We Need A Carl Sagan

I just finished watching the first episode of “Bill Nye Saves The World” on NetFlix. The episode’s about climate change. Bill presents some good information. Bill’s excited. Bill’s upset that more isn’t being done. Bill has an audience and guests and lab coats.

But… Bill Nye failed to connect with me. Period. And I’m in the choir he’s preaching to.

This is a part of the problem. Why it’s so easy for science denial to thrive.

We don’t have a Carl Sagan.

Carl Sagan had a very unique ability to connect with a wide audience. He made the topics he covered interesting, inspiring, fun. It was like he was talking to you directly. Having tea and cookies in your living room.

So… Who’s out there now? Who’s our “Science Communicator”?

Bill Nye? No.

Neil deGrasse Tyson? No.

Al Gore? Hell No.

It’s not that any of these guys lack the knowledge or foundation to speak on a whole host of science topics. It’s that they’re not reaching their target audience. In fact, they may be pushing them away even further.

Like many intellectuals, there is a belief that if they just explain something to you in enough detail, that you’ll have to agree with them.

That ain’t the case.

As an actor, I can tell you that in order to connect with your audience, you’ve got to go where they are. Physically, mentally and emotionally.

In their homes. Having tea and cookies. A one-on-one conversation.

Even if it’s broadcast to millions of people.

We. Need. A. Carl Sagan.

… and that person hasn’t shown up yet.

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com