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
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    9 months ago

    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
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      9 months ago

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

      • mods_are_assholes@lemmy.world
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        9 months ago

        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
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          9 months ago

          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
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            9 months ago

            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
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              9 months ago

              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 marching in the right direction. That’s all. Truth is utterly beside the point.