My parents taught me to be a critical thinker and that a little cynicism is a healthy thing. My teachers encouraged those things as did other intelligent people I've encountered in my life.

But when it comes to Covid, suddenly you should not be a critical thinker and you should trust anyone who wore a lab coat at least once in their life.

Hell, even a lot of Redditors and Slashdot website users who pride themselves on being insanely cynical, smart and impossible to manipulate will get you banned if you ask questions or think critically about Covid or even their favorite politicians.