Crichton’s State of Confusion website depicts the ways in which Crichton addresses real science matters, but is selective and sometimes mistaken when it comes to the basic science behind these issues. He bends the reasoning by selecting only the evidence that supports what he believes to be accurate, disregarding the reality that could potentially disprove his theories.
As we were discussing in class, Crichton is fully aware of the overall intelligence base of the audience he speaks to when it comes to understanding as well as interpreting the scientific knowledge, and quite frankly, there is an extremely small percentage of the population who have any background on the types of science he presents. He takes advantage of this by manipulating the general audience in a number of ways. First, he is well aware that a lot of people aren’t all chemistry or biology majors who are going to immediately be able to pin-point his exact errors or be familiar with the other side of the science he chose to leave out.
Crichton writes, “Higher temperature means more water vapor in the air and therefore fewer clouds.” Critics presume he meant to argue that if temperature is higher, relative humidity is then lower, creating fewer clouds. Another example can be found when he states that croplands are warmer than forested lands. In actuality, Crichton confuses this matter with the urban heating issue, because the croplands are actually cooler, since they reflect solar radiation. This website delves into other matters, further showcasing how he has come to persuade a large number of the general public simply due to their lack of expertise on the subject matter. As a student in the School of Nursing, and an avid science lover, I wouldn’t have even recognized these errors, so how is anyone going to? However, knowing that they do exist, it’s hard to sift through the fact, fiction, and confusion.
Point in case, this type of subject takes a lot of time and tedious researching to get down to the real facts, not just those given in this book. Many readers aren’t going to give a second thought to the information, but instead take it for what it is just because they aren’t properly educated on the reality of the matter.
I couldn't agree more, the audience is essentially the most important part of the success of any public figure. I think knowing how to work the right audience, especially when it involves science is one of the most dangerous aspects of pop culture. People believe what they hear from people who think are informed, and honestly, why shouldn't they. News broadcasters, celebrities, scientists... they have the money and all of the access to the big information. I feel that if an audience is gullable enough and doesn't research or even slightly question what is being regurgitated to them that the state of emergency is NOT global warming itself, but the ideas the the world possesses about it.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely that audience and understanding one's audience is absolutley critical, and it is preciesly this reason why Michael Crichton is so sucessful as an author and a public figure. He accomplishes himself, legitimizting as an expert, complete with footnotes that are "real." While becoming sucessful financially as well selling books, he knows his book audience and how to appeal to them, using sex and glamour and speed (the tempo not the substance) And it is preciesly this reason why I am not opposed to Crichton as an individual, while yes he is somewhat pompus and arrogant he is sucessesful in what he does. To strech he is the equivalant of Lady Gaga, slightly crazy but through knowledge of the the audience is able to appeal most greatly, thus becoming sucessful
ReplyDeleteI agree. I feel that it is very hard to decipher what is real and what it not. What is 'rhetoric' and what is 'science'. The misleading science delegitimizes Crichton's book. He tries to legitmize it by adding an introduction and footnotes, but the fact is, this is a storybook. His story-telling talent makes you want to believe him and identify with him but his falty science snaps you out of it.
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