As a biologist I honestly didn't feel like people fearing the covid vaccines were stupid at all. I never did. They were only afraid and maybe lacked the needed scientific knowledge. Spreading fake news about it is another whole discussion, but whenever people came to me saying they didn't feel comfortable with the vaccines, I always tried to listen and explain as nicely as I could why they are needed for our health and everyone else's. Most conspiracies come from big changes and tap into people's fears. We live in strange times and a simple narrative is always seductive.
I'm such a big believer in listening to people's fears as you say instead of just dismissing them as stupid or on the fringes. Conspiracy culture is clearly a symptom of deeper issues and people feeling lost and ignored. Anyway great post and I'm hopeful reading it - we need more voices like yours in this space!
I see what you mean about the "personal brand"... and thanks for keep raising and talking about topics that overall need to be more current but never make it to "the news"!
Definitely going to read her book. Great article and I hear you. Personally I feel the line between what’s real / what might be true / conspiracy theory is a very blurry one.
I also feel like there’s no longer a clear distinction between what is “left” and what is “right” in politics or ideologies anymore. Many people hold opposing views on various topics and cannot be pigeonholed into one camp. It’s a messy looking soup from where I’m standing.
And as long as we’re busy trying to fight amongst ourselves, we’re going nowhere towards reimagining a world that is fairer for all.
Let the old systems crumble and die, it is time. But can we simultaneously work towards minimizing the impact on those who are already suffering the most? Is that possible?
As a biologist I honestly didn't feel like people fearing the covid vaccines were stupid at all. I never did. They were only afraid and maybe lacked the needed scientific knowledge. Spreading fake news about it is another whole discussion, but whenever people came to me saying they didn't feel comfortable with the vaccines, I always tried to listen and explain as nicely as I could why they are needed for our health and everyone else's. Most conspiracies come from big changes and tap into people's fears. We live in strange times and a simple narrative is always seductive.
Oh Yasmine as ever so much wisdom and great thoughts, great article that I will certainly share
I'm such a big believer in listening to people's fears as you say instead of just dismissing them as stupid or on the fringes. Conspiracy culture is clearly a symptom of deeper issues and people feeling lost and ignored. Anyway great post and I'm hopeful reading it - we need more voices like yours in this space!
I see what you mean about the "personal brand"... and thanks for keep raising and talking about topics that overall need to be more current but never make it to "the news"!
Definitely going to read her book. Great article and I hear you. Personally I feel the line between what’s real / what might be true / conspiracy theory is a very blurry one.
I also feel like there’s no longer a clear distinction between what is “left” and what is “right” in politics or ideologies anymore. Many people hold opposing views on various topics and cannot be pigeonholed into one camp. It’s a messy looking soup from where I’m standing.
And as long as we’re busy trying to fight amongst ourselves, we’re going nowhere towards reimagining a world that is fairer for all.
Let the old systems crumble and die, it is time. But can we simultaneously work towards minimizing the impact on those who are already suffering the most? Is that possible?
Another brilliant piece. Thank you!