Ashley ReynoldsI am begging the media to stop labelling people spreading disinformation as climate or vaccine “skeptics”
Using the word “skeptic” implies that there is reasonable debate to be had on the subject. Certainly, both climate science and vaccine development/implementation are complex subjects and experts might have disagreements on the cutting edge of the science. But climate change is real. Vaccines are immensely effective at preventing disease. Both of these statements are facts.
Tricot Feelya@ashinonyx Was it Kellyanne Conway who first used the term “alternative facts?”
Cassandrich@ashinonyx I've come to deem "skeptic" a lost word. You refrain from using it entirely if you have credibility.
Using it for death cultists gives them unwarranted legitimacy. Using it for actual practicioners of scientific demand for evidence where it's missing discredits them by popular association with the former group.
Sharon of the Strange Times@dalias @ashinonyx I agree. You can’t reclaim that word because organized skepticism is wrecked and culture will change word meanings on a whim.