DUMB QUESTIONS

[politula]

Insect collecting is of course engaging and wondrous. But we have to go to work each day, often with many people who just don’t get it and never will. The turn over is high where I work so there are always new people with questions. Eventually someone asks what I’m going to do with my 6-7 weeks of vacation. Of course I’m going to go somewhere and collect bugs! And then comes the judgement, “Oh my God, why would you want to do that?!”

I have my defensive/humorous responses,”I don’t know, I’m not a child psychologist,” or “If I get enough insects I’m going to open a buggery,” or “I don’t know, it doesn’t have anything to do with shopping or beaches, it must be a cult.”

The same goes for the people who confront us in the field with stupid questions. Usually women for some reason.”Oh my God, what are you doing?” I’ve found the best response is go right back with a question, “Why are you asking?” This stops 90% of conversations.

Anyone have any new ways to deflect dumb questions from dumb people?

[myotis]

There's no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid people asking questions

[politula]

Can't say I completely agree with that.

When I tell someone I'm collecting tiger beetles and they ask me what a tiger beetle's "purpose" is, which happens fairly often, how do I begin to scale such a mountain of stupidity to provide an answer?

[mantisboy]

Feb 14, 2015 10:22:11 GMT -8 politula said:

Can't say I completely agree with that.

When I tell someone I'm collecting tiger beetles and they ask me what a tiger beetle's "purpose" is, which happens fairly often, how do I begin to scale such a mountain of stupidity to provide an answer?

The result of the your answer often leads to "if it has no huge purpose, then why does it matter?" or " if it has a purpose, then stop killing them you environment destroyer!"

I often get similar questions on whether an insect is "good" or "bad". I find this question even more irritable.

[mantisboy]

However, I try to answer everybody's questions, even if I consider them dumb. What we need is more public awareness about insects, not less.

[myotis]

I actually wouldn't tell someone "There's no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid people asking questions". But that is immediately what would pop into my head.

Usually I try to give them simplest answer possible, because most people don't want a short story made long. I find most of my hobbies seem to make people wonder what I am up to so I try and make comparisons to something that seems more "normal". "What are you doing?", "Collecting bugs", "why?", "some people (garden, collect baseball cards, play tennis, build models). That's what floats their boat, this is what floats mine" But on the other hand, when people seem genuinely interested, as my wife always says about me getting going talking about something I love, it'll be awhile.

[Deleted]

You could just tell them that hunting insects is just a stepping stone until you start hunting people. That's what I do and they leave me alone after that.

[politula]

This might also work: "We're trying to find the insect that's spreading that brain parasite to all the local livestock."

Suddenly, the trail is all yours!

[suzuki]

That amusing comment would not work if you were in fact catching butterflies so a varient on that phrase will be necessary. any witty suggestions?

[Deleted]

Say this is the first step in a new four step program I'm on.

1 insects
2 small game
3 large game
4 people
they will leave you alone if they think your going to go "buffalo bill" on them

[eurytides]

My response: pepper spray. Okay kidding aside, I must admit I've never had any really bad experiences. Usually when I'm out, if there are others on the trail, I get left alone 95% of the time. If someone does ask, I just say plain and simple what I'm doing - e.g. I'm looking for butterfly eggs. Most people move on. Some will ask more questions, but usually those people have an actual interest in nature so I explain a bit more. I've never had anyone imply what I was doing was bad for the environment...etc. I suppose most of the time I'm looking for eggs or larvae, so it's not as conspicuous as waving around a bug net. That sort of collecting seems to have a bad reputation these days.

[Deleted]

the sad truth is that nowadays most people have lost touch with nature. If someone sees my 8 year old kid with a net chasing butterflies it's cute. When they see me with a net chasing butterflies I'm labeled as a weirdo unless they are someone with a interest or background in science. My coworkers make fun of me all the time for collecting insects. I do collect other things like US coins,minerals,fossils and arrowheads. All of that seems fine to most people. Everything I collect has value even the common lepidoptera are worth something. I'm not in it for the money. It is a challenge to make a nice collection of even common species. These things are not manufactured after all. People can make fun of me all they want but in the end I will have a beautiful collection of native species that will be worth something to someone. Hopefully my kids.

[politula]

I've heard that in Japan one in ten men collects insects. It's a lot more common in Europe than here. Perhaps people put a greater value on experiencing nature in countries where it has become rare. Unfortunately bugs are considered creepy and scary. A woman made fun of my "sick" hobby at work last week. I asked her how it felt to live in cave. When she asked what that meant I said that the rest of us have realized we don't have to live in fear anymore that the insects will destroy our children. We know that insects are the glue that holds all living systems together, we've evolved and moved out of our caves. If you do it with humor you can get away with it at some work places. Many people live in fear that they will not be seen as "normal". Of course normal is boring as hell and getting even worse. Why live for bigger TVs, the next fashion trend, the best sun vacation? BORING! But when I hike down the path at the campground with my butterfly net, past all the guys with SUV's, massive boats, and other showy toys I know I'm being judged. I just don't care. And if someone makes a smart ass comment, I just turn it around and throw it back. I can laugh at myself. I'm not going to feel bad for doing what I consider cool.

[Deleted]

I have to agree. Now if you really want to send them packing pick up a snake and they will scatter for sure!

[Deleted]

It's funny you would bring up this topic. Last night I was invited to a dinner party for employees of a local botanical garden and as usual, the topic of giant bugs came up. Keep in mind, these are people who work closely with insects, hold bug days/botony camps, etc. Two hours and a few drinks later progress had been made, but occasional weird looks and gestures remained. They couldn't believe somebody would be willing to spend time and money traveling to remote places in search of "bugs."

I find the reactions of people funny when showing them the collection. Butterflies are OK, but make sure no hard are sharp objects are around if you plan on bringing out the huge beetles. I wonder what they would do if a titanus landed on them! I like to think insect lovers are ahead of their time on the evolutionary scale, so don't let the haters influence your passion

If you meet a curious observer in the field you could always tell them a toxic waste dump has been mutating local wildlife, and the government sent in you-a skilled hunter-to investigate the phenomena. Just as they are getting ready to leave put a blank stare on your face, drop the net from your trembling hands, and in a meek voice say "don't move a muscle"...."I had no idea it would be so big"