Anthropology, 210 (Anthropomorphizing Nonhuman Primates Response)

Oversimplifying any interaction is a poor methodology, as one cannot fully know another's mind. This is true for humans and animals alike. You can attempt to predict, to estimate what a reaction may be, but there is always the possibility for surprise. As humans we tend to oversimplify to make daily interactions easier. We see sloths as slow, deer as docile, koalas as cuddly, and cats as smart even though all have been documented as having opposite character traits. In terms of nonhuman primates, to assume the worst is a little unfair, as they follow behaviour patterns very similar to humans. They work to protect the collective, and reserve aggression for when they feel threatened. There are plenty of instances of wild gorillas interacting with humans in a positive manner. If anything, one could view animals as acting more rational than many humans, for their actions are guided by instinct and less by emotional analysis.