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Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy Theories. A Primer. A look on the lighter side . . . . What do these images have in common?. Some More, if you please?. One more, I promise . . . . . Definition . . . . Using your understanding, please define “Conspiracy Theory.”

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Conspiracy Theories

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  1. Conspiracy Theories A Primer

  2. A look on the lighter side . . . .

  3. What do these images have in common?

  4. Some More, if you please?

  5. One more, I promise . . . .

  6. Definition . . . . • Using your understanding, please define “Conspiracy Theory.” • Provide examples (something other than what I have given you, please)

  7. What is a Conspiracy Theory? • Any theory that explains a historical or current event due to some type of plot or effort by some evil doers or other sub group of people. • Shadow government; bankers, financiers, etc.

  8. To clear up some confusion • What is an Urban Legend? • Define and give examples, if you can . . . .

  9. Urban Legend Examples:

  10. Urban Legend • Is a form of modern folklore consisting of apocryphal stories believed by their tellers to be true. As with all folklore and mythology, the designation suggests nothing about the story's factuality or falsehood, but merely that it is in non-institutional circulation, exhibits variation over time, and carries some significance that motivates the community in preserving and propagating it.

  11. Not a conspiracy . . .

  12. Key Elements of a Conspiracy Theory • A large group of people are acting as one unit • Conversely, there maybe only a few people acting through a large network of unknowing persons • The “illegal” act is done through existing networks of the government • Moon landing, JFK, Swine Flu; • Secrecy is the key—therefore there are many unexplained deaths • JFK  Prime example

  13. More Elements . . . . • Plausible alternate explanation • Swine flu, gas prices, economic down turn, crack • Persistence of plausible alternate evidence • Moon landing, Paul McCartney, Masons • Unexplained data or evidence • JFK (the bullet); the Moon Landing (no stars, conflicting shadows) • Refutation of real evidence • One theory may be correct, other 99 may be wrong

  14. Final . . . . . • Material Witnesses • Few dozen on the grassy knoll • Suspects with means, motive, and opportunity • Ruby, Oswald, CIA, etc. • Evidence of Government Cover-up • Bizarre explanations, un-explained reasons for not giving out evidence, etc. . . .

  15. The “Biggies:”

  16. Some New Additions:

  17. Some More:

  18. Problems? • What might be some problems with conspiracy theories? • Why might they be “bad?”

  19. Problems? • Why are conspiracy theories bad? • Trouble with meaning • Some think it is pejorative, some think it is real, some think it is believable, but not sufficiently true; • Gives into paranoia— • Some think that theories lead to an ongoing paranoia amongst citizens • Definitional Approach— • Who defines what is and is not a conspiracy? Think HUAC

  20. Why they Persist, 1: • Psychologists tell us that those who believe in one CT will believe in many; those that do not believe in CT will not believe in any; • We tend to believe because the search for meaning is critical to humans (PSY / SOC) • Rule of thumb—we tend to see significant events as having significant causes • See 2003 British Study—Who shot the president

  21. Why they persist, 2 • Hitchens: “Exhaust fumes of democracy” • Unavoidable result of democracy and information • Morally “correct:” They tend to absolve people from guilt or moral responsibility for the event • See 9/11 • Facilitating emotional discharge: • Occur in groups that feel marginalized, able to explain events that cause problems; • Germany post-WWI • African Americans, HIV, Crack;

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