More Stupid TV
The Today Show ran a groveling interview with ex-Playboy bunny and newfound alternative med-queen Jenny McCarthy on Wednesday. The text of the interview is here, on the Website of the anti-vaccine group Age of Autism. The way that the alleged journalists on this program fawn over McCarthy is troubling:
“„Jenny: “I wish a member of the CDC, or the FDA or American Academy of Pediatrics could stand next to me on the front lines, and go with me across the country to see these women who have a voice that no ones listening to. And I say, you know what- they might have silenced our kids, but they are not going to silence the mothers.”
“„Reporter #2 (Ann Curry): “Well they certainly haven’t silenced you and your son is doing really well.”
“„Reporter #1 (Natalie Morales): “Good for you.”
“„Jenny: “Oh ya- we’re gunna…” (makes a hand gesture like she’s punching someone)
“„Reporter #1 (Natalie Morales): “You’re going to fight. You’re going to fight all the way”.
“„Jenny: “Ya”
“„Reporter #1 (Natalie Morales): “Well I know a lot of moms across the country are applauding your message today.”
“„Reporter #2 (Ann Curry): “Jenny McCarthy affecting our hearts and our funny bone.”
It’s troubling because of the fact that they’re sending a message to millions of parents who watch this claptrap. The message is that vaccines are dangerous, that it’s better not to vaccinate your kids. Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, and if vaccination rates fall we could be struggling with diseases that have been wiped out in this country. That’s the reality. But scientists don’t make good TV. They have an uncomfortable habit of cautiously sticking to the facts. And with the Bush Administration cutting into federal science budgets and independence, they don’t have the clout or credibility to fight back. I, for one, find this depressing.
