Fear comes in many different forms. It may be as simple as fearing a physical object or person to the most commonly feared forces. Causes of one’s fears are harder to spot. From my experience I would say that most fears are adopted through influence. When our friends are afraid of specific things, we’re drawn in towards their fear as we also try to determine why they’re afraid. During that process, only the inadequate features are brought up which causes us to “learn” that there are many reasons to be scared.
The most petrifying fear I have is towards dogs. Whether they’re tiny puppies or giant bulldogs, I fear them equally as much. It’s very rare that someone would be afraid of puppies yet that’s where my fear originated from. My friend use to own a newborn puppy and everyday I would be over at his house to play games. His puppy never really bothered me until one day I stood up from the couch and it began to walk around and in between my legs then without a warning, it pounced up to my groin and as any typical male would feel, the sensation of “getting sacked”. I was then enemies with ‘a man’s best friend’. Since then my friend would have to lock up his puppy in his washroom each time I went over. I cannot recall any specific situations where my fear of dogs held me back but looking forward into the future; it would be quite irritating if my family should decide to own a dog. I don’t think I’ll ever come to peace with dogs ever again in my life time.
From my experience, I can in the conclusion that not all people fear the same things but a general consensus should show that a lot of people share common fears such as the fear of insects and bugs as well as losing and the engagement of competition. People tag onto these fears as society generally sees them as if they’re created to scare.
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ReplyDeleteHey David! :)
ReplyDeleteI feel sympathetic towards your situation but I also feel surprised that you are scared of most people's bestfriends. Nevertheless, I can draw a connection between you and my brother because he is also afraid of puppies. He was bit by my cousin's dog when he was little and he was also playing games when the attack happened. Since then, he has developed a distaste for dogs and he does not like to be near them. I really like your title, "the only thing we have to fear is fear it'self..." because I agree with you that fear is often "adopted" or "influenced", though some fear can be innate. I like your post and it is very interesting to read. I think next time you and my brother can go on a dog hunting trip together. :)
Hello :)
ReplyDeleteI must say that what happened to you was quite an unfortunate event for a boy. I am not personally a person who fears dogs (small ones at least!), but I feel the need to advise you that not all dogs bite and do violent things toward human beings! They can also be an extremely loyal companion. Likewise, mankind is most likely a dog's best friend as well.
I particularly feel the same as you in the last paragraph. Tiny animals such as bugs and insects are a common phobia nowadays because of their furry nature or simply due to the things they do (e.g. bees sting). For example, I have a fear of ants knowing that with their amazing teamwork, they are able to move a human being! Yet on the contrary, though I fear of bugs and insects, they ensure that humans survive. Moreover, I am stunned by their abilities to do something. For example, bees are able to fly around the Earth about four times if they collect nectar.
I enjoyed reading your post and I hope your future wife does not fear of dogs. :)