Posted by Wayne on February 27, 2002 at 11:39:19:
In Reply to: Machoism posted by Tribes on February 27, 2002 at 10:35:05:
I hate the macho crap as much as anyone, and I agree that it is a cause of many problems in diving. But it also is a problem in instruction. Macho instructors can give their students the impression that doing macho things is how you become a 'respected' diver. That has been one of the reasons I have always liked female instructors (all else being equal).
Way back when, I had a pretty macho instructor. I still remember being impressed with his bravado and such (I was young and impressionable at the time). Some of his machism seemed to be earned by experience rather than 'exotic' dives. I really do not remember enough of the details at this late date.
Nowadays, when I see a 'macho' instructor, it is often the case that the instructor has limited diving experinece and is trying to compensate by impressing his students. I think this is a dangerous practise.
I do not offer a solution, just the observation.
wayne