ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

I drank from the creationist cup yesterday. I didn't realize until just now when I was cleaning up but now that I think about it, that particular latte did taste a bit funny ;) 

In case you don't know, Starbucks has started putting quotes on their take-out cups. Almost every one I've read has been dumb but this one takes the cake. 

How depressing it is to find out a place you've given so much money to is promoting such crap. Jonathan Wells no less. Here's the quote in case some of you haven't had the pleasure:

"Darwinism's impact on traditional social values has not been as benign as its advocates would like us to believe. Despite the efforts of its modern defenders to distance themselves from its baleful social consequences, Darwinism's connection with eugenics, abortion and racism is a matter of historical record. And the record isn't pretty."

- Dr. Jonathan Wells - Biologist and author of 'The Politically Incorrect Guide to Darwinism and Intelligent Design'

What bothers me the most is the misinformation this type of quote spreads. Darwinism isn't the same as the fact of evolution, nor even the theory of evolution by natural selection. Europeans use the term 'darwinism' to mean evolution by natural selection but they distinguish between this and the philosophical kind of Herbert Spencer and his lot. How insane it is to try and corrupt the public's support of science when the same, and so much more, could be said about what religiously fueled ideas like intelligent design have led to. A literal interpretation of the bible can be linked to far more tragedy and crimes against humanity then the politically charged darwinism implied in this quote. 

Even still, the abuse of scientific ideas - eugenics, atomic bombs, etc., is a problem for society to solve. To censor science or to decide some discoveries aren't true because of the consequences they might lead to is nonsense. It's not the ideas that are to blame, it's the idiots who manipulate the ideas for a purpose utterly devoid of science. I do think we should practice science responsibly and with a social conscience, and we should monitor how science is applied by those in power, but we shouldn't taint the objectivity inherent within the scientific method. Science is oblivious to prejudice and other unfortunate social realities. Civilization would crumble if we based our understanding of the world on what people felt was best for humanity.

To think of how many people will read this and turn their back against science is maddening. 

It's going to be difficult but I'm going to try and avoid Starbucks from here on out. The money I'll save should provide a strong enough incentive. I'll have to write some letters, too. 

Amanda

* * *
Amanda Chesworth
Educational Director, Children's Programming
Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
http://www.csicop.org
http://www.inquiringminds.org
http://www.campinquiry.org


***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]