You can trust me - I’m an expert!!!
Do we have too many “experts”? Too many
people who can pontificate on any (and seemingly every) topic?
The author of the linked article says,
“I am (or at least think I am) an expert. Not on
everything, but in a particular area of human knowledge, specifically social
science and public policy. When I say something about those subjects, I expect
that my opinion holds more weight than that of most other people.”
“I never thought those were particularly
controversial statements. As it turns out, they’re plenty controversial. Today,
any assertion of expertise produces an explosion of anger from certain quarters
of the American public, who immediately complain that such claims are nothing
more than fallacious “appeals to authority,” sure signs of dreadful “elitism,”
and an obvious effort to use credentials to stifle the dialogue required by a
“real” democracy.”
*****
I remember a statement (I hope I have it
correct) - that when two Frenchmen get together there are three opinions - the
first person’s opinion: the second person’s opinion and their joint
opinion.
With too many (my assertion) political talk
shows, where the hosts need to “attempt” to cover both sides of an issue - so
they need at least two “experts”. Let’s say we need an expert on COVID-19
- so the host (probably the program producer) contacts some ‘experts’ -
hopefully ‘experts’ with opposite views - and puts them on the air. And,
most likely doctors, researchers, scientists with strong credentials. But
(let's be honest) - there are some such experts who would make watching paint
dry a much more enjoyable activity.
Being a bit dubious here - such television
programs rely on advertising to keep going and to pay staff. Boring
programs get less television revenue. The advertisers want “more eyes and
more ears” hearing about their products and services - and a show with low
viewership doesn’t attract their advertising dollars as much.
If a political show can have ‘experts’ who can
be a bit flamboyant - that can raise viewership and thus increase
revenue. (Does money control everything?) If they get Dr. John Q. Boring
as an expert on their program and Dr. John puts people to sleep or causes the
viewers to switch channels, they lose. So, they need to work on experts
who can help the ‘entertainment value’ of the program (that is, keeps the
viewers watching).
It seems from this article, that the louder the
voice, the better an expert they are.
The author pointed out a particularly outspoken
woman who asserts that vaccinations cause autism - based upon some research
that “had fabricated his research as part of a scheme that promised him
millions of dollars. <He> suffered a dramatic public downfall—his medical
license stripped; his paper retracted from publication—but the damage was done.
His propaganda had led to decreased immunization rates and an outbreak of
measles in London.”
BUT the damage was done. I get notes from
some people that some expert says <something> - and when checking trusted
sources (like Snoops) find out that the concept was totally off base. The
idea, unfortunately, gets stuck in the head of the viewer/listener.
*****
I want to speak against this article!!
I do have an earned doctorate, from a
well-known, reputable university - therefore I am qualified to be an expert!!
(in any and every field). I can see the screen now with “Dr. Karen White,
Ph.D.” scrolling on the bottom. I can be flamboyant enough. I can
raise my arms and say “WOOO” and people will either believe me - or at least
stay watching the program through the commercials!!!
People don’t need to know that my doctorate is
in Computer Information Systems and that I know next-to-nothing about COVID-19
or any of the topics that I can eloquently talk about!!
I want to get on the ‘gravy train’ of being an
expert - of being recognized when I walk down the streets. (WOW - there
goes Dr. White, she is quite the expert on <topic>!!!)
The lady in the second article proudly proclaims
that her education is from: “The University of Google,” she said to Oprah, “is
where I got my degree from.”
*****
Alas, I guess I can’t be an expert. I
worked hard on my doctorate, I did original research and have done research
since receiving my degree. Sure, I use Google - but I don’t have my
degree from there!! (But, maybe the University of Google wins more
football games than does the University of Nebraska!!!)
Oh well, back to my humdrum life of a retired academic
and an expert in a field that nobody needs!!!
Hugs (and wishes for discernment and love!!!)
Dr. Karen
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