Holly Lasko Skinner's HIT PIECE on MINIMINUTEMAN

Summary

The video script discusses an ad hominem attack on Milo Rossi, known as Miniminuteman, by Graham Hancock's contributor, Holly Lasko Skinner. Rossi is criticized for not being a 'pseudo archaeologist' as defined by the speaker in a previous video. The speaker refutes Skinner's claims, arguing that Rossi's self-acknowledged lack of field experience does not equate to pseudoarchaeology. The video clarifies the definition of pseudoarchaeology, emphasizing that it is about incorrect methods, not titles or qualifications, and highlights the importance of understanding the scientific process in archaeology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video script discusses an attack on Milo Rossi (Miniminuteman) by Graham Hancock's contributor, Holly Lasko Skinner, on Hancock's website.
• 📚 Milo Rossi is known for his critique of the Netflix show 'Ancient Apocalypse', which has gained significant viewership online.
• 🔍 Skinner's article is criticized for misunderstanding Milo Rossi's stance on self-identifying as an archaeologist due to his training and experience.
• 🎓 Rossi expresses discomfort in labeling himself as an archaeologist without having been on a dig, indicating the importance of practical experience in the field.
• 🤔 The video aims to clarify the definition of pseudo archaeology, emphasizing that it's about incorrect methods, not just qualifications or titles.
• 📖 Skinner's interpretation of 'pseudo' is challenged, with the suggestion that her definition focuses too much on qualifications rather than scientific methodology.
• 👨‍🏫 The video script argues that anyone can interpret the past using material remains, but doing so without scientific rigor makes it pseudoarchaeology.
• 🧐 Skinner's attempt to label Rossi as a pseudo archaeologist is refuted by pointing out that a single mistake or error in analysis does not equate to practicing pseudoarchaeology.
• 🔗 The script highlights the importance of using primary archaeological data and scientific methods in analysis to avoid pseudoarchaeology.
• 📝 Rossi's admission of making a mistake in his video about the Baghdad Battery is contrasted with the behavior of a pseudo archaeologist, who would not admit errors.
• 💬 The video concludes by emphasizing that the label 'pseudo archaeologist' applies to those who commonly violate the principles and methods of archaeology, not just those who make occasional mistakes.

Q & A

Who is Milo Rossi, also known as Miniminuteman?

Milo Rossi, better known as Miniminuteman, is a content creator known for his series debunking Graham Hancock's Netflix show 'Ancient Apocalypse'.

What was the main argument in Holly Lasko Skinner's article against Milo Rossi?

Holly Lasko Skinner argued that Milo Rossi is a pseudo-archaeologist based on his inconsistent statements about being an archaeologist and his alleged lack of proper archaeological training.

How does the video creator respond to Skinner's claim that Rossi is a pseudo-archaeologist?

The video creator refutes Skinner's claim, explaining that Rossi’s methods and self-description do not align with the definition of pseudo-archaeology as outlined in the creator's previous work.

What is the definition of pseudo-archaeology according to the video creator?

Pseudo-archaeology is defined as the practice of mimicking archaeology while violating its principles and methods. It involves failing to collect necessary data, neglecting experiments, and not testing hypotheses properly.

Why does the video creator disagree with Skinner's definitions of pseudo-archaeology?

The creator disagrees because Skinner's definitions focus too much on qualifications and titles rather than on the methods used. Pseudo-archaeology is about incorrect methods, not just the lack of qualifications.

How does the video creator justify Milo Rossi's use of the term 'archaeologist'?

The creator justifies it by explaining that Rossi, although initially uncomfortable with the title due to his lack of fieldwork, has the training and has likely adjusted his self-identification over time.

What is the significance of the Baghdad Battery example in the video?

The Baghdad Battery example illustrates how Rossi made mistakes in his research, but these errors do not constitute pseudo-archaeology. The creator argues that making mistakes is different from consistently using incorrect methods.

How does the video creator address Skinner's argument about pseudo-physicians?

The creator clarifies that being a pseudo-physician, like a pseudo-archaeologist, depends on using incorrect methods, not just on the person's self-identification or giving advice without claiming the title.

What is the creator's stance on making errors in archaeological practice?

The creator believes that making errors does not automatically make someone a pseudo-archaeologist. Acknowledging mistakes and correcting them is important, and consistently using correct methods is what matters.

What can viewers do to support the video creator's channel?

Viewers can support the channel by becoming patrons on Patreon for as little as $2 per month, making one-time donations through YouTube's Super Thanks, or sharing the creator's free e-booklet, 'Why Ancient History Matters'.