Elle Macpherson, “anti-vaxx” nonsense, and the opportunity to engage

Celebrity gossip can be fun. Whether it is about the name of Kim and Kanye’s latest child (Chicago West), Ben Affleck’s odd body art decisions (back tattoo of a phoenix), or Tom Brady’s dietary choices (no coffee), following the foibles of the famous can be an enjoyable distraction.

But when celebrities spread harmful pseudoscience, it’s more frustrating than fun. My reaction to the news that model Elle Macpherson is dating Andrew Wakefield, the disgraced “anti-vaxx” conspiracy theorist, fell squarely in the category of eye rolling angst.

In the context of health, it may seem wise to simply disregard celebrity culture. Anyone foolish enough to be swayed by the health advice of actors, models, singers, and reality …