Perhaps one of the most pervasive modern examples of the extent that inaccuracy develops …show more content…
To understand the anti-vaccination movement, particularly when pertaining to the development of autism in children, we must first understand its origins. In 1998, Andrew Wakefield published a study in The Lancet which observed a link between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine in all eight participants. However, problems with the study quickly became apparent. The study was not properly blinded and it was unclear whether the effects observed were coincidental or causational. Ultimately, it was discovered that Wakefield’s observations were falsified, and his medical license was revoked. Despite Wakefield’s research being discredited, his claims live on in the world, particularly in online communities, aided by Wakefield’s continued dedication to anti-vaccination. However, a vast group of scientists and parents has developed to counteract inaccuracies perpetuated by Wakefield and activists like him. In the aftermath of Wakefield’s Lancet study, dozens of large-scale studies were performed – none were able to replicate Wakefield’s results. Now, a Google search for “dangers of vaccines” or even “vaccines and autism” show mostly the published research from …show more content…
It reflects the sentiment felt by Tomas – that mistakes incite progress and development in a positive direction. Increasingly, the benefits of mistakes are touted as being the best method for development in all parts of life – there are many books and articles that praise criticism for its benefits. An online lifestyle piece run by the New York Times (“Why It’s So Hard to Hear Negative Feedback”) instructs readers on how to receive criticism in a manner that facilitates progress, and dozens of other newspapers and magazines have sought to teach people to both crave criticism and properly give it. It is clear that the concept presented by Tomas has been embraced, though, mostly in a context that would improve the workplace. In this way, the concept that mistakes are positive is not uncommon in the modern world, and oftentimes people are instructed to crave being criticized for these