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

  • mods_are_assholes@lemmy.world
    1·
    9 个月前

    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.

    • Dr_Satan@lemm.ee
      11·
      9 个月前

      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.

      • mods_are_assholes@lemmy.world
        2·
        9 个月前

        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.

        • Dr_Satan@lemm.ee
          11·
          9 个月前

          The true believers have more zip than the careful contemplators, unfortunately.

          • mods_are_assholes@lemmy.world
            1·
            9 个月前

            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.

            • Dr_Satan@lemm.ee
              11·
              9 个月前

              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.

              • mods_are_assholes@lemmy.world
                1·
                9 个月前

                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.

                • Dr_Satan@lemm.ee
                  12·
                  9 个月前

                  Or we could just do what’s proven to work.

                  One lie-spewing puppet for the people who like vanilla. Another for those who prefer chocolate. Maybe a third for those strawberry-loving weirdos.

                  We want to keep them (the oblivious masses) marching in the right direction. That’s all. Truth is utterly beside the point.