How gullible are we?

**Kadagar_AV** · 05-10-2009, 03:56

This is an old experiment, but it has just been repeated in Sweden.

A student tried to get people to sign a petition to ban "dihydrogen monoxide".

Why?

it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting.
it is a major component in acid rain.
it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state.
accidental inhalation can kill you.
it contributes to erosion.
it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.
it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients.

92% were FOR the ban.
7,5% were undecided
0,5% understood it was water.

An american experiment has been made showing about the same statistics.

What does this say about democracy, when 92% of the population wants to ban water if you put it the right way?

**Jolt** · 05-10-2009, 04:01

BAN DEMOCRACY!

**Evil_Maniac From Mars** · 05-10-2009, 04:04

It shows that 92% of the population needs to go back to high school and retake a science course.

**Lemur** · 05-10-2009, 04:27

Kadgar, I think you're mis-attributing the source here. I think you will find that this is where this experiment came from.

**Kadagar_AV** · 05-10-2009, 05:42

Originally Posted by Lemur

Kadgar, I think you're mis-attributing the source here. I think you will find that this is where this experiment came from.

Don't get me wrong, I have the GREATEST respect for P&T...

But they were not first :)

**Scurvy** · 05-10-2009, 08:19

Its been said already, I had no idea what dihydrogen monoxide was, and I doubt I will remeber it. If someone gave me that list of side-effects, having ambushed me with a clipboard, I might just sign it to make them go away. we have opposing parties, and the media to 'protect' the elctorate from such things, although no party would ever propose it anyway.

**Incongruous** · 05-10-2009, 04:27

Bogus.

If it was brought up a national agenda, then the party proposing it would be hammered not just by the opposition but by independent scientists, people would understand and tell those who were for it to bugger off.

Democracy saved!

**Sasaki Kojiro** · 05-10-2009, 04:31

It shows that 92% of people will sign something just to get you to quit bothering them.

**CountArach** · 05-10-2009, 05:11

I didn't get that it was water until I thought about it for a little while - I didn't pay much attention in science and I dropped it as soon as I was allowed to.

All this shows is that explanation and debate is important for Democracy. Without it stupid decisions will be made.