Are humans more animal like then we admit?

free2beme

As an experiment, I dare anyone to go out on to the street and make eye contact with someone. Not just for a few seconds, I mean, look at their eyes and don't stop as they walk closer and pass by. I would bet, that a large percentage of the men would ask you what your problem is, and ask you if you have a problem with them. Why do I say this, well, I took a class on psychology and part of the class we were asked to conduct a social experiment and this was mine. I did this for three days, in malls, on the street and in the gym. Nearly got into dozens of fights, got pushed around and even got told, "I will kill you!" by someone who got really upset. Nothing complex here, just looked at people in the eyes and waited to see what would happen. Men, by a huge margin were more aggressive then woman. Most woman looked away and tried to act like it was not happening, maybe even walking faster to get away. Now, do the same thing with a dog. Look at a strange dog you never met, and does not have a clue what or who you are. You get a similar reaction. Barking, aggressive nature in your direction, and if you got close enough, maybe even attacked and bitten. Weird, isn't it? We don't like people to look us in the eyes, unless we are in direct contact with you and gave a silent permission to do so. I would like to add, that I did get a lot of, "do I know you" or "are you looking for me?" comments. When I said no, it upset a lot of people.

So, if someone stared at you in the eyes and continued as you walked by and approached, how would you react?

damselfly

Well it would be a refreshing change from the boob stare I normally get.

I think I would be quite unsettled especially if they were bigger then me. Which as I am only 5'1 is virtually everyone.

Dams

Satanus

Yes, we have many animal traits. If somebody stared at me like that, i would be uncomfortable/nervous.

S

gringojj

Satanus I am staring into your eyes right now.

JH

I'm used to being stared at for 2 seconds... I'm rather ugly...lol

But to answer your question, I wouldn't like it because Its sort of a provocation.

Satanus

free2beme

Well it would be a refreshing change from the boob stare I normally get.

In talking with several woman, they all said that they would rather their boobs be looked at by strangers and not direct eye contact. The eye contact was more personal to them. Men stare at woman's boobs, because they have hang-ups with their mothers breast feeding them. They do this because they have been programed since youth to long for boobs. Actually, men are not the only ones who notice boobs. Woman do too, but they don't talk about it as much in the open and feel that doing so is lesbian behavior, when it is not. That final bit, was from my human sexuality class.

proplog2

Animal Like? - What the hell do you think we are? We ARE ANIMALS. It is the failure to understand that fact that causes a lot of problems. We have a lot of rules that attempt to manage our animal behavior. Some of the rules go too far.

When you realize that we are animals it makes it harder to fit into organizations with their hierarchical structures. When that Elder calls you into the back room he is really "mounting you". You may have to tolerate hierarchy at your place of employment because they pay you a check. But why put up with that kind of nonsense in a volunteer organization.

I refuse to let anyone put it in me without getting some kind of real pay.

tetrapod.sapien

...in proplog's name, amen.

doofdaddy

Depends on so much more....

I often hold the gaze of interesting women I see in the street. Never once has a woman taken this as threatening. Why?

I have a big smile below the eyes.

Have many fun comments and the occasional longer chat.

All about perceived intent.

Are humans more animal like then we admit?

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