Suppression of Dissent

[Turquesa]

I found a long but worth-reading article on how suppression of dissent manifests itself within the scientific community. The author mentions vaccinations but elaborates on different examples (e.g. fluoridating public water supply). Nonetheless, it shows some pretty powerful ramifications for those who dare to question vaccine dogma.

I hope that at least some of you get around to reading it. The longer version is better and more thorough, but the author published a shorter version in Newsweek.

Here's an excerpt from the longer article:

What can be called suppression of dissent in science typically has two components. Firstly, a scientist does something - research, teaching, making public statements - that is perceived as threatening to a powerful interest group such as a corporation, government department, or professional group. Secondly, agents or supporters of the powerful interest group make attempts to stop the scientist’s activity or to undermine or penalize the scientist, for example by censorship, denial of access to research facilities, withdrawal of funds, complaints to superiors, reprimands, punitive transfer, demotion, dismissal, and blacklisting, or threats of any of these.

[heathergirl67]

Very interesting! I saw a documentary that had a similar theme, but the focus was on scientists who believe in God and how they're ostracized by the scientific community. I forget what it was called... It had Ben Stein in it.

[hildare]

ooh-- I am saving this to read slowly when i get a chance. thank you for sharing it.. a Foucault quote right at the beginning.. i imagine i will enjoy this one!

[Marnica]

Yes! I had read this some time ago. It reminded me of what Bernice Eddy went through when she suggested that SV-40 in the polio vaccine may have serious implications (ie cause cancer)

[dannic]

Originally Posted by heathergirl67

Very interesting! I saw a documentary that had a similar theme, but the focus was on scientists who believe in God and how they're ostracized by the scientific community. I forget what it was called... It had Ben Stein in it.

Expelled. I think this is common--don't buck the "party line".

[xmasbaby7]

that is perceived as threatening to a powerful interest group such as a corporation, government department, or professional group.

I still feel like he is placing the blame outside the science community here for the most part. He forgot to add simply, "threatening to the way the science community teaches, believes and/or practices."