The Legacy of Anti-Intellectualism in Archaeology

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There is absolutely a legacy of anti-intellectualism and nihilism going on here that they don't want like, you know, mainstream archaeology. And particular archaeology massively intertwined and entangled with colonialism over the last couple hundred years. Could the so-called new energy really be inherent in shamans accessed only while in a sort of dream state? Is it possible that the genetic makeup of these medicine men is what allows them to access other dimensions? The sun bush people have a tradition that they are the first tribe ever created.

On this Live Show Beg-a-Thon, recorded on May 17, we discuss the pop culture phenomenon and appeal of pseudoarchaeology in its many forms, from fraudulent alternative history books like Erich von Däniken's 1968 book, Chariots of the Gods? Unsolved Mysteries of the Past, to television series like "Ancient Aliens" and "Ancient Apocalypse."

Alongside guest Dr. David S. Anderson, we discuss how phony "what if?" theories often go beyond the goofy, guilty pleasure premises of extraterrestrial visitors and lost civilizations to promote Eurocentric, racist pap and a mindless distrust of "the scientific establishment" in the stupidest and least productive way possible.