The beginning of chapter six in unspun discusses anecdotes and data which is basically a few theories do not prove a hypothesis. We are humans, unfortunately, want to see what we let ourselves see and if we really believe something to be true then we think it is. The importance of this fallacy reminds us as humans to always question what we are told and find the truth in everything as much as possible.
In reference to the "Case Study: Is Cold-Eeze 'Clinically Proven" section on page 118, I used to watch commericals or read ads on products before taking this class and just think "oh it's clinically proven so it's probably okay to use and it probably works" as most Americans more than likely think as well. A newer product example, similar to that in the text is the Airbourne supplement that claims it can reduce the length of a cold. It just astonishes me how people can produce a product, create a claim about that product and still manage to take people's money knowing that the product does not work. This form of lies and deception is something I could never do to the people of the general public.
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Erica,
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about "clincally proven." This class has taught me a lot about questioning statements such as this one, and to due research before you buy. I was just in the grocery store that other day and I can't believe how many slogans such as "better than ever," "new," "better than the leading brand" slogans I saw. There was at least one on every item. I guess, being Americans, we need to watch out for one another and truly "question everything!"
Ditto on the whole 'clinically proven' deal. When things are phrased in such a way as to definitely imply one thing without ever actually being true, every innocent consumer loses. This class is making me think more and more on the line between the freedom of speech and outright lying.
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