Academics and media types often give the impression that those who would like some mention of alternatives to evolution taught in their high schools are backwater rubes so far out of the cultural mainstream as to be flopping like beached fish on the riverbank.
A recent Zogby poll, however, gives us some insight into the question of who it is, exactly, who's floundering on the fringes of the "mainstream":
In response to a question as to whether biology teachers should teach Darwin's theory of evolution, but also the scientific evidence against it, 69% of respondents said yes.
If asked whether biology teachers should teach only Darwin's theory of evolution and the scientific evidence that supports it, only 21% said yes.
By more than three to one, according to Zogby, voters say that biology teachers should teach Darwin's theory of evolution, but also the scientific evidence against it. Approximately seven in ten (69%) side with this view. In contrast, one in five (21%) feels that Biology teachers should teach only Darwin's theory of evolution and the scientific evidence that supports it. One in ten is not sure.
When asked whether they strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statement: "When Darwin's theory of evolution is taught in school, students should also be able to learn about scientific evidence that points to an intelligent design of life" the pollsters got this result:
Strongly agree 51%
Somewhat agree 26%
Somewhat disagree 6%
Strongly disagree 13%
Not sure 4%
In other words, three-fourths of respondents (77%) agree that when Darwin's theory of evolution is taught in school, students should also be able to learn about scientific evidence that points to an intelligent design of life. Furthermore, a majority (51%) agrees strongly. In comparison, one in five (19%) disagrees with the statement.
Four generations of indoctrination have not persuaded the vast majority of Americans that only one side of this issue should be presented in the classroom. This is one reason why this issue is not going to go away.
The elites who know what's best for us are alternately bemused, frustrated, and outraged that the masses seem unwilling to accept their word for it that materialist explanations for life are perfectly adequate and true. In their simple-minded way the common, unenlightened folk appear to think that if something looks designed that, heck, it just might be.
