this urge to take off my jeans and my bra and put on my pajamas and go out.
If you really do ever get naked, which I highly doubt, be sure to take pictures.
Um. You’re trying to provoke me. Gitch.
Hooka chooka la la! Much better. :)
My answer to @ETPro’s question applies here as well.
Answer this question 
Composing members:
0
