Explore the Grand Canyon with Scott, Newton, and Gish! Seats are now available for NCSE's next excursion to the Grand Canyon — as featured in The New York Times (October 6, 2005). From June 30 to July 8, 2011, NCSE will again explore the wonders of creation and evolution on a Grand Canyon river run conducted by NCSE's Genie Scott, NCSE's Steven Newton, and paleontologist Alan ("Gish") Gishlick. Because this is an NCSE trip, we offer more than just the typically grand float down the Canyon, the spectacular scenery, fascinating natural history, brilliant night skies, exciting rapids, delicious meals, and good company. It is, in fact, a unique "two-model" raft trip, on which we provide both the creationist view of the Grand Canyon and the evolutionist view — and let you make up your own mind. To get a glimpse of the fun, watch the short videos filmed during the 2009 trip, posted on NCSE's YouTube site. The cost of the excursion is $2545; a deposit of $500 will hold your spot. Seats are limited: call, write, or e-mail now.What the hell? A dual-model trip that shows both the creationists view and the evolutionist view of how the Grand Canyon was created? Ok, let me dunk my head in a bucket of ice water to cool down. Now it's time to regulate.
Point 1: Creationism is not only false, it is a fucking joke. It is not serious and should not be catered to even as a joke. It should be ridiculed until it becomes taboo to even hold the thought in your head. For proof that creationism is a goddamned lie, I direct you to this site.
Point 2: The theory of evolution has nothing to do with the creation of the Grand Canyon! It drives me insane that the word 'evolutionist' (which isn't a real fucking word) is applied to anyone who holds a different view of than creationists in any discipline. Think the Grand Canyon was created by a river over a long time? Evolutionist. Think the Earth is warming and god isn't going to save us? Evolutionist. Think the universe is older than 6000 years? Evolutionist. Don't have your head up your ass when it comes to facts? Evolutionist. It isn't a real word. Why don't we call it what it is: those who are creationists shall henceforth be known as “fucking idiots” and people who accept an Earth that is older than 6000 years are called “people who are not fucking idiots.”
Point 3: Why do we keep allowing these national organizations to set up the false dichotomies between science and religion? There is fact and then there is whatever the hell you want to call the views of fucking idiots. How about we do a tour of concentrations camps, but a dual-model trip that shows the side of holocaust deniers? Or perhaps we could take a tour of NASA with those who think that there is a giant alien conspiracy and we never landed on the moon? Do you know why we wouldn't do that? Because it would be stupid.
So remember, if you have $2545 to burn and are a moron, there is a rafting trip for you to take through the Grand Canyon.
Actually, if you read the description of the raft trip I dont believe the NCSE is a parody group. The person delivering the creationist view on the trip is the Assistant Director of NCSE and she is a staunch defender of Evolution. While I am no defender of creationism and often get irritated when they use the Grand Canyon to defend their " creation science", I do think that if NCSE really wanted to have a real debate about the two theories they probably should have found a creationist to give their side or else the debate on the river trip is a sham in some respects. They probably couldn't find a creationist to go on the trip and present their side, as they like to stick with a known audience and not be asked questions on evolutionary science that they haven't developed some pat answer to. Also, they might come away with some real information on the trip that may actually give them pause as to the relevance of their supposed "science". I think the trip sounds interesting to tell the truth.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know of the NCSE, I'm fairly confident that the sole reason for presenting anything to do with creationism would be for the purpose of mocking it.
ReplyDeleteWill, I have to call you to task for not doing more research before posting this blog. I met Dr. Eugenie "Genie" Scott and know of the work of the NCSE and they in no way have a pro-creationist agenda. I think what they're trying to do with this trip is to show people just how untenable the creationist point of view is. The reason they chose the Grand Canyon is because creationists try to say that the canyon formed in a day. The creationist argument doesn't end with the first two pages of Genesis. They continue through the Noachian flood as an explanation as to why we find different species in different geological layers. And while there isn't an actual dichotomy between religion and science, in the hearts and minds of the American people, there is and people like Genie are there to try to help the average American sort it out. I applaud her efforts and the efforts of the NCSE.
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