Too Much Arrogance In Our Outdoor Community

I’ve got to get something off my chest.   In fact, today’s blog post is more of a gnawing pet peeve than perhaps anything else.   It’s about people who simply have an arrogance about them in such a way that it becomes a big turn off.   Let me explain what I mean.

For example, it’s about the outdoors writer who places themselves on such a high pedestal as an expert on any given outdoor subject that their writings become almost condescending to the reader.   Frankly, I can do without the braggert slant and when I begin reading something written in such a manner I quickly stop.   Honestly, I don’t care if you are the best turkey hunter east of the Mississippi River.   Instead, will you write the article in such a humble manner that I will draw those conclusions myself…I don’t need to read about you “tooting your own horn.”

Closely related to this example is the wildlife photographer.   In my profession I deal with many photographers purchasing images for various calendar projects.   Granted, there are many photogs who are real gems to deal with…but then there are others who think their work is second to none.   Now granted, there can be a fine line between arrogance and cocky confidence, but too many photogs step way over this line.   Truth is, when I have 12 images to purchase for a calendar project and 1,000s of potential images submitted by photographers looking to sell…well, one tends to sometimes base final selection decisions on the personality of the image owner.

Lately, another big gripe of mine has been the raw arrogance displayed by many tournament fishermen.   It seems some of the bass fishermen tend to be the worst.   Now I fully realize there are some real down-to-earth sincere types that do not fit the blanket statement I am making, but those folks are the rare exception.   In my opinion, too many amateur and pro tournament fishermen need to eat a healthy slice of humble pie before their next event.   This may come as a surprise to you…but I don’t worship your piscatorial prowess in the slightest.

I could go on with many other examples, but I will leave you with one more.   Is it just me, or do you find certain bowhunters to be a bit on the arrogant side?   Understand, I used to hunt with a bow but I no longer choose to do that.   Yet, I have some friends who would snub their nose at me if I shot a trophy deer with a firearm rather than taking it with a bow.   Is that fair?   Should my achievement be scrutinized with such a heavy bias toward one method and not another?   Fact is, in many instances this is exactly how it works out.

I suppose it’s not just in our outdoor culture where we’re going to experience this prevailing attitude of superiority.   You might say it’s simply a fact of life in a modern society.   True, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it pervading the outdoor world I so dearly cherish.   I guess as I grow older I also grow a bit more intolerant of situations like I have just described.   If your attitude about the outdoors tends toward being arrogant, don’t expect to earn a whole lot of respect from me.   Nope, not anymore.

© 2009 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved.   No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Comments

[Tom Sorenson]

Can't disagree with you - however, I can point out that there are many many mighty fine folks in the outdoor industry and in my experience the percentage of outdoorsmen are better folk to hang out with than non outdoorsy folk. It's all in perspective & what we want to look for in our fellow outdoorsman!

[Night Goggles]

In my experience there is an idiot where ever you go but the important thing is to keep a positive frame of mind and realize that we are not going to like everyone that we come across whether through business or pleasure but the majority I find tend to be well mannered and likable which is a good place to start.

[BigKill.com]

I think you find arrogance (or an attitude perceived as arrogance) more in outdoors folks because many outdoors folks are loners or just prefer to be alone. If I bump into someone in the woods I don't say anything unless spoken to. Let him/her enjoy the peace.