Is string theory looked on with derision by physicists, or is it viewed as a valid theory?

I would not use the word "derision". "Although string theory is an outgrowth of physics, some contend that string theory's current untestable status means that it should be classified as more of a mathematical framework for building models as opposed to a physical theory. For a theory to be physics, it must be corroborated empirically, through experiment or observation, but few avenues for such contact with experiment have been claimed.

- Is string theory falsifiable? Following the appearance of two books claiming string theory is a failure, a hot media debate evolved in 2007. "For more than a generation, physicists have been chasing a will-o’-the-wisp called string theory.

The beginning of this chase marked the end of what had been three-quarters of a century of progress. Dozens of string-theory conferences have been held, hundreds of new Ph.D. S have been minted, and thousands of papers have been written.

Yet, for all this activity, not a single new testable prediction has been made, ... more.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.