[wolverine876]

> It has been a long time since any of those theories had any practical application.

That's a cliche, not why people are ignorant of science (if it's even true, which it's not), IMHO.

When you kiss your spouse or watch a sporting event or (go bird watching / play D&D / play your trumpet / <your hobby>), does it have a pratical application? Practical applications tend to be kind of boring, actually.

If you can't get excited about the fundamental laws of nature and a person's actual discovery of one - the reason for mass (such an incredible concept that it would be absurd to say if it wasn't true) - then the issue isn't partical physics.

For the broader public, I think these things just aren't explained well, and now there's the anti-science mis/disinformation.