Steph (crisis version)Mar 21

I would consider myself a sensible skeptic, in that I do not believe in the supernatural, but if I saw something that looked like a demonic possession or a hostile ghost or whatever I would immediately LEAVE.

Like, I can tell myself it was a hallucination AFTERWARDS. I'm not risking my shit on that 0.1% chance I'm wrong about demons.

Show threadSteph (crisis version)Mar 21
I've consumed far too much horror media where the skeptic refuses to believe the evidence in front of them and ends up microwaved by a demonic head laser or whatever. Couldn't be me.
Show threadSteph (crisis version)Mar 21
I think this is a characteristically Irish POV. Faeries aren't real. But also, you don't fuck with the faeries.
Show threadcognitively accessible math
@astronomerritt It's a practical one.
For wahtever reason stories have been told about this kind of phenomenon, we should respect whatever the actual reality *is* and seek safety.
On the other hand, when listening to the song 'shut de do' keep out de devil," I realized that if I were a parent and it were dangerous outside because oh, the invading people, I might make up something extremely scary just to keep my kid inside.
Mar 22 at 12:01amWeb
Show threadSteph (crisis version)Mar 22

@geonz Oh sure. A lot of seemingly paranormal stories have rational explanations or have played a useful role in society, and I think that's really interesting.

And also, I am not going to disturb a fairy ring.

Show threadcognitively accessible mathMar 22
@astronomerritt Nor I. Nor speak dismissively thereof.
Show threadCorvid CroneMar 23

@astronomerritt @geonz this reminds me of a Japanese folktale account a spirit who guides children who are out at night into bodies of water only for the kids to drown and never be seen again.

It's specifically to deter children from going into bodies of water at night where they can easily drown without supervision or get parasites.

Show threadcognitively accessible mathMar 23
@CorvidCrone @astronomerritt Oh, cool.
This storytelling also teaches "think about your impulses!"