Chapter 1: The Rise of Anti-Intellectualism

The show Ancient Aliens, broadcast on the History Channel, is a significant player in the anti-intellectual movement that undermines genuine scientific inquiry. By promoting the ancient astronaut theory, which is largely unfounded, it contributes to a growing skepticism towards established science. Critics have long denounced the series as rife with inaccuracies and fabrications.

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Section 1.1: The Profit Motive Behind the Show

Despite the lack of credible evidence, the producers of Ancient Aliens prioritize profit over truth. This is evident in the ownership structures of major media companies, including the History Channel, where large investment firms like Vanguard and BlackRock hold significant stakes. Their focus is on maximizing ad revenue rather than fostering informed discourse.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Historical Context

Chapter 2: The Flawed Logic of Ancient Astronaut Theorists

The first video titled "Ancient Aliens: Shocking Evidence of TIME TRAVEL?!" explores the sensational claims made by the show, scrutinizing the evidence—or lack thereof—behind such assertions.

The second video, "Ancient Aliens DEBUNKED!" offers a counter-narrative, presenting critical analysis of the theories posited by the series.

The ancient astronaut theory gained traction following the publication of Erich von Däniken's Chariots of the Gods in 1968. His arguments have faced significant criticism for perpetuating racist notions about the capabilities of ancient non-white civilizations, suggesting they could not have created remarkable achievements without extraterrestrial assistance.

As these theories proliferate, they often mirror the flawed reasoning seen in other contemporary belief systems, such as climate change denial and conspiracy theories. The simplification of complex topics resonates with audiences, allowing misinformation to thrive.

Circular reasoning is a hallmark of such arguments, where claims are validated by other unproven assertions. This is humorously depicted in the film Idiocracy, where absurd logic prevails in discussions about electrolytes.

If you pay close attention to Ancient Aliens, you'll notice a pattern in the narrative style. Questions posed by the narrator often lead to vague affirmations from "ancient astronaut theorists," creating an illusion of credibility. Yet, there is little in the way of substantial evidence to support these claims.

Barry Vacker's 2017 article critiques the show as an affront to rational thinking, asserting that it promotes a narcissistic worldview that centers humanity in a universe that is far more complex. Similarly, anthropologist Kenneth Feder has argued that the ancient astronaut theory is rooted in a willful ignorance of ancient engineering capabilities.

It's worth noting that Giorgio Tsoukalos, a prominent figure on the show, lacks formal academic qualifications in archaeology. His background as a bodybuilding promoter underscores the entertainment-driven nature of Ancient Aliens.

For a historical perspective, you can view Carl Sagan's debunking of von Däniken's theories in the PBS and BBC documentary from 1979, where Sagan famously stated, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence,” a standard that Ancient Aliens fails to meet.

Arturo, a first-generation Cuban American, navigates the intersection of politics and race and is the publisher of The Antagonist Magazine. You can connect with him on social media or support his work through various platforms. Join Medium to explore more of his writings and those of countless others.