In an article about the healing power of music there is an amazing quote:
Our intent is to help shift the public perception of science, so that people realize that science is as important as art, literature, film, theater
Where does this guy live?! (and can he get me a name of a realtor?)
What some scientists need to realize is that people are interested in science, but they don’t really want or need all the details. When people watch a movie or see a painting most are happy to just observe. Most people don’t want to know what cameras were used, what methods were used to accomplish certain shots. Likewise most people don’t care about the kind of brush strokes and paints being used to make a painting. It is important to know your audience. There is so much information in the world that one person can’t be bothered to learn the minute details of everything. Don’t worry, if someone wants to know more they’ll ask.
But if by “important” Mr. Greene means part of popular culture then he is dreaming. Science is important— anyone would agree, but let’s look at what is popular. Most people just want to forget their problems and vote for the next crappy singer on a gross reality-ish television program.
