Experts need not apply

I would argue that the opinion of ignoramuses carries more weight today than at any time in our history. Social media has made access to information far easier and facilitated conjecture by snake oil salesmen. Whereas these people were more readily recognizable as carnival barkers a century ago, today they are idolized by millions despite having zero credentials in the subjects they weigh in on such as the efficacy of vaccines or whether the earth is indeed spherical.

People like Candace Owens, Russell Brand and Joe Rogan can't help but appear like comical dolts to the educated but then there are more dangerous versions like Jordan Peterson whose word salad pronouncements seem to keep his fanboys spellbound. Rather than just stick to helping young men find life purpose, he expanded his right wing leanings onto Twitter and YouTube where his acrid opinions on cultural issues could be featured. Not surprisingly he will now be forced to take a media course if he values his professional license as no credible mental health professional would be so assenine as to behave thusly.

If we are in trouble as a society it is because opinions on any subject matter have equal weight to expertise and truth. That even the most credible sources don't have the complete picture on every subject is at least leaps and bounds better than trumpeting the unhinged ramblings of pure idiots.

Small wonder then that the leading candidate in the GOP race for president is an odious imbecile.

The mind boggles.