“Sure it is. The problem is that the peers are in on it. “
Different segments of science have come through similar periods. In the 30s through 1960, advocating continental drift was near suicide as “everyone” knew there was uplift even if we couldn’t give a good explanation as to just how it was possible. The Colorado Plateau was a prime example. Now we see the rifting to the west as contributing to the uplift. So much that couldn’t have been understood without lateral plate movement, subduction and spreading now makes near perfect sense as long as we don’t become complacent and non critical.
Am reading a really interesting book right now: 1491. History of America pre-Columbus. Somewhat PC but not too bad.
Points out that anthropologists come up with the date the first Americans arrive based on the earliest evidence. Then they build their careers on that evidence and get all torqued when people find evidence of earlier people.