Recent Comments
Re: “Space Nerds Protest in Times Square For Right to Nerd-Out Over Space Minivan Shuttle”
As the Uber-geek father of the child mentioned above I am also appalled at the author's comment, as well as the editor's decision to publish it. Without any knowledge of the boy's intelligence, interests, schooling or other credentials the author has decided to puncture the child's optimism toward the future.
My son is, in my opinion, quite bright, and has researched dinosaurs for over three years now. Yes, researched, not just watched "Jurassic Park", or "Barney". His knowledge of the subject is extensive, and far exceeds my own. I would put him into a challenge against any entry level college student in Paleontology and expect him to show quite well. He can quote Drs. Bakker, and Horner as well as debate their individual opinions on their most recent publicly discussed works. He has attended lectures by Dr. Jane Goodall and E.O. Wilson, as well as many other lectures for adults. We regularly visit the American Museum of Natural History and he has read dozens of books on paleontology, including some for high school age or above.
With all that I can still understand that a seven year old's desires for an occupation in the future is not set in stone and he may not get any of the three mentioned jobs. Nonetheless it does not make sense to me for the author to attack the child. I was quoted in that article as well, and in several others. Why not pick on the adult?
All I can say to the author is that based on his above work, I can tell you that in my opinion when he grows up he won't get a job as a journalist.
Kevin
