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This meme, that the average American is stupid and needs to be told what to do about everything, is patronizing and needs to die. The average 50th percentile IQ person has a finely tuned bullshit detector. When they sense they're being lead by an author or speaker toward making a certain decision, or feeling a certain way about the set of facts surrounding a current event, it makes them lose trust in the speaker, writer, and the institution they represent. People have everyday experience with this, for example the moment they realize the person in front of them is shamelessly trying to sell them a car, timeshare, etc. and likely does not have their best interests in mind. You immediately stop believing a word this person is saying. Contrast this with, say, the guy behind the counter at your favorite hardware store who you trust is trying to get you the right solution for your needs. The problem is when the speaker is an SME in a public service role. Trust in media, government, scientists, the academy, is low for good reason and it's causing huge problems in American society. Most people are, in fact, not stupid. If you educate them on the facts, don't project false confidence about subjective or uncertain things, and basically talk to them like adults, we will have a more educated society with way more trust and tolerance for evolving science. |