# I'm increasingly intolerant of superstition **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 12, 2015, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823 "2015-03-12T13:01:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/21 "2015-03-13T00:41:58Z")
As for the OP I \ agree. ---
**Author:** ![Marion\_Wormer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d07c76/32.png) [@Marion\_Wormer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marion_Wormer)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/22 "2015-03-13T01:27:03Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > Recent examples – > > My mother-in-law sent my kids home from a visit with a dreamcatcher after hearing about their nightmares. (Not for nothing, but said dreamcatcher was covered in glitter. Thanks ma.) My oldest told me one day that she had a bad dream anyway. “Uhh, yeah, there’s no such thing as magic. They don’t work,” I said, irrationally annoyed that I had to explain this to her. It’s still hanging in her room because her younger sister still thinks it works, despite my best efforts. Why couldn’t you accept that it was a gift from the kids grandma and say “Kids when you look at this before you go to sleep, it will remind you that your Granma and I are looking after you and will protect you from harm.” Geeze, there’s no reason to belittle your kids because they have childlike fears and beliefs. Give the kids something to cling to when they’re afraid, even if it’s only a belief that you’re there to take care of them. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/23 "2015-03-13T01:29:42Z")
You call that belittling? Wow, sensitive much? ---
**Author:** ![Marion\_Wormer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d07c76/32.png) [@Marion\_Wormer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marion_Wormer)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/24 "2015-03-13T01:51:33Z")
Steronz belittling them in his post to us, the readers. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/25 "2015-03-13T02:40:28Z")
> [@Marion\_Wormer](#): > > Steronz belittling them in his post to us, the readers. What, do I need to repeat previous post? ETA: honestly, I’m not convinced the world wouldn’t be better off if adults didn’t push so many rubbish beliefs onto children. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/26 "2015-03-13T03:02:00Z")
They’re kids. What is wrong with having such fantasies? Do you think this sort of mind state will follow them into adulthood and they’ll believe in the power of the Magic 8 ball? It’s fun, it’s childhood, no need to ruin it for them. And the dreamcatchers? Let’s leave any talk about superstition out of it and ask why you were opposed to a non-intrusive, calming, relaxing item being introduced for your childrens bedrooms? Let any “superstition” talk go in one ear and out the other and just use it for the calming nighttime aid that it is. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/27 "2015-03-13T04:04:08Z")
It seems fitting to mention this after hearing about Sir Terry Pratchett’s death today: > [@Terry Pratchett](#): > > “All right,” said Susan, “I’m not stupid. You’re saying humans need . . . fantasies to make life bearable.” > > NO. HUMANS NEED FANTASY TO BE HUMAN. TO BE THE PLACE WHERE THE FALLING ANGEL MEETS THE RISING APE. > > “Tooth fairies? Hogfathers?” > > YES. AS PRACTICE. YOU HAVE TO START OUT LEARNING TO BELIEVE THE LITTLE LIES. > > “So we can believe the big ones?” > > YES. JUSTICE. DUTY. MERCY. THAT SORT OF THING. > > “They’re not the same at all!” > > REALLY? THEN TAKE THE UNIVERSE AND GRIND IT DOWN TO THE FINEST POWDER AND SIEVE IT THROUGH THE FINEST SIEVE AND THEN SHOW ME ONE ATOM OF JUSTICE, ONE MOLECULE OF MERCY. AND YET, YOU ACT LIKE THERE WAS SOME SORT OF RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED. > > “Yes. But people have got to believe that or what’s the point?” > > MY POINT EXACTLY. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/28 "2015-03-13T04:47:01Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > They’re kids. What is wrong with having such fantasies? Do you think this sort of mind state will follow them into adulthood and they’ll believe in the power of the Magic 8 ball? It’s fun, it’s childhood, no need to ruin it for them. > > And the dreamcatchers? Let’s leave any talk about superstition out of it and ask why you were opposed to a non-intrusive, calming, relaxing item being introduced for your childrens bedrooms? Let any “superstition” talk go in one ear and out the other and just use it for the calming nighttime aid that it is. To be fair, I know jack shit about parenting. I never criticize someone else’s parenting unless it’s, you know, abuse. But people seem to be jumping on the OP, making assumptions, for little good reason. For all we know **steronz** is a terrific parent and is adored by the children. I’m with steronz on one point: superstitions bug me, too. I have no idea what age is the best time to try to disabuse children of superstitions and teach them rational thinking, but my guess is a 6-year isn’t going to be particularly harmed in being told that dream-catchers are pretty pieces of artwork and nothing more. Rather than hearing about some magical thing that will protect them, why not just teach them that the dreams won’t really hurt them? And that you (the parent) are there no matter what? Speaking for myself, I heartily wish adults had been straighter with me about the real world than they were, when I was that age and being fed rubbish about Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, a Heavenly Father, and similar nonsense. Frankly I think these types of fantasies are more to make adults feel good about themselves than they are about what children actually need. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/29 "2015-03-13T05:57:19Z")
