>>Such inhibition has been inculcated into millions of people via the constant portrayal of bears as friendly, fuzzy, furry forest creatures in hundreds of TV shows and movies.
>>In reality, bears are large, strong, unpredictable wild animals that are very dangerous to naive humans. When people practice shooting realistic targets, it helps them overcome the inhibitions instilled by television shows and movies.
I blame Walt Disney et al on the first. The second is worth saying again.
I think “Walt DIsney effect” every time I see a story about people trying to feed a black bear in the Smokies, or people trying to pet a buffalo somewhere like Yellowstone.
Along with an realistic target, mental conditioning also helps.
Just as one is going to shoot say BEAR that trains your mind.
To react to the word bear and the idea of a bear.
So when you hear the word Bear think a bear is near, see a Bear. You are pretrained to reach for your defensive weapon.
That little extra time could be very important.
Goes for almost any self-defense situation.
“ I see a story about people trying to feed a black bear in the Smokies, or people trying to pet a buffalo somewhere like Yellowstone.”
Bears and buffalo are just fine.
You just need to rub their bellies just like a dog.
They will be your best friend .
“SIT BEAR SIT”. “Come on buffalo, roll over, good boy”
I think “Walt DIsney effect” every time I see a story about people trying to feed a black bear in the Smokies, or people trying to pet a buffalo somewhere like Yellowstone..
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Exactly. Disney has damaged us by blurring the distinction between people and annimals. Kids grow up presuming: “That bear is just like my gruff and lumbering uncle Joe. If we leave the bear alone, he’ll leave us alone.”
I wouldn’t say that bears are unpredictable...