Chapter 1: The Vaccine Dilemma

Is there a sentiment of disdain towards the poorly educated in America? This question was raised by journalist Matt Taibbi in a recent article inspired by Michael Sandoval’s book, The Tyranny of Merit. In his writing, Taibbi subtly critiques President Joe Biden, particularly his frustration during a speech urging citizens to get vaccinated.

He echoes a common anti-vaccine sentiment, suggesting, “If the vaccine is truly effective, the consequences of not getting vaccinated will primarily affect the unvaccinated.” This statement implies a misunderstanding of the broader implications of widespread vaccine resistance, as Taibbi accuses Biden of misdirecting his frustration.

While I disagree with Taibbi's initial assertions, I can understand why Biden may have inadvertently directed his ire towards those who remain unvaccinated. As the President, he is grappling with a public health emergency that he inherited from Donald Trump. Although the COVID-19 pandemic did not originate under Biden's administration, he recognizes that how he manages this crisis will significantly shape his presidential legacy. Moreover, he is acutely aware that any failures during his term will be attributed to him.

The severity of this crisis can largely be traced back to Trump's mismanagement. When Trump was in office, there was a lack of understanding about the virus, and effective measures to control its spread were nonexistent. In contrast, by the time Biden took office, vaccines were available for distribution. We now have sufficient doses to immunize the entire population. Despite this, over 80 million Americans remain unvaccinated months after the vaccine became widely accessible. It is only natural for Biden to feel frustrated, and health experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci likely share in that sentiment. Even as a non-political observer, I too feel exasperated.

What is particularly maddening about vaccine refusal is that many individuals are motivated by a desire to oppose Democrats. They disregard the guidance of highly qualified medical professionals, all in an attempt to maintain their image as “free thinkers.” Contrary to Taibbi’s argument, the risk is not solely borne by those who are unvaccinated. The vaccinated population indeed has a lower probability of hospitalization or death, but each unvaccinated individual poses a heightened risk of becoming a host for new virus mutations that current vaccines may not guard against. The emergence of new variants is a real threat, and the more individuals who remain unvaccinated, the easier it is for the virus to replicate and spread within the U.S.

Biden has the potential to be the president who finally brings the pandemic to an end. However, it appears that some individuals are rejecting the vaccine simply to deny him credit for restoring order in the country. This circles back to Taibbi's original question. The issue is not that America harbors animosity towards the "poorly educated," nor does the president. Rather, we are frustrated with those who refuse vaccination, potentially out of a desire to undermine Biden’s legacy or to project an illusion of intelligence by rejecting expert advice. This mindset can be accurately described as ‘toxic contrarianism’—with ‘toxic’ underscoring the danger their choices impose on others.

Are these vaccine skeptics poorly informed? Taibbi fails to define what he means by "poorly educated." In the context of combating this virus, they may either lack education or be willfully ignorant, which is arguably more concerning. Those who seek knowledge can be educated, but those who consciously ignore the advice of qualified experts pose a far greater risk. As the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes once noted, “Ignorance can be educated, and drunkenness sobered, but stupidity lasts forever.”

Chapter 2: The Cost of Ignorance

With 80 million unvaccinated Americans, there are countless opportunities for new variants to arise. These individuals may not be poorly educated in the traditional sense, but when faced with a national crisis, choosing to remain uninformed about vaccination is a clear indication of either ignorance or a refusal to learn. Their decisions prolong a crisis with a straightforward solution, jeopardizing the health and safety of everyone around them. Despite efforts from leaders to encourage vaccination, the response has not been as effective as hoped.

Furthermore, it was Trump who first introduced the term “poorly educated” into our political dialogue. In a 2016 victory speech, he declared, “We won with the poorly educated. I love the poorly educated.” He understood that his supporters often did not fully grasp his policies and were voting against their own interests. In the pandemic's early days, I likened this phenomenon to Isaac Asimov's concept of the 'cult of ignorance.' As the vaccine rollout commenced, this trend of willful ignorance re-emerged and continues to persist.

Being educated does not necessarily equate to holding multiple degrees; it signifies a willingness to seek out the knowledge necessary for survival and success. Accessible, science-backed information is freely available online for anyone willing to seek it. Those who choose to ignore this information regarding one of the most pressing issues facing our world today can be classified as poorly educated.

Indeed, America is frustrated with those who are extending this crisis and endangering lives. We are weary of the enduring culture of ignorance that persists, just as our elected leaders are. Americans do not harbor resentment towards those without academic credentials; however, if you are refusing the vaccine, you can expect your more informed neighbors to be rightfully upset with you.

In this video, Trump expresses his affection for the poorly educated during a 2016 campaign event.

This video explores how systemic factors contribute to the educational disparities in America, keeping many citizens uninformed.