[furious1]

Superstition can be stifling when others around one are immersed in it .

Sure Aloka, people into superstition do not see it as such. Superstition has very subtle levels. The rough ones are about the number 13 and everyone laughs at that... but the situation change when it comes to what one believes or does in daily life. Also the most materialist person can feel some little bit fear when you tell him that a religious statue or paint are just that and nothing more; there is nothing there. But, as Ajahn said, "people might get offended" (or really mad); I can tell about that.