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Omaha Steve

(99,073 posts)
Sun Apr 17, 2016, 09:12 AM Apr 2016

Clowns, birders creep us out – and a study found out why


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http://www.omaha.com/living/clowns-birders-creep-us-out-and-a-study-found-out/article_38459789-1228-5f6d-87db-6780f95b3f0a.html

POSTED: SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016 1:00 AM
The Washington Post

Here’s what most American bird-watchers are, according to a 2013 government study: White, older than 45, fairly well-off and highly educated.

Here’s what many people think bird-watchers are: Creepy.

That’s according to a recent study that says it is the first “empirical study of ‘creepiness.’ ” Led by psychology professor Frank McAndrew at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, the study set out to introduce “a theoretical perspective on the common psychological experience of feeling “creeped out,” and to figure out what makes us think other people are creepy.

The conclusion — based on a survey of 1,341 people, most of whom were female and American — is that feeling creeped out is an evolved response to the ambiguity of a possible threat, which helps us to remain vigilant.

FULL story at link.

I'm glad Marta and I don't spend any time on birds.

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Clowns, birders creep us out – and a study found out why (Original Post) Omaha Steve Apr 2016 OP
Birders aren't creepy, Curmudgeoness Apr 2016 #1
I take exception to being lumped together with clowns. Olive Birch Apr 2016 #2
Barred owl? Nice shot. uppityperson Apr 2016 #3
OP with a couple more pix Omaha Steve Apr 2016 #4

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
1. Birders aren't creepy,
Mon Apr 18, 2016, 09:01 PM
Apr 2016

but those geeky hats that they wear are what gives people that impression.

Funny how "geeky" has been translated to "creepy".

Olive Birch

(10 posts)
2. I take exception to being lumped together with clowns.
Mon Apr 25, 2016, 09:38 AM
Apr 2016

I wonder if it's just coincidence that most of the dentists I have ever frequented have pictures of clowns in their offices. Not one had a picture of a birder.

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