Humans have long dreamed of the distant realm of the universe. Since the days of Galileo, we have been searching and wondering about the stars and what awaits us beyond the skies. The notion that we are alone in the universe is perhaps unsettling, or even unsatisfying, for many of us. Our imaginations and creativity led to movies such as E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Men In Black, Independence Day, and recent ones such a Mission to Mars. There is even a musical called “Roswell – The musical”(4). From a little boy’s companion to hostile and militant life forms, the so-called “extraterrestrial life” has given us fantasies and dreams. Growing parallel to these fantasies is the popular belief of UFOs, Unidentified Flying Objects. How exciting would it be if there WERE aliens in real life?

        As colonists, the Americans never trusted the authorities in England, so came the United States. Many feared a big government, so power was divided among the branches of the political system. The notion of distrust still lives in people’s minds, and we want to know everything that the government is doing. This mentality paired with extraterrestrial fantasies created a popular culture of UFO believers who are huge in “government cover-ups”.

         If being directed and educated correctly, the search for extraterrestrial life can be scientific and yet extremely exciting. However, the science around us today are mostly pseudo-science, science without concrete evidence. Producers make TV shows that’ll generate the most income, not teaching the most science. Tabloids will write anything to get your attention. In the midst of the excitement of discovering or hearing about some UFO sighting of some alien autopsy, the mass does not stop and examine the facts given to them. Who cares if the testimonies are second-hand? Who cares if the videos are real or not? It’s cool. It’s an UFO!