
A while back in GMO Skepti-Forum, Marc Brazeau asked for quality examples of narrative writing and the contents of that thread is worth sharing with you all. If you all have some more examples, please let me know, and I’ll add them to our library.

“In the end, if the public is concerned about companies such as Monsanto, rejecting science and shunning scientific reasoning is counter-productive. Controversies within the scientific community are not justification to abandon science, but rather further reason to encourage scientific literacy and reasoning. Not only does the public need to be skeptical of scientific institutions, but also of those who manipulate the public by claiming scientific authority and credibility. Although claimed facts may fit a worldview or ideology, these claims need critical analysis. Condensed forms of media such as memes reduce scientific ideas to commodities, replacing ventures into scientific reasoning; therefore, the public cannot rely on echo chambers and social knowledge, but must have the inclination to question messages analytically. Analogical and empathetical reasoning have advantages, yet neither serves well enough when evaluating scientific claims. Analytical reasoning reveals the deception of fallacious analogies as well as appeals to empathy. Honing analytical tools may be demanding; however, the patience is rewarded with an injection of trustworthy information and a higher immunity to thought viruses.” ~Knigel Holmes

“I wanted to be one of those people. I didn’t have the knowledge base that these people had, but I had the desire, and willingness to do hard work, so I jumped on board as a moderator, and started doing my part to help communicate science. It’s only been a year or two, but I’ve already grown, and the future looks bright. Whether I’m seeking out articles to bring to people for discussion, joining in on discussions to ask different questions, bringing evidence to help support or refute claims, searching for new tools and resources, or trying to contact professionals to help join the cause, I really love what I’m doing. It’s fulfilling, and it helps me in so many ways.” ~Ken Wood

I’ve realised the harm that comes from being uncritical. That those who aren’t speaking from a position of knowledge or education CAN hurt my family — by not vaccinating their children, by controlling what is taught in schools, and by influencing federal governments on environmental, agricultural and corporate amendments to bills. ~Julie Mellor-Trupp

Nodes of Science thrives on the idea of sharing a diversity of voices. One of our most important goals is to become a platform upon which people can gain confidence to share their perspectives. To us, that means creating spaces where scientists and other experts can share their knowledge in an open atmosphere, but it also means working with people to help them find their own voices. Academic expertise is valuable to us, but so are the experiences of people just starting to become involved in public science issues. Share your story with us and we’ll share your experience with everyone.
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