Noisy Negativists: Drowned Out by the Tinfoil Masses.

Greetings. Who are the noisy ones now?

The late Stanton T. Friedman often used the phrase "noisy negativists" to describe those individuals who think nothing of the UFO problem, people who cast aside the topic into the wastebasket of nonsensical, pseudoscientific beliefs. In decades past, the phrase may have had some merit, with people like the late Philip J. Klass attempting to debunk every single UFO report like it was going out of style. However, in today's environment, things have changed, completely.  

Nowadays, skeptical positions are seen as negative, as opposed to cautious, vilified instead of appreciated, looked down upon as opposed to respected and encouraged. People who adhere to mental processes that employ critical, rational, reasonable thought exercises are few and far between, about as common as a Kodiak Bear wandering the wilderness of Australia. The UFO believers, the ardently faithful, control the narrative, a position of power they will enthusiastically defend with vigor and blind passion. 

Take a cursory look at the various platforms on the Internet or social media. Are skeptical positions commonplace? Is critical thinking encouraged? No on both counts. Delusional beliefs are the norm, with the accompanying collection of ufological enablers, embellishers, and liars along for the joyride. Any inquiries concerning proof or evidence are immediately attacked, with the vast majority of members and followers falling into line behind the prevalent approach. Credulity is at an all-time high, with nothing off the tinfoil-wrapped table. People will believe anything and everything that is placed in front of them, especially when that something is being promoted by their favorite celebrity of choice, be it the unaccomplished Peter Robbins, the promoter of hoaxes Richard Dolan, or the retired clerk Nick Pope.

So where does this leave the greater UFO subculture? Does the current situation offer the chance for any answers or for the advancement of our collective knowledge about the UFO phenomenon? Again unfortunately, no. Why? Why is the real question isn't it. Well, the consideration of various unsolved and undetermined questions, regardless of subject matter, demand open, candid, and straightforward conversations. All points of view, all opinions, and all positions should have a secure place at the table of discussion. Regrettably, the UFO subculture does not often engage in such interactions, for the majority of the true believers already have their minds made up; it is aliens all the way to the bank. 

Even worse, credentialed and experienced researchers of the UFO problem can often engage in such biased, close-minded tactics, sometimes without even realizing it. Whilst not nearly as common as the actions of laypeople in the UFO arena, these researchers don't seem to be able to consider far more likely, mundane explanations, with their extraterrestrial beliefs and irrational conclusions firmly entrenched in their minds, never to be dislodged by any valid data and/or tangible evidence. 

The voices of more skeptical researchers currently active in the UFO world have far less volume, and are not heard by the deaf and biased tinfoil gang. Jack Brewer, Kevin Randle, Don Schmitt, and Alejandro Rojas, among others, number among those with more cautious, skeptical, measured, and dispassionate takes on the UFO problem. Of course, Mick West and Steven Greenstreet are at the top of the list, with the greater UFO subculture ready and willing to crucify them for not embracing the extraterrestrial, and for engaging in debunking efforts using accurate information. 

Noisy negativists are not the loudest voices in the UFO subculture any longer, the true believers currently hold that particular title, and are likely to enjoy a long, long, long title reign. They are the noisy positivists.

Thank you for your time and consideration.