Skill Level: Beginner
Why This Tool Matters
Authoritarian regimes thrive on lies. They don’t just weaponize laws — they weaponize misinformation. Trump’s latest stunt claiming Tylenol causes autism isn’t just laughable, it’s lethal. False health claims erode trust in science, stigmatize autistic people, and distract us from real issues like prosecutorial independence, censorship, and rising political violence. Fighting junk science isn’t optional — it’s survival.
Real-World Example
In the 1990s, a fraudulent study linking vaccines to autism caused vaccination rates to plummet. The result? Resurgent measles outbreaks, unnecessary deaths, and decades of confusion. We’ve seen this movie before. Now Trump is trying to reboot it with Tylenol, and RFKjr is hawking his snake oil from the sidelines. Correlation is not causation, and autism existed long before acetaminophen hit the shelves.
Step-by-Step Survival Instructions
Step 1: Know Your Claws (The Facts)
- Autism has strong genetic links — studies confirm it runs in families.
- No reputable research connects Tylenol to autism.
- Correlation ≠ causation. If ice cream sales rise with shark attacks, it doesn’t mean Ben & Jerry are out for blood.
Step 2: Spot the Quacks
- Anyone using words like “big pharma cover-up” without citations.
- Politicians suddenly acting like scientists.
- Grifters selling “detox cures” for autism.
Step 3: Shred the Lies
- When you see junk claims online, reply with actual sources (CDC, NIH, autism research orgs).
- Use humor — a good meme can reach where a 20-page study can’t.
- Don’t let disinfo sit unchallenged in your feeds or family group chats.
Step 4: Protect the Pride
- Support autistic voices — share their stories and perspectives.
- Call out stigma when you hear it, whether it’s Trump on TV or your cousin at Thanksgiving.
- Build networks that prioritize science and compassion over fear.
Step 5: Pounce on the Power Plays
- Demand platforms stop amplifying harmful lies.
- Push back on politicians using fake science to score points.
- Donate to orgs defending public health and disability rights.
Kitty’s Closing Snarl
They want you confused, scared, and chasing shadows. Don’t take the bait. Junk science is just another tool of fascism — a way to weaken public trust and distract from real crimes. Our job is to shred it, mock it, and bury it in the litter box of history.