I’m sorta the Anti-OP on this one. I’m doing a play again, after not doing anything on stage in more than 20 years. I was a theatre major as an undergrad, even did some grad work before pursuing other things. Did community/dinner theater for several years after that. The theatre has many superstitions, including one about not mentioning the name of, or guoting from “The Scottish Play” in the theatre building, on stage, or even backstage, unless one is actually involved in a production of that play at the time. So last week at rehearsal, one of the actors (a guy doing his first play, naturally), said the “M Word” right in the center of the stage. I don’t actually believe any of us were in mortal danger due to this faux pas, but still, traditionalist that I am, I enforced the time honored ritual. Grabbed the guy by the arm, led him off the stage and all the way out of the theatre. Closed the door in his face. Made him knock and ask permission to enter. Made him spin around three times. Made him spit and swear. Made him promise never to do it again. Then allowed him to re-enter. It was all in good fun, and educational for those that were unaware of the tradition. If it happens again, I’ll do the same thing. It’s just an actor thing. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/30 "2015-03-13T11:18:27Z")
One of the hallmarks of aging is letting rude shit fall carelessly from one’s mouth. Practice thinking before you speak. \*\*Especially \*\*if you have young children living at home. Today’s careless throwaway remark might be the thing they remember most about you after you’re dead. ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/31 "2015-03-13T11:37:22Z")
I dunno but, the older I get, the more I find superstitions charming. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/32 "2015-03-13T12:04:04Z")
We need to dump old superstitions. They are boring. Bring on different, exciting superstitions! Like, did you know that albino body parts bring [wealth and good luck?](http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/17/world/africa/josephat-torner-albinism-tanzania/) ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/33 "2015-03-13T12:06:55Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > I don’t mind superstitions that don’t really impact my life. Like, I don’t care about the dream catchers. The dream catchers are pretty enough that I don’t mind them **on a wall**. But the umbrella story, I was going to get wet! On the wall? That’s why you’re gettign inconsistent results. Dreams cannot pass through walls. The dream catchers must be hung in the windows. And make sure they are facing the right way to let bad dreams exit but not enter. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/34 "2015-03-13T12:20:59Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > …I’m just such a dick… Correct. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/35 "2015-03-13T13:32:50Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > On the wall? That’s why you’re gettign inconsistent results. Dreams cannot pass through walls. The dream catchers must be hung in the windows. And make sure they are facing the right way to let bad dreams exit but not enter. See? Here is where it begins to impinge on my lifestyle. 🙂 I am not hanging anything on my windows; my blinds go there. Anyway these days I have no dreamcatchers at all. ---
**Author:** ![Paxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/50afbb/32.png) [@Paxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paxx)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/36 "2015-03-13T13:35:16Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > They’re kids. What is wrong with having such fantasies? Do you think this sort of mind state will follow them into adulthood and they’ll believe in the power of the Magic 8 ball? It’s fun, it’s childhood, no need to ruin it for them. “This sort of mind state” leads to belief in astrology, cartomancy, clairvoyance, crystal power, numerology, Ouija boards, palmistry, psychics, pyramid power, séances, stichomancy, tarot, and voodoo science. What’s wrong with having such beliefs? They’re fun, lots of adults believe in them, no need to ruin it for anybody. I guess it depends on whether you think that the belief is harmless or harmful. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/37 "2015-03-13T14:13:07Z")
Probably apocyphal story about Niels Bohr, who created the first atomic model of hydrogen. A reporter was interviewing Bohr, and noticed at one point a lucky horseshoe over his door. “As a scientist”, the reporter asked, “you don’t really believe in superstitions, do you?” “No”, said Bohr, “of course not. However, I am told that a horseshoe brings you good luck whether you believe in it or not.” Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/38 "2015-03-13T15:00:07Z")
> [@Paxx](#): > > “This sort of mind state” leads to belief in astrology, cartomancy, clairvoyance, crystal power, numerology, Ouija boards, palmistry, psychics, pyramid power, séances, stichomancy, tarot, and voodoo science. What’s wrong with having such beliefs? They’re fun, lots of adults believe in them, no need to ruin it for anybody. > > I guess it depends on whether you think that the belief is harmless or harmful. Not to mention a general rejection of science, which leads to anti-vaxxers, creationists, 911 Truthers, CT nuts, etc etc etc. Adults shouldn’t believe this crap. Dream catchers, lucky coins, horseshoes DON’T DO ANYTHING. Believing in them as adults is pathetic. And to people hanging dream catchers from their car mirrors! What, do they do a lot of sleeping whilst driving? ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/39 "2015-03-13T15:04:40Z")
A vendor was trying to win my business and in a visit to his office building, bragged about spending over $1,000,000 on a redesign by hiring a feng sui expert. After that, for the rest of the visit he couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t taking his pitch seriously. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823/40 "2015-03-13T15:07:47Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > And to people hanging dream catchers from their car mirrors! What, do they do a lot of sleeping whilst driving? These are the rational ones who view a dream catcher for what it actually is: a pretty piece of art to look at. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-increasingly-intolerant-of-superstition/714823.md?page=3)