Today's Scientists are Increasingly Vilified

by Alex A. Kecskes

Scientists face a dilemma not unlike the days of De Vinci, when men of science were vilified for stating their discoveries (e.g., the earth is not the center of the universe).

Today, many in the media doubt the veracity of some current scientific discoveries—everything from the link between climate change and man-made carbon dioxide to the benefits of GM crops. Many scientists suffer attacks from critics in the blogosphere and the mainstream media.

As one Nobel Prize winning scientist observed, "science has created our modern world so I would like to understand why scientists are under such attack and whether scientists are partly to blame."

Perhaps they are partially at fault. Today's scientists can't afford to duck under the cover of academia. They need to confront their critics head on with facts that refute disbelievers. The pernicious mix of media and politics often distorts scientific findings to fit specific agendas. In some cases, the vilification and distrust leveled at scientists has gone beyond the pale. As a result, the general public is often denied the true import of scientific discoveries. And it goes so far as to erode the trust many have placed in scientists.

One notably polarizing branch of science is Climatic Research. While media have often derided scientific findings, four independent inquiries have cleared the scientists involved of scientific fraud or misconduct.

For an additional perspective, check out this video:


Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.