Peter, Here is one data point for you….as an evolutionary ecologist who (ironically) has parents-in-law who are ardent Rush Limbaugh fans, I have quickly learned that it is very difficult to change some people’s perspectives if they are not open to consider different options and facts in the first place (I’ve been trying for nearly 25 years). The world can sometimes be a scary place, especially for the generation who went through the Great Depression, and at least in my experience, I find that my in-laws are eager to blindly accept what they are told by someone they deem to be knowledgable (and for my in-laws, being a radio personality counts for this). Interestingly, my own parents have much different philosophies so this cannot be a blanket statement for the entire generation. On a much more positive note, I think that is very different for younger generations with different life experiences - especially with the advent of social media and early exposure to new ideas and facts.
By the way, I have also learned that supporters of Limbaugh’s ideas can be found in all areas of society and I would not be surprised if some are on this list serve. Just a thought. Cheers, Theresa Theresa M. Culley, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Biological Sciences University of Cincinnati 614 Rieveschl Hall Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006 Office: 703 Reiveschl Hall Tel: 513-556-9705 Web: www.homepages.uc.edu/~culleyt/CulleyLab.html<http://www.homepages.uc.edu/~culleyt/CulleyLab.html> Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> On Jul 19, 2017, at 10:24 PM, Peter Morrison <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: The Big Question: Is it possible to change the minds of people that listen to and believe Rush Limbaugh? This would be a great scientific study. Perhaps some scientist could determine the success rate of various methods for changing minds of his listeners? The results would be very interesting! Kind regards, Peter Morrison -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Perrine Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 3:47 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Limbaugh belittles extinction crisis Apparently, some people think Rush Limbaugh "is a big fat idiot." https://www.amazon.com/Rush-Limbaugh-Big-Fat-Idiot/dp/0440508649 While Malcolm's points are undoubtedly valid, I wonder who of the folks that listen to Rush Limbaugh will find them compelling. We can preach to our choir, but I wonder if we'll change any minds, especially among those who think we academics are pointy-headed whiners who worship trees and are ultimately trying to destroy the American economy. If anything, you could send this thread and its supporting evidence to Al Franken to use in his next book, read into the Congressional Record, etc. - John P. John D. Perrine, PhD Associate Professor / Curator of Mammals and Birds Biological Sciences Department California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, California USA 93407-0401
