Mostly Irrational...

climateadaptation:

Discovery Channel exploits wolf killing, garners highest cable TV ratings among males 25-54.

Lately, these shows have also filmed killing of wolverines, lynx, grizzly bears, rattle snakes, and crocodiles for no reason other than ratings. The wolf, above, was no threat to Tanana. The show exploits viewer’s naivete about guns by shooting this animal with an AR-15 semi-automatic gun. That’s not how Alaskans hunt, they use hunting rifles, not assault weapons that look good on camera. In fact, Alaskan outdoorsmen and women are appalled at this blatant exploitation of both the animal and the audience. There is no need for this.

My point is that we are at a critical time in human history. Species are going extinct at a rapid pace, science education is under attack from aging politicians, and young people are generally experiencing nature less and less.

I am genuinely worried about the future of this country’s environmental leadership. Federal conservation programs, which have taken decades to create, are weakening. The ethic of conservationism (a conservative ethos) is dwindling. Young people are being pulled in the direction of technology, and away from grandeur, away from fresh air and nature.

It seems to me that one important aspect of this messy new milieu are education based TV companies who heretofore have been untouched by healthy criticism.

I think it’s time to analyze the impact of these shows. I believe that the Discovery Channel et al are not contributing to a healthy planet nor are they assisting educating viewers. It seems to me they are mastering fear for short term gain and profits. If I am correct, and I believe I am, these companies need to stop and focus on their mission, which is non-fiction, education-based media - not sensationalism or harm.

I hope you agree with me.

oupacademic:

In this video Sally Le Page, a student at the University of Oxford, attempts to understand biology without evolution in less than a minute. 

She is one of four finalists that have been selected for the ‘Very Short Film’ competition, which challenged UK students to produce a one-minute film about a subject they feel passionately about for a chance to win a year’s tuition fees. Oxford University Press partnered with The Guardian newspaper to launch the competition in October 2012 and the winner will be chosen at a live final event on 20th March by a panel of judges.

Needless to say we received countless amazing entries from talented students around the United Kingdom, and we’re happy to share Sally’s with you. You can wish Sally luck on Twitter @sallylepage.