General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Can you put down your pitchfork long enough to discuss the root causes of the anti-vax problem? [View all]frazzled
(18,402 posts)Part of it has to do with a resurgence of quasi-libertarian attitudes. A lot of it has to do with all kinds of whack ideas about food (I know people will come charging at me for saying this, but I'm sticking to my guns): just look at the crazy ideas that have spread like wildfire regarding gluten. Our groceries are stocked with gluten-free this and that, and restaurants tout gluten-free items on their menus (hello: yeah, brussels sprouts are gluten free). In reality, there is nothing the fuck wrong with gluten, except for a rather minuscule minority of the population with celiac disease. In fact, not eating gluten can be somewhat deleterious. There are no benefits to not eating gluten. But it's a rage.
We need a second Englightenment. I just happen to believe that trying to dissuade people from their beliefs never works. You must just go on by example trying to lead an enlightened life and hope others will follow eventually.