the problem with evolution

so, i suppose this post is a result of various people talking to me today about paleontology, the missing link, darwin, string theory, etc. — probably because people don't understand the difference between paleontology and archaeology — and their assumption that i would be excited about such news. and their assumptions would be correct if i considered myself a scientific archaeologist or even an archaeologist at all.

but i'm not excited. i'm completely the opposite.

personally, i believe in the science behind evolution. and i know it to be true, to an extent. but that is really not my main issue here. people tell me about the missing link being found and ask me if i'm excited. why? why is our society and culture so concerned about finding out "the truth"? why do we NEED to know? how does it benefit us? and do those benefits outweigh the political consequences it creates in the native community? the argument "oh, we're all immigrants here after all!" comes to mind. (google: vine deloria)

yes, i think the theory of evolution should be taught to students. but i think something is seriously wrong with the amount of importance we place on the theory of evolution — and the lack of diversity in education — and on archaeology as well. i find myself becoming more and more frustrated with this almost ravenous curiosity surging through our society. and the praising of those who are "seeking the truth." the "academics." we putt their worth and their value above those who do "less impressive, more menial" tasks, such as working the land for sustenance, a skill many academics (even those who study these processes) could not even begin to demonstrate successfully. but hey, talking about how to farm food is just as necessary as me as eating food, isn't it?

our culture puts too much importance on seeking the "truth" scientifically. knowledge is power. power is corrupt. education is probably the most important tool people can wield. unfortunately, the way our education system is setup, we're all learning the same things. we're regurgitating information put into us that was put into our parents into their parents and their parents. even darwin would argue that this is a bad idea. we're eliminating the diversity of the education of our community. if we all know the same things and think the same way, what good will come of that? what bad will be able to change? 

education should be personal pursuit of information, perspectives and process of thought and analysis. 

i'm surprised i was able to keep that rant so short.

there is more than one truth. and if you don't think so, that is the truth, too. ... don't even get me started on that one. 

so yes, i think it's cool that "the missing link" may have been found, but only for those who care. more than anything, it makes me raise my heckles even more.