The Effects of Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are not a new product of the modern era. One conspiracy theory claimed George Washington was an imposter (the real Washington having been murdered). Theorists are often hard-liners on their beliefs and refuse to yield to reason or even evidence. Conspiracy theories, as a whole, are detrimental to society and cause strife, panic and even violence.
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Conspiracy Theories Defined
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Conspiracy theories typically involve an explanation for some major event that is described as a cover-up or ruse by a government or body of important people. Often something dire has "really happened" and unsuspecting citizens have been lied to with predicted disastrous future outcomes. The people supposedly responsible for these terrible deeds are accused of orchestrating elaborate plans with the sole purpose of tricking people. Usually no amount of evidence either photographic, scientific or medical will convince perpetrators of conspiracy theories. Theorists are bent upon persuading as many people as possible to see "the truth" of whatever situation is involved in their conspiracy theory.
Propaganda and Misinformation
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Conspiracy theories are spread through the use of propaganda and misinformation. Propaganda is a calculated collection of ideas delivered to the masses through the use of advertisements, films, literature and speeches for the purpose of persuading others to believe a certain ideology or statement. These films and books are often produced with state of the art budgets and modes of delivery and look polished, professional and "authentic." Conspiracy theorists use video and audio clips that seem to lend credence to their stand. People watch or read these presentations and believe what is being said because the theories "make sense" or sound "educated." Often politics and religion play a heavy role in conspiracy theories because the theorists play on belief systems and fears already in place with the people they are trying to persuade. Misinformation learned from propaganda is then shared with others and theories gain in popularity, but are scoffed by others. Misinformation can keep people from seeking medical attention, investing in financial establishments or eating and drinking certain foods.
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Hysteria and Fear
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As people are convinced that a conspiracy theory is fact, and not theory, they become more fearful and mistrusting of those in positions of power. Fear can cause panic. One fearful person can whip others into fear as well. Fear that causes panic can be manifested in mob hysteria causing violence. Fear in some situations has caused looting, rioting, burning of buildings, lynching and the harm or murder of people or groups of people. Conspiracy theories persuade people that something is not what it seems. Some conspiracy theories, such as one claiming moon landings never happened, seem ridiculous in light of heavy evidence to the contrary; and yet, people continue to be convinced.
Popular Conspiracy Theories
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Throughout history there have been many conspiracy theories that continue to thrive, despite evidence proving theories ludicrous. Theorists claim the government used John Wilkes Booth to kill Lincoln or that Booth escaped and the man shot and killed was not Booth but a double. Conspiracy theories abound over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The C.I.A. is accused of assassinating both Kennedys, Marilyn Monroe, Martin Luther King, Jr. and a slew of others. Recent theories involve the U.S. government being responsible for 9/11 and that government officials are in league with aliens (abductions of people by aliens is allowed in exchange for technology). Theories are not constrained to the U.S., some say: Princess Diana was murdered by the Royal family or, again, the C.I.A.; the Holocaust never happened and doctors (or the C.I.A.) engineered AIDS to kill homosexuals.
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