Trust is the Solution to Anti-Science
To combat anti-science and other conspiracy theories, we need more empathy and trust in our society.
I've always struggled to grasp how someone could genuinely believe humans never landed on the Moon in 1969. Science, after all, is a discipline built on centuries of rigorous standards, constantly evolving and self-correcting. What could possibly shake someone's faith in such a robust institution?
This question was at the forefront of my mind when I finally picked up Jonathan M. Berman's "Anti-vaxxers," a book that had sat on my shelf for five years. I bought the book at the beginning of the pandemic with every intention to read it then, but dedicated all of my reading time to focusing on graduate school and navigating a worldwide crisis.
Berman, one of the founders of the March for Science movement, traces the history of the anti-vaccine movement, spanning from 1796 England to the 2019 Internet age, adding sociopolitical context to each era. The arguments made two centuries ago aren’t far from those made today: safety and efficacy concerns, body autonomy, and distrust in government. The primary difference lies in the method and reach of distribution. Pamphlets and letters circulated only so far compared to the expanse of the internet.
While misinformation, disinformation, and bad actors are riddled in the antivaxx movement, Berman’s research suggests parents are trying to make informed decisions. The depth of the internet makes finding good information a difficult pursuit. I left this book thinking about how to help individuals I know find better, accurate information when relying on a person they trust. Parents and others are looking for accurate vaccine information so they can protect their children. When we belittle, ignore, or bully those with concerns, we only reinforce the belief that they cannot trust us with their personal struggles.
Trusting anything—vaccines, the government, science, a person—is not an overnight phenomenon. It is like the trickle of charging your phone battery. You need to cultivate and commit to the relationship, taking their concerns seriously. Instead of being aghast that a person across from me thinks we never landed on the Moon, I should strive to approach the conversation with empathy. Perhaps there is something we do agree upon and we can build from there.
“Anti-Vaxxers” by Jonathan M. Berman (2020) can be found where books are sold, including Bookshop. Berman is an assistant professor in the Department of Basic Sciences at NYITCOM-Arkansas.