Prof Brian Cox says what he really thinks...

[raven]

Yes, but it puts it in the arena they can play in.
Anyone can insult. Only the truth has facts.
Besides, this isn't even a really good zinger.
It's a cut and paste 'If you believe x, you are stupid'.
Indy may have brought down the scimitar wielding goon with a single shot, but Doctor Cox is shooting blanks, in my opinion.

[Tedward]

He was chucking similar comments on astrology on one of the TV programs. Seems to have upset a few people. One the offended is an MP (Member for Parliament, an elected official).

[Gazpar]

I was debating with a HB in the Prof. Cox fb page until it seems he blocked me or deleted the thread. We were discussing why the lunar surface reflects light (really?) and why mountains appear to be near when they are very far. I presented him the evidence for each of his claims and he kept asking me the same question again and again until he was, I think, overwhelmed. At least some readers could see it to be informed. I went to his profile and I saw a lot anti-science stuff, ugh.

[Luke Pemberton]

Yes, but it puts it in the arena they can play in.

I'll take it in context given his position. I have no problem with what he said. It comes across as 'I've got better things to do than argue with people about Apollo.' Good for him, he says what he thinks without singling out any individuals. I really belive he has the earned the right to say it given all he has done to popularise science. It's a throw away line of a very busy and passionate scientist, and I'll take it at face value. If the hoaxies want to go and play in that arena then it shows that they are quick to run away from facts. They choose their areans to suit anyway, and often it's a little walled garden where they can't get hurt by facts.

[Andromeda]

He was chucking similar comments on astrology on one of the TV programs. Seems to have upset a few people. One the offended is an MP (Member for Parliament, an elected official).

Probably this guy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28464009

Having someone like that work in the departments he does genuinely frightens me.

[bknight]

there's a bit of choice language in this one, for those of a sensitive disposition to profanity

I like this one:

https://twitter.com/profbriancox/status/469856951871225857

It's a phrase he's used more than once on his twitter feed to describe hoaxnuts. I also think it works better without the 'k'.

And this link to a comic skit concerning a hoax, good stuff.

[Zakalwe]

He was chucking similar comments on astrology on one of the TV programs. Seems to have upset a few people. One the offended is an MP (Member for Parliament, an elected official).

Probably this guy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28464009

Having someone like that work in the departments he does genuinely frightens me.

Scary, isn't it? A bit like Jeremy Hunt, the current Health secretary supporting mumbo-jumbo such as homoeopathy.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/may/08/jeremy-hunt-homeopathy-studies-chief-medical-officer

<shakes head and walks away>

[Luke Pemberton]

Having someone like that work in the departments he does genuinely frightens me.

Almost as good as the UKIP MEP (Stuart Agnew) who argued that reducing carbon emissions across Europe will mean there is no carbon dioxide for plants to grow, so what will happen to our crops?

The look on the faces of others in the chamber, an utter delight.

[Tedward]

He was chucking similar comments on astrology on one of the TV programs. Seems to have upset a few people. One the offended is an MP (Member for Parliament, an elected official).

Probably this guy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28464009

Having someone like that work in the departments he does genuinely frightens me.

That's the fella. On the face of it I wonder how he is still an MP, but then he is in good company.

[smartcooky]

Almost as good as the UKIP MEP (Stuart Agnew) who argued that reducing carbon emissions across Europe will mean there is no carbon dioxide for plants to grow, so what will happen to our crops?

Bwwwwwhahaha!!!

[Luke Pemberton]

Al Murray has entered the fray on his Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/almurray/status/623402407851098112

[gillianren]

It comes across as 'I've got better things to do than argue with people about Apollo.'

Saying that is one thing, though I think the "conspiratorially minded" will see it as proof that he's in on the hoax.  However, I'm tired of the attitude that insulting people is being "plain-spoken" and "saying things as they are."  It's being rude and unhelpful.

[Luke Pemberton]

Saying that is one thing, though I think the "conspiratorially minded" will see it as proof that he's in on the hoax.

Which is how I interpret Prof Cox's comment. He can't be bothered, so either belive Apollo or join the ranks of the "conspiratorially minded." Except he chooses to call the "conspiratorially minded" something else.

However, I'm tired of the attitude that insulting people is being "plain-spoken" and "saying things as they are."  It's being rude and unhelpful.

I wouldn't advocate adopting the line as a primary/sole strategy. Maybe he's just tired of having his inbox filled and wants to have a bit of a vent. I think it's mildly amusing coming from a Professor of Physics, and one that's in the public eye makes it that bit more amusing. Despite posting several times in this thread, I'm not taking it seriously at all. It's nothing more than a bit of click bait, and a midly amusing one at that.

In fact, the down side of him speaking out is that he's probably brought the moon hoax into the public arena once more.

[smartcooky]

It comes across as 'I've got better things to do than argue with people about Apollo.'

Saying that is one thing, though I think the "conspiratorially minded" will see it as proof that he's in on the hoax.  However, I'm tired of the attitude that insulting people is being "plain-spoken" and "saying things as they are."  It's being rude and unhelpful.

Be honest now. Wouldn't the "conspiratorially minded" already be 100% certain in their own warped and feeble minds that Brian Cox was in on the hoax anyway. After all, he is a scientist, and these nut-jobs believe that all scientists the whole world over, regardless of disciplines or political borders, are in on this giant, global conspiracy to fool the public into thinking the Apollo landings were real.

I for one, find it refreshing that a person of Brian Cox's public profile doesn't mince his words, and says exactly what he thinks of these idiots, instead of towing the politically correct party line of pubic broadcasting. More power to him for doing so, and I would encourage him to continue treating these "conspiratorially minded" stupids with the utter contempt they deserve.

[gillianren]

What about intelligent people who just happened to learn enough about a conspiracy theory to believe it but not enough to know how wrong it is?  I know quite a few of those, and calling them stupid will just make them dig in their heels.