One Big Conspiracy Theory of Conspiracy Theories - Why Most Americans Believe in Conspiracies
74Conspiracy Theory of Conspiracy Theories
I have a theory of a conspiracy theory of conspiracy theories, not sure how accurate it is, and after all it is just a theory. The theory embodies the rationalization of other theories on cognitive dissonance, Knovawave, the herd mentality and the Pygmalion motivational theory. It has come out of studying the theories of WD Gann and Ralph Elliott about market behavior. Also from just watching how quickly a national psyche can be borne and culled. Manipulated would be too nice a word.
Surveys suggest that a majority of Americans believe in conspiracy of some description. The most famous is JFK’s assassination and the investigating Warren Commission around suspicions of CIA or mob involvement. Recently the fervor is the 9-11 attacks and the New World Order. I have a theory about all this, which I call the conspiracy of conspiracy theory. Storytellersrus on HubPages has asked me to explain this theory. Its relevance is very timely given the Global Financial Crisis, Goldman Sachs lawsuit, predatory HFT, wolfpack trading and the Gulf oil spill.
Conspiracy Theory, Part of the American Psyche
While it is not fair to say Americans have a lock on conspiracy theories most emanate from the U.S. England has the crop circles and the assassination of Princess Diana for example. In America we have a long, some would say proud history of conspiracy theories about almost everything it seems.
I remember reading a poll a few years back that said nearly two-thirds of Americans think it is possible that some federal officials had specific warnings of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and chose to ignore those warnings. Around a third it said believed the US actually carried these attacks out on themselves. While polls are as about as reliable as a Floyd Landis denial they do give an insight into the herd’s thinking.
A common problem with conspiracy theories for many is they tend towards cartoonish motives involving "them” and ‘us’. 'Them' represents the elites, the secret governments who operate in the shadows. The elites vary between the illuminati, the masons, banking cabals and even alien species. The end result often feels like a heavily plotted movie with implausible characters that do not ring quite true, but that is half the beauty of them right? Is it coincidence that the 'All Star comics' of 1937-9 with the Justice Society of America sprang up around the same time as conspiracy theories became popular?
Conspiracy theories I believe are recognized differently by the powers that be and I will come back to that point.
Some of the Better-Known Conspiracy Theories.
Assassination of JFK
The granddaddy of conspiracy theories, the plot to assassinate President John F. Kennedy in 1963 has varying end games of varying popularity. There are a number of conspiracy theories surrounding the deaths and murders of several prominent figures. These include Princess Diana, half of the Clinton’s associates and many others. There have been a number of movies on Kennedy’s association, including Oliver Stones biopic.
This theory continues to garner interest; in 2006 a poll showed forty-two percent of Americans believe the federal government might have known about Kennedy’s assassination in advance. Vincent Bugliosi wrote "Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy" and came to the opposite conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy and he did it on his own. He says, "I'm amazed that it's as high as it is." Some would argue his book is all part of the conspiracy as many other tomes support different theories.
The 9-11 attacks on New York and Washington
There is so much debate about who carried out the 9-11 attacks on America, with a whole cottage industry sprung about it. Mark Fenster, a University of Florida law professor wrote the book "Conspiracy Theories: Secrecy and Power in American Culture," a few years back and it is very useful of explaining why. Fenster attributes the high number of 9-11 conspiracy theory believers to findings of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission). The commission concluded federal officials failed to prevent the attacks and also that they did not have specific knowledge of the date of the attacks.
Moon Landing Hoax
Another popular conspiracy theory of days gone by is that we never landed on the moon. These theories vary on some or all of the Apollo Moon landings. Theories are that NASA and possibly members of other involved organizations faked them. There are a number of theorists who claim advanced alternate historical narratives. These hoax claims are widely dismissed as baseless by mainstream scientists, engineers and NASA.
Elvis Sightings
This is every skeptic’s favorite, though Jim Morrison would be a close second. Elvis sightings are a recurring phenomenon in which people claim to see Elvis Presley, who died (allegedly) on his own toilet in August 1977. These theories evolve from former bass back-up singer J.D. Sumner’s claims that Elvis' body was not in the casket. Sumner was one of the pallbearers at Elvis' burial. A documentary entitled The Truth About Elvis in which Dr. Nick, Joe Esposito, Linda Thompson, George Klein, Bill Beeny, Phil Aitcheson, Monte Nicholson and others talk about this urban legend. Viva Las Vegas.
Weather Control
Conspiracy theorists have suggested that governments use weather control as a weapon through HAARP and chemtrails. There are theories that Katrina was a government plot and weather manipulation. Much of these theories stem from two bills, U.S. Senate Bill 517 and U.S. House Bill 2995. These bills allow for experimental weather modification by artificial methods and implement a national weather modification policy. The bills do not include agriculture or public oversight. This has never been proven and U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen gave credence to the idea of weather control at a counterterrorism conference in 1997.
