Debunking Day is marked on March 11 every year. In a large, fast-paced world like ours, it’s easy for information to be misconstrued and lost in falsities. A day like this helps us gain a little more clarity to some of the myths and false news we hear every day. The originator, Rob Brezsny, sees himself as a master of curiosity, who is on a mission to save people from the genocide of imagination.
History of Debunking Day
Have you ever heard a story or news and just thought, “who comes up with these things?” Well, so have we, which is why we’ve never been happier that Debunking Day exists to get rid of insubstantial myths. We live in an information-based world where thousands of new facts surface daily. It’s no surprise that the truth often goes missing when some of these facts are passed from person to person.
Debunkers exist to challenge false information and provide more clarity to the world. A debunker is a person who discredits false or suspicious claims. These claims are sometimes controversial, such as U.F.O. sightings and conspiracy theories, or can be seemingly smaller, like “sea salt is healthier than table salt.” Whatever the case may be, debunkers help us expose and put a stop to the spread of false information.
One of such debunkers is the creator of this holiday Rob Brezsny. Brezsny is an astrologer, author, musician, and part-time debunker. He writes a weekly horoscope column called “Free Will Astrology” that has been published since 1980. From the ‘70s to the ‘90s, he was a singer and songwriter for several rock bands within the Santa Cruz area of California, and eventually, America as a whole. He is also the founder of Beauty and Truth Lab, the author of several books and a memoir, the officiant of hundreds of weddings at the 2001 Burning Man, and he even ran for city council in Santa Cruz.
Debunking Day timeline
Roman philosopher Cicero, probably the very first debunker, challenges the efficacy of divination.
The word ‘debunk’ appears in a novel for the first time.
“Free Will Astrology” is published by Rob Brezsny as “Real Astrology.”
Rob Brezsny creates Debunking Day.
Debunking Day FAQs
Can I become a professional debunker?
Unfortunately, you cannot have a paid career as a debunker, as it is not considered a profession. However, there are other ways to make money from the publicity around debunking, one of which is owning a blog site dedicated to this passion.
Who is a popular debunker?
Although debunkers are all around us, some notable people have debunked controversial concepts. Some of these include Harry Houdini who debunked spirituality, Martin Gardner who debunked parapsychology, and Donald Menzel who debunked U.F.O.s.
What are Mythbusters?
“MythBusters” is a show that airs on the Discovery Channel that is all about testing the validity of urban legends. It is hosted by two former special effects technicians, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage.
Debunking Day Activities
Debunk some false information
Has there been any information, news, myths, or false claims that have particularly irritated you? Take the time out today to publicly debunk some of them. Let your close friends or family know, or make your opinions just as public as the false information by putting it out on your socials or blog sites.
Look up some debunked facts
Another great way to spend the day is by clarifying some facts for yourself. If there are certain things you’ve been contemplating the truth of, today is the perfect opportunity to look them up and find the facts. You will probably also come across other crazy myths and stories that have been debunked by other people.
Discourage the spread of false stories
For this activity, you can start with your family and close friends. Discouraging the spread of information you are sure is false goes a long way to making sure nothing but the truth is out in the open. Take to your socials, and encourage others to do the same.
5 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know Were Myths
Bulls don’t like red
Bulls are red-green colorblind and don’t even see the color of the matadors’ capes, but are triggered by its movement.
Peanuts are nuts
Although they’re usually served together with other nuts, peanuts are legumes and are closely related to peas.
Urine for jellyfish stings
Research has proven this to be a myth and an ineffective method for treating jellyfish stings.
Deserts are always hot
Deserts are determined by the lack of water, so there are polar deserts that are extremely cold.
Albert Einstein failed school
This could not be farther from the truth as Einstein was actually top of his class and mastered complex calculus before he was 15.
Why We Love Debunking Day
It’s all about the truth
Debunking Day is all about spreading the truth. We are all for honesty, and this holiday encourages it on a large scale — facts that are circulated in our daily lives.
It sets the record straight
This special day encourages activities that provide much-needed clarity for a lot of confusing, false facts in our world today. Debunking Day is all about setting the record straight and providing people with the answers they need.
It raises mythbusters
Debunking Day also reminds us to debunk some irritating false facts we’ve heard and almost believed ourselves. It gives us all a headstart in our side careers as MythBusters!
Debunking Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 11 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 11 | Saturday |
| 2029 | March 11 | Sunday |
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