Reply #114: There is a big difference between everyday average stupidity

[Taverner]

And this kind of stupidity. Everyday average stupidity would be things like walking up past the safe rung of a ladder or driving down the median or shoulder to pass traffic. This is because the stupid person in question is taking a calculated risk - he or she knows what they are doing is dumb and is doing it anyway. Although dumb and dangerous, it's based on a certain amount of assumptions that can be validated by science. Things such as 'no one else will be driving in the median, I hope.'

This woman, however, is practicing stupidity without reason. She believed that she was saved, and that her faith would protect her from the snakes. I would have forgiven her the stupidity if this happened in the 16th century or dark ages. But this is not the dark ages. We know from science that faith plays no factor in safety around snakes, and that its all in the handling of said snake. Grasp them by the head, and they can't bite you. Grasp them by the tail and you're a goner.

Its about time we stopped being so sensitive that we give free passes to idiots who trust their cult leaders over verified, tested truths.