Snakes

Several of the children's books we have here in the house have snakes in them.  The snake is always "just another animal" in the book.  For example, today I read Move Over, Rover to my son.  This is an award-winning book according to an emblem on the front cover.  

Basically, Rover is in his doghouse when a rainstorm ensues.  All the other animals want to get in with Rover in order to get out of the rain - a cat, blue-jay, raccoon, & a snake.  

I wonder how the appearance of snakes in their books affects other children?  My kids hate snakes.  They've seen snakes up close & know what snakes do.  

I hate that our culture won't admit that snakes are a mean & bad species.  They are not like pets.  They will kill your pets.  Any snake will, not just a rare snake.  

I think its the same thinking that many Americans have adopted socially & politically:  no other peoples or religions are Bad, they are just Different & should be embraced & catered to.  

In other words, these people are being so open-minded that all their brains have fallen out.