That's right, we're talking about spiders! Minor nuisance for some, object of abject horror for others, and fascinating specimen to arachnophiles, the humble (or evil) spider occupies a large and varied place in human culture and habitat. From vilification as creepy, monstrous bugs that must be smashed to veneration as helpful, if minute, predators that eat many other creepy crawlies, spiders and humans have a complicated relationship.
On the vilification side, we have pop culture depictions of spiders as sinister stalkers waiting to bite unsuspecting human victims. Especially notable portrayals include Shelob of Lord of the Rings and the acromantulas of Harry Potter. And then there are the myths, such as the daddy long legs being a venomous species, which spread fear and distrust from an early age. Many people fear being bitten by venomous spiders, though nearly all spiders are non-venomous and very few of those are aggressive.
On the veneration side we have myths from many cultures depicting spiders as helpful or as a trickster, much like the fox or coyote.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultura ... of_spiders
Additionally some media portrayals of spiders are sympathetic, such as in Charlotte's Web, and many people appreciate the pest removal benefit of spiders. Spiders are uninterested in eating your food, unlike most of their prey, though you may not appreciate them making homes in your pantry. Speaking of pantries, some cultures eat spiders, adding further intrigue to human-arachnid relations.
What do you say? Are spiders horrible fiends that must be squashed on sight? Or are they helpful roommates who keep your house clear of more obnoxious bugs? Are you indifferent? Would you eat one? If you are afraid of spiders, why? Were you bitten once or did you see others react to spiders with fear and revulsion?
I personally fear big spiders and am indifferent to small spiders. I find large ones creepy though I am beginning to accept that they are much more of a help to me than a hindrance. After all, if they're big then they've been eating a lot of something, probably something that would contaminate my food or bite me. Still, if I see a large enough spider, it's squish time. Even smaller spiders will be mercilessly smashed if they actually get on me. I have no tolerance for that. I've never been bitten that I know of so I think I got my fear from my the reactions of my sister to spiders. As for eating, I think I might, though it'd have to be absolutely burnt.
