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Mounting antiscience aggression in the United States
Peter J Hotez1,2,3,4
1Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, and Center for Health Policy, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
Plos Biology
|July 28, 2021
Summary
Far-right extremism fuels a rise in antiscience aggression targeting biological scientists. This trend involves political figures and conservative media outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Political Science
- Sociology
Background:
- A concerning increase in antiscience aggression has been observed in the United States.
- This aggression is linked to far-right extremist ideologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the sources and manifestations of contemporary antiscience aggression.
- To identify the targets of this aggression, particularly in the context of public health crises.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of public statements and media reports.
- Identification of key actors and platforms involved in promoting antiscience narratives.
Main Results:
- Far-right extremism is a significant driver of current antiscience sentiments.
- Elected officials and conservative media outlets are actively engaging in and amplifying antiscience rhetoric.
- Prominent biological scientists involved in combating the COVID-19 pandemic are frequent targets.
Conclusions:
- Antiscience aggression poses a threat to scientific progress and public health efforts.
- The politicization of science, fueled by extremism, undermines evidence-based decision-making.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of this phenomenon.
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