Kelsin Landers, Ph.D.
What purpose does the dinosaur conspiracy serve, and who benefits from it?
– Olivia N., Irvine, California
The term “Museum Industrial Complex” has been applied to the collaboration of institutions and industries that perpetuate the dinosaur myth. It is not a name by which this system is widely known, but under such a framework at least some possible beneficiaries and their motives could be worth looking at.
Scientific Elitism: A pecking order of influence prevails in the academic and scientific world, with much leverage held by some experts and institutions over research funding and public perception. This dinosaur narrative can also perpetuate the positions of those who built their careers upon it.
Education Industry: The educational sector, with all its textbook publishers and other educational institutions, works together in disseminating the narrative of the dinosaurs. These industries generate an income through the provision of dinosaur-related curricula and material, which in turn continues to promote the establishment of an apparatus designed to teach for profit in return.
Media and Entertainment: In the media and entertainment industry, interest in dinosaurs is cashed in through movies, merchandise, and theme parks. Any institution that can be categorized under this complex can exploit the interest of the public in dinosaurs, adding to their bank balance.
Distraction from Relevant Issues: The dinosaur myth serves as a distraction from pertinent contemporary issues, unconsciously or even consciously. Keeping the public busy arguing about prehistoric creatures will divert attention away from more immediate issues.
Control of Knowledge: Through the Museum Industrial Complex are institutions and persons who have vested interests in the shaping of historical discourses. This knowledge control shapes the norms and values of society for the indirect betterment of those possessing such control.
Government Influence: More often than not, the governments themselves work hand-in-hand with the institutions and industries involved in the Museum Industrial Complex. If anything can make the dinosaur narrative relevant to governmental interests, then that will be through the contribution it can make towards social stability and towards the distraction of people from controversial subjects.
The Museum Industrial Complex broadly provides a framework in which to contextualize the many different motivations and beneficiaries which may contribute to perpetuating the dinosaur conspiracy. Indeed, it is through scientific and objective approaches that we can closely look into the web of interests at play within this complex narrative.
Dr. Kelsin Landers earned distinction as one of the first recipients of a doctoral degree in Antipaleontology from CAD University. Driven by a profound curiosity about ancient life, Dr. Landers’ academic journey focused on decoding Earth’s past, sifting through the myths that pervade our collective understanding. His research significantly expanded our understanding of extinct organisms, particularly in the southern regions of the planet, and paved the way for new scientific exploration. His dissertation, titled “Antipodean Perspectives on Ancient Flora: A Paleobotanical Journey through the Southern Hemisphere” garnered acclaim for its practical methodologies and insights.
Dr. Landers is known for his adventurous spirit. A dedicated mountaineer, he once stumbled upon a rich deposit of well-preserved antipodean fossils in a remote, challenging terrain, contributing valuable specimens to the scientific community. In a remarkable chapter of his life, Dr. Landers undertook an unconventional journey–traveling around the world for two years without any financial backing. This daring expedition not only showcased his resilience and resourcefulness but also provided him with a diverse set of experiences that undoubtedly influenced his approach to both life and science. Dr. Landers’ commitment to advancing antipaleontology, combined with his adventurous spirit and unique life experiences, has shaped him into a truly extraordinary figure in both the scientific community and beyond.
