More Stupid Science Journalism
Dear Britain: What the fuck?
Half of British adults do not believe in evolution, with at least 22% preferring the theories of creationism or intelligent design to explain how the world came about, according to a survey.
My first reaction upon reading this was: Kudos to the British public! Evolution does NOT explain how the world came about. Creationism actually does that better, since evolution doesn’t even attempt it. If the survey actually asked them if evolution explains “how the world came about”, no wonder the results were abysmal.
Now, the question is, was the survey really as stupid as the Guardian makes it out to be? This press release from Theos Think Tank seems to dispel that notion. It’s simply the case that the journalists and editors at the Guardian has gotten their heads stuck up their asses. Unfortunately, so do the people at Svenska Dagbladet, a Swedish newspaper that picked up the item and pretty much translated the article from the Guardian.
Why, journalists? Why must you make my job so difficult before I’ve even got one? I’m very nearly contemplating giving up my career plans as a biologist to become a science journalist intstead. At least I’d be halfway competent.
(And no, I’m not even touching the fact that the British public is in sore need of some good science education. With newspapers like the Guardian around to confuse people, I’d say the figures cited are pretty good.)
Hat tip to Terra Incognita and commenters.
ETA: Bob Churchill sets things right. Dear gods, the whole thing’s a mess when you think about it.