Many people I discuss UFOs with cringe when I mention the word skeptic (let alone when I verbally equate myself with being one in their presence). Sadly, skepticism is looked upon as a bad thing by many who study phenomenology, mostly due to the attitudes exhibited by those who openly label themselves “skeptics”. Conversely, it is just as unfortunate how the self-proclaimed “skeptics” unfairly label and judge those who, according to their ideology, exhibit belief… or anything similar to it. Strangely, I remember it being John Keel, author of The Mothman Prophecies, who famously (and perhaps best) stated the undying words of caution meant to fall on the ears of every blooming researcher of the unexplained: “belief is the enemy”.
I try to see it from both sides, and learn a little something from each. After all, I can’t go through my life existing without belief in something from time to time (I believe in that burrito I ate hours ago, for instance). Nor can I very easily convince myself that every light I see in the sky, however anomalous they may seem at times, are actually UFO craft from another realm. Fair, healthy, and even discriminating skepticism is an absolute must for anyone who hopes to look at claims of the paranormal seriously. However, what must be completely eliminated, in my opinion, is having a derogatory or otherwise negative attitude toward people from the opposite end of your ideology, regardless of where you may stand.