Bet on the Winning Dodo: Darwinism or Intelligent Design
A new film about the creation-evolution controversy is coming out, titled Flock of Dodos. Randy Olson, a marine biologist with a PhD in evolutionary ecology and another degree in filmmaking, decided to put this documentary together to help scientists realize that they are behind the curve on marketing their ideas. According to the Kansas paper Lawrence Journal-World, Olson claims his purpose is not to take sides, but to highlight the importance of public relations. The film is “slated for upcoming preview screenings at Harvard University and other prestigious venues.”
Flock of dodos. Wonderful. Such a scholarly, uplifting title. With an evolutionary ecologist running the show, any doubt who will be labeled as the real dodos? Do you think the word dodo will stand for “Darwin Only! Darwin Only” to an evolutionary ecologist who will be showing off his work at Harvard?
There is a slight chance he will warn his fellow Darwinists they might go extinct without better marketing, but more likely, the blurb sets the odds: “Filmmaker and evolutionary ecologist Dr. Randy Olson tries to figure out who exactly is the flock of dodos.” Compare this attitude with the respectful, evidence-focused comportment of films like Unlocking the Mystery of Life and The Privileged Planet. The Darwinist strategy is, when you can’t block, mock.