Posted by seahunt on February 27, 2002 at 12:57:09:
In Reply to: Machoism posted by Tribes on February 27, 2002 at 10:35:05:
It's funny cuz no one can see what you are doing under water...
(at least if you're solo) and in any case, how much does your
buddy know what you are doing?
I think I can truthfully say, that in a couple of the recent
cases, if I had been there and seen what others had seen, I
would have said something. It would have been mild, but I would
have said something. Then again I am a big guy and less worried
about provoking people with unwanted opinions.
It sure is a problem though and perhaps the primary one of the
diving community. It's one of the few that irritates me.
Diving appears dangerous. Perhaps that is why it attracts the
sort. Instructors have a degree of control. Perhaps that is
part of the problem.
Diving is a great personal challenge. People that like it for
that reason might feel their oats.
I talked to a guy in Hawaii that owned 5 shops. He said he quit
hiring men as instructors for that reason.
Then there is confidence. Even though I am cautious, I do remember
talking to a guy and thinking he probably didn't have much to tell
me that I didn't know. ... Then he told me a trick that I could have
used during a hairy regulator failure I had had. I don't think I
have made that mistake since (under normal circumstances).
Well, machismo is a characteristic human failing, but think of it
this way. Machismo is much less a part of the American culture than
some other places.
Enjoy the diving, seahunt