Talk:Fear of dogs
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[edit] Wtf?
The opening paragraph needs rewording: -
The fear of dogs is a natural emotion, because dogs are potentially dangerous. The abnormal fear of dogs, i.e., a specific phobia related to dogs, is called cynophobia.
The fear of potentially dangerous things is not a natural emotion. Fire is potentially dangerous, if someone lights a match it shouldn't cause anxiety. Further, cars are potentially extremely dangerous, yet it is considered abnormal to have a fear of travelling inside one. Thus, I would say that the fear of dogs is not a natural emotion based on their potentially dangerous aspect. Dogs are the oldest domesticated species and mankind has worked in unison with them since time immemorial, all fear would be bred out of most people through upbringing, especially of European descent. Perhaps cultural interpretation of dogs should also be added? Many people from African roots have a higher fear of dogs, where as people of Asian background are indifferent as most of us don't really have pets (or of the older generation ate a few :P). But this is a really fascinating phobia and allows us a look not just at the irrational fear, but the culturally rational conceptuality of dog-human interrelations. 211.30.71.59 02:17, 22 February 2007 (UTC)