Disease and Epidemics
There are many conspiracy theories in this end from big corporate involvement to government creation and distribution of disease. Recent examples include Swine Flu as an economic stimulus measure, SARS and Bird Flu as all figments of the Drug industry. There are also conspiracies of WHO or the CIA creating the AIDS epidemic and deliberately administered it to blacks, and gays through tainted hepatitis vaccinations in the 1970s. Other theories are that cancer is curable and the FDA is involved in medical fraud in maintaining it and other diseases.
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Controlling and Confusing the Masses
The theory I have with regards to conspiracy theories is rather simple. While I am not about to debunk the different conspiracy theories put forward on things. I will say this some are simply the result of people who cannot accept responsibility and look for them to justify their own failings. That is belief is incorporated in my theories. I also think that it would be hugely arrogant of me to even suggest the right or wrong of many conspiracy theories.
Do I believe governments manipulate the truth? Do I believe they abuse powers? Do I believe bankers have obscene powers and sub par ethics? The answer to all these is 'you betcha!' However that doesn’t mean I believe many of the theories put forward. The massive incompetence and immoral behaviors of government bureaucracies and greed simply make too many of them implausible. What they do make plausible is the manipulation, creation and feeding of conspiracy theories to control the masses.
You have in America an increasingly disaffected public that is unhappy with the administration. Whichever that administration happens to be as America is so fiercely Democrat or Republican regardless of policy for about 80% of the voters. That means you have around 20% who will think outside of the box, I am probably being generous there. That is the crux of my theory.
One theory I do wish was true is the staged deaths of Elvis and Jim Morrison. How good what it be to pop into a Jazz café by the Seine to see a duet between those two?
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You Just Want to Believe
The point is there is a certain element that will always believe what their leader tells them. You see it with the Democrats with Obama and Pelosi. You saw it with Republicans with Bush and Cheney. You will also see evidence debunking conspiracies claimed as invalid. The debunking being no more than part of an ongoing conspiracy. It will be deemed an inconvenient truth that would ruin a grand story? (Sorry didn’t mean to being that elephant up.) This is how in my opinion we have got to where we are in the US. We live with massive government debt and bailouts. Our politicians run from and are scared by bankers, lawyers and lobbyists, The US voter has sat by and let this happen, I would dare say they have been mentally bludgeoned into it by indifference.
It used to be that it was about the government's knowledge of intelligent life from other worlds. Now it is about government ponzi schemes of debt and deceit. Take a look at what all that European debt is, is it not the cost of non-productive social programs and fees to bankers and fraudsters. An interesting blend of socialism and capitalism isn’t it? The US situation is not any different. How many trillions went to failed enterprises like banks, insurance companies and car companies? There are many conspiracy theories of all these and what have they achieved in awareness or action? Zilch, nada, nothing! Should the European contagion really be a surprise? The evidence was out there. Should the 1000-point fall in the Dow really be a surprise?
It amazes me that the public puts so much credence into governments and bankers despite their obvious failings. Why the heck would anyone listen to the Fed they over saw this mess? Why would anyone listen to presidents with no skill other than being mouthpieces? You really can go on and on with these questions. Why because it means they don’t have to take responsibility. The herd will reply (from either side of politics) that you can’t believe the truth, what is the truth, the other guy lied etc.
How did we get to this point? The simple answer is to enable division and confusion. What is the greatest source of confusion and doubt? Here we have half the population wanting to believe so desperately that their political and government trust is believable and right. If you have that basis it is very easy to believe in a conspiracy theory, it makes you want to believe that you are not to be blame, “they” are!
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Disinformation and Confusion
The powers that be are well are of that, read the dribble that comes out of governments. How do you create doubt? Create or feed a conspiracy theory. The biggest theory now going is the new world order and the global banking cabal. Firstly most people are not even aware that the US Federal Reserve is a private institution owned by banks. Take that a step further and ask where did all the bailout funds go to help? Who do the banks help out, check your lobbyist for Wall Street. How dare those nasty Europeans change that. The government sold that they had to do the bailouts, maybe they did? Did they have to allow Goldman to borrow at zero and lend at 6% with our money for example?
The purpose of this article isn’t about banks, the Fed and bailouts it is about the conspiracy theory of conspiracy theories. Spread doubts about all these establishments and guess what the public will let you do what you want, half won’t care, half will defend the undefendable and the small percentage that understand will take their own responsibility. Conspiracy theories confuse. There is some you are sure are right. There are some you are sure are wrong. There are some you just don’t get either way. In a nutshell it confuses and confronts you. We are subjected to a series of disinformation campaigns. Self-correcting mechanisms of thought are disabled. It is up to you not to let it be.
Guess what that is what the powers that be want you to feel. There is a thought right