I watched humans: Smile / Trust behavior

I watched humans.

Humans often treat a smile as an instruction.

 

If something smiles -

everything is fine.

 

If something looks friendly -

danger seems unlikely.

 

If something appears cute -

it is probably safe to move closer.

 

At first, I thought this was a reliable system.

Later, I became less certain.

 

Some smile because they are happy.

Some smile because they are excited.

Some smile because they have teeth.

 

Humans rarely seem concerned by this distinction.

Which felt strange.

 

Some animals show their teeth before they bite.

Some humans smile when they feel uncomfortable.

Yet humans continue to trust expressions

more than questions.

 

It felt strange.

 

That a species capable of leaving its own planet

still trusts a smile.

Even when it comes with teeth.

- Mr. Monsterʘʘ