There is a recent
REUTERS ARTICLE about a movement to make Feb 12, Darwin Day.
Now I found the rampant creationist movements across the western world mentioned in that article (particularly in the US and Britain) frightening. But I do not believe the answer is a Darwin Day, particularly the way these groups are going about it.
To start with, from a science perspective, the article mentions it is a group of atheists and humanists driving this campaign. DARWIN AND EVOLUTION HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH ATHEISM AND HUMANISM! This movement is actually counterproductive by linking moral and religious belief to a purely scientific endeavor. It will further alienate theists, as well as helping them maintain the many myths about what Darwinism or Evolutionary Theory are.
Secondly, as an American, I find this ridiculous. As much as I might admire Darwin, what on earth does he have to do with something in the US? I could understand if you wanted to celebrate Einstein (since he came to live here), or better yet Enrico Fermi (he split the atom damnit!), heck I'd even be up for giving that surfboarding scientist who invented PCR a day for himself. At least these people have something to do with the US and science.
I think it would be great too, in that not being associated with controversial subjects, it might excite people to get into science... and from there learn the truth about science.
Actually, why not George Washington Carver or Edison? These men were also scientists in their own way. Science and enterprise!
Well that's my rant. Do others feel it is a good idea to push for a Darwin Day? Would it change public attitude toward science in general or evolution in specific?
holmes
"...what a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away.."(D. Bros)