The subject is ridiculed because of the ridiculous elements that come with it. New agers who channel space aliens, cults that off themselves so they
can hop on a space ship in the after life, hoaxers, charlatans, frauds, etc. The list is extremely long. Unfortunately, these elements tend to make
the most noise, and hence get the negative attention warranted from the "mainstream" media. Not ALL of the attention the subject receives is negative,
but I think some of the skepticism and derision is justified.
You can't really expect everyone out there to be so interested in UFOlogy that they have read all the case studies and books and have a good grasp of
the facts lying underneath all the garbage. Those who HAVE done the research, are convinced
something is going on. Where UFOlogy goes wrong is
when we have people who loudly proclaim they
know the true nature of the phenomenon. Until we approach it scientifically with healthy
skepticism (and this form of inquiry is more predominant than the nut job fringe elements) the negative press will continue.
edit on 10-6-2012
by DeadSeraph because: (no reason given)