Cryptids have always been one of my primary subject of interest. You will hear the same from many others, including scholars and skeptical writers – we loved these stories, and the idea of monsters, since we were kids. The fascination may never go away, even if we come to the realization that they are just stories, not evidence of undiscovered creatures. Objective interest can expand outside the confines of belief.
Enjoyment without the sticky issue of belief
On several occasions in cryptid forums, people have asked why “skeptics” (those who question claims of cryptids), are bothering with participating if they don’t think there is any truth to the claims. Those posing the question can’t seem to grasp the idea that you can enjoy something without a wholehearted investment of belief. For me, I’d say my investment is even greater because I used to believe in cryptids being real, like many kids did. Then I delved much deeper and learned how these legends formed, evolved, and how important they are regardless if there is any zoological validity to the tales at all.
The mystery of any particular cryptids will not be illuminated by assuming there is a new creature to be discovered that fits the popular description. That is both simplistic and extreme. It is also the worst explanation for cryptid, second only to some supernatural cause. Yet, it remains a popular take – maybe because it’s fun to be a seeker; the romantic mystery of it all fulfills a need.
It’s obvious to critical researchers that most popular cryptids are not new animals that have avoided being scientifically identified. We simply ARE NOT finding new animals that were previously considered legendary cryptids. (Please do not trot out all the pre-1950s examples. It’s the 21st century now.) It is unreasonable to state that we have missed finding the iconic Yeti, Bigfoot, Nessie, or sea serpent. The evidence, from all fields of science, is not there. However, the overall scenario of cryptids is far more interesting.
There are many and various factors that can result in people saying they had a cryptid experience – environmental conditions, priming, inexperience with local wildlife, etc. are just some. We can never know all the possible explanations that could be applied, but jumping to the conclusion that it is an unknown animal (that no one has ever solidly established as existing, let alone what they look like), is a far stretch.
Beyond belief
We are so exposed to the idea and possibility of a mystery creature that it seems plausible they are out there. Yeah, even though we know this Bigfoot body is fake, the fake is “based on” what witnesses said they saw. In our minds, the fiction and facts get conflated. The stories sound like good evidence. We want to think people are being sincere and accurate. There “must be something to it.”
Though usually harmless, that’s still not a good bet to make.
I’m interested in the broader picture. What mix of factors formed these foundational tales? How did they evolve, and what influential events turned the narrative or shaped it? How does society interpret or use the stories and images? What might people be observing or misinterpreting when they have these experiences? What does it mean to them? How is the cryptid used in culture, media, and by the people in the locations where they are reported?
My unpopular opinion is that looking for the cryptid is pointless. You may have an experience, but you aren’t going to find a cryptid. Looking at the greater phenomenon of the cryptid, however, is an endlessly fascinating journey. That’s why us nonbelievers are still enjoying the subject, which is as popular as ever. I’m not trying to kill the cryptids. Rather, I’m happy to see them live on and thrive in their place.
Correction: I changed the title because some people were reading it as directed to ‘them’ – as in “why are you here?”. That was not my intent.
Quite right Sharon. I don’t believe in religious miracles, psychics or that there has been convincing evidence of visiting alien spacecraft but my sceptical side still greatly enjoys finding out about the claims, the reports or whatever is the basis of particular beliefs.
Over time I have learned so much about the common fallacies used to supposedly support and explain the claims.
Experienced researchers and skeptics have usually already done the work and an essay about it from which I gain a better understanding of the details, various motives for magical thinking and how best I might weigh the value of various evidence in relation to a case.