When Al-Qaeda themselves claimed responsibility, even with overwhelming evidence aside? Why were so many people still reluctant, I was researching about this stuff and was shocked to see people who I respect a lot believe in this
When Al-Qaeda themselves claimed responsibility, even with overwhelming evidence aside? Why were so many people still reluctant, I was researching about this stuff and was shocked to see people who I respect a lot believe in this
The Venn Diagram overlap between anti-vaxxers, 9-11 ‘truthers’, and flat earthers is nearly a circle
Some would call them “independent thinkers”
What’s more admirable, to conform and be right or to think independently and be wrong?
I think the weaponization of ignorance is a more nuanced subject than a binary choice.
There is no merit in pushing significantly disproven ‘theories’ like flat earthism.
No doubt. But dang, when they call themself right because they quote the most popular authority, I feel a strong impulse to play it wrong.
I mean, I’d push flat-eartherism just to highlight the absurdity of the popular epistemology. But that’s generally a pearls-before-swine situation.
Funny you mention that, there is a Flat Earth society that was started as a joke with members just arguing for fun.
They were mostly all replaced by true believers by the late 90s, I got to watch it happen.
And it plays out the same way in so many ‘ironic stupidity’ forums.
The true believers have more zip than the careful contemplators, unfortunately.
This is a flaw in human nature that needs to be resolved before we move forward as a species.
It is no longer a survival benefit to follow loud, angry people.
I dunno man. The ugly sciencey guy is a hard sell. There’s gotta be a third option.
Smiling grandfather in nice suit? Sexy fascist lady? Furry?
It’s all theater anyway. The mob does not respond to reason.
I think Bill Nye gives us the best template: A kind of sciency guy with a background in media production.
The mob doesn’t respond to reason but it loves to be entertained, which is why we need more science communicators.
We need a Bob Ross for STEM.