Prove the paranormal

Dear Editor,

I AM seriously concerned that local TV programmes like The Seekers, which presents a group of so-called paranormal scene investigators on ntv7, on Thursday nights, only offers a one-sided story on paranormal happenings. They want viewers to believe in ghosts and the supernatural.

The programme does not offer scientific explanations for viewers to accept or reject The Seekers’ claims.

The Seekers stories are psychologically suggestive, manipulative and misleading.

The inclusion of scary sounds, image effects, scary background music and scary ghostly figure to host the programme, influence viewers into believing what they will see next.

I prefer to see a new generation of scientifically motivated Malaysians seeking truth and evidence before believing in something rather than seeking delusions and illusions without any questions asked.

If ghosts, spirits and demons do exist, it must be scientifically proven and presented with evidence, not with vague and questionable videos with stories based on what this person or that person ‘feels’ or ‘knows’ or ’sees’.

It is important to give sceptics and believers a chance to give their opinions so viewers can decide for themselves as to which explanation is credible.

It’s unhealthy to push forward a one-sided story as it insults people’s intelligence.

There should always be opinions from both sides to make the show honest.

I’m willing to volunteer my experiments, testing and questioning, if need be, at any of The Seekers so-called ‘haunted’ locations.

If such things exist after experiments, testing and questioning, I will be the first to admit that they do exist.

All around the world, it seems, only believers see such things, but sceptics don’t see anything at all.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a sceptic or a believer. If something is real, it will be understood for what it is.

Truth does not require belief.

If only certain people or groups of people see or experience something, it does not make something real. It is real for that person only, and it should always be questioned and tested when such beliefs are being spread to others.

“Scepticism is the first step towards truth,” said French philosopher and writer Denis Diderot.

“What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence,” said Christopher Hitchens, the British-American author and literary critic.

“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence,” said Carl Sagan, the astronomer and astro-chemist.

Watching a horror movie for fun is one thing, but programmes that encourage people to believe in something without clear evidence is wrong!

The media plays a major role in shaping or muddling society’s mindsets.

I wish ntv7 will advocate science, enquiry, evidence and truth instead.