XKCD Cartoon

Everybody Always Gets This Wrong, Even Smart People

gregladen | September 13, 2016

This is a great cartoon by Randall Munroe that makes a very important point very effectively. Spread it around, love it, learn from it. Here is an excellent video walkthrough of the cartoon, discussing its value as a communication tool. But do ignore the details of the prehistory because the cartoonist has fallen into the same trap so many others have, well meaning in intention but simply a) not an expert on key things and b) unaware of the real consequences of getting certain things wrong. When we represent prehistory, we represent humanity both past and present. It is not difficult to do…

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