About 400 people packed the classic AFI Theater last night for the NIH-sponsored screening and discussion of Inherit the Wind. Here are a few follow-up notes, especially for attendees logging on looking for more information about topics discussed.
1. As I mentioned last night, perhaps the best book on understanding the science, the history, and the politics of America's decades long debate over evolution is Eugenie Scott's Evolution vs. Creationism, recently updated, expanded, and released in its 2nd edition.
2. For those looking for more details on the issues related to framing and public engagement that were discussed, see this final draft chapter in a forthcoming edited volume on science communication.
3. For a wider look at related themes on science communication generally, see this forthcoming article at the American Journal of Botany that I mentioned.
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I was at the AFI-NIH film last night and just wanted to thank you for the best post-talk of the series. I had to leave after some of the crowd's questions though as they were unbearable. Give someone a mike, right? They REALLY need to screen the audience questions and I think should make them be submitted on cards in advance - and be read by the event moderator. It will cut down on the ramblers and random crackpots. My 2 cents anyway.
What made the movie really come alive for me last night was the parallels I saw to the current issues of Food Justice, farmers, and ag research. Lots the mainstream media could be doing better to educate the general public on those as well.
Thank you again for the food for thought and I'll be checking on your blog sometime.
Kathy,
I appreciate the feedback. I think in terms of audience participation, it's important to make sure it's an open forum. Polite moderation with time in mind is key, but otherwise debate and contrasting views should be encouraged.
On the food debate, you might find this earlier post on the Food Inc. documentary of interest.
http://scienceblogs.com/framing-science/2009/06/food_inc_will_it_connec…