Neil DeGrasse Tyson, "There are certain aspects of science denial that are squarely in the left"

[progressoid]

Unfortunately the "discussion" falls apart. Kind of like DU discussions!

[trotsky]

1. Very, very true.

Science denialism crosses political boundaries, sadly.

[Hop David]

2. Left wing as well as right wing DTF

Last edited Wed Jun 8, 2016, 04:45 PM - Edit history (1)

Neil's right that many liberals as well as conservatives are clueless when it comes to science and math. Most of the U.S. citizenry are DTF.

Evidence that liberals are scientifically ignorant -- most take Neil seriously. Someone with some knowledge of biology, aerospace, medicine, etc. would be constantly cringe as Neil dishes out one piece of misinformation after another. See Fact Checking Neil deGrasse Tyson.

An example is Neil's video on GMOs

. He argues GMOs are safe because we've been practicing genetic modification for centuries in the form of artificial selection. All the meat and produce at the grocery store comes from domesticated plants and animals who've been altered by selective breeding. However genetic modification as practiced by Monsanto is not artificial selection. Artificial selection favors traits that already exist in a population's gene pool. Monsanto GM takes DNA from one species and splices it on the genes of another. See this primer: Genetic Modification explained.

Which is not to say GMOs are bad. I'm not making that argument. I'm merely pointing out Neil is a fucktard when it comes to biology.

[Orrex]

6. DTF also means something other than what you probably intend to convey here.

Some Liberals of my acquaintance are indeed DTF, and more power to them.

However, you should perhaps reflect upon the guidelines for the group in which you're posting.


Otherwise, welcome to DU. You'll fit right in with a distressingly large population here.

[TacoD]

11. Was gonna post a similar response. What does "DTF" mean? I am only familiar with the "other" meaning

that you refer to.

[Warpy]

3. There are crusaders in the Democratic Party

and given the daily barrage of glyphosate hysteria and anti GMO posts, I've been wondering where the borderline between information and spam lies and have been considering contacting the GD hosts with just that concern.

Some of that stuff belongs in the creative speculation group.

[HuckleB]

4. Steven Novella's take on this.

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/liberal-vs-conservative-antiscience/

[progressoid]

7. I like this simple line of his,

"people tend to be anti-science whenever science confronts their ideology."

I will admit I've been guilty of that. I'd like to think it is a thing of the past but it will likely happen again.

SCIENCE!!

[HuckleB]

8. One has to be really purposeful in challenging ones' perception.

I used to buy into various alt med nonsense, anti-GMO foolishness, and organic is good silliness. I'm not sure how I overcame that. It was a long journey. Luckily, I didn't buy any anti-vaccine nonsense, and that led me to learn much more about other topics, and how science works, in general.

[Archae]

10. For me it was belief in "ancient astronauts" and the "Bermuda Triangle."

Best book I remember that really changed my mind big time was "Flim Flam" by James Randi.

he obviously delighted in destroying those Italian "psychics."

[Springslips]

14. I have one that will beat you all...

Reverse fn speech!

Oh young springs, so nieve.

I think some of us are so passionate about checking woo because we are pissed about buying into it on the past. I kniw I am.

[Orrex]

5. That's an educational thread for me

For instance, I've learned that vaccines can only be considered safe if "there (sic) are perfectly harmless and never cause problems or adverse side-effects."


Signs and wonders.

[progressoid]

9. Yeah,

There is some serious cognitive dissonance and circular reasoning in that thread.

Kudos to you guys for fighting the good fight. I didn't have the energy.

[Dr. Strange]

12. Some people are allergic to asparagus...

therefore asparagus is poisonous and unhealthy.

Something most people are ignorant about, thanks to Big Asparagus.

[progressoid]

13. Probably because it's gmo asparagus.

My all natural, gluten free, asparagus grown using Reiki massage is safe for everyone. It won't even make your pee smell funny.