Unsurprisingly, we Taiwanese continued life as usual after Dec. 21, the day that, according to certain interpretations of Mayan calendrical calculations, was to be the day the world ended. There were concerns the prophecies would have an adverse affect on the public psyche, or that students would be too anxious to prepare for their finals. However, most people paid little heed to the prophecies. Had it not been for the media’s sensationalist presentations, nobody would have noticed any connection between Mayan civilization and Taiwan.
The media gave the prophecy massive coverage. In addition to the daily discussions on TV talk shows, there were special exhibitions and videos by scientists. Some talk show commentators even argued with them in public. What a scene it was. The vast majority of people maintained a rational demeanor as Dec. 21 approached, so why had the media sought fit to make such a fuss? Who did this Armageddon extravaganza benefit?
Among the perspectives on the so-called end of the world, “science” and “superstition” are like two extremes of a spectrum, one on which most people know where they stand. For example, when people are ill, they mostly choose to receive modern medical treatment. We mostly check scientific weather forecasts. In our daily life, we also rely on modern technology that makes things so much more convenient. Most people regard divination as a decisionmaking tool as pure superstition, or the result of alternative cultural and psychological needs. There is, then, always a clear distinction between science and superstition.
