Conspirituality Brief: Karma & Christ at the NIH
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Apr 12, 2025 Jay Bhattacharya's appointment as the new director of the NIH sparks discussions on potential shifts in public health policy. The conversation critiques how marginalized experts are portrayed in the COVID discourse, including the controversial Great Barrington Declaration. Trust in science and the impact on marginalized communities during the pandemic are examined. The tension between scientific integrity and political influences becomes a focal point, along with the complex issues surrounding autism, vaccines, and public health consequences.
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Bhattacharya's Appointment
- Jay Bhattacharya, a controversial figure in the COVID-19 debate, was appointed director of the NIH.
- His appointment follows a restructuring of the agency under RFK Jr., who aims to address America's chronic disease epidemic.
Religious Framing
- Bari Weiss frames Bhattacharya as a victim of religious fundamentalism due to his heterodox views on COVID-19.
- She uses religious terms like "heretic" and "untouchable" to describe his marginalization.
Heterodoxy in Science
- Bhattacharya's "heterodox" views are presented as rebellious and insightful, even if they go against scientific consensus.
- This framing is similar to arguments used by creationists and climate deniers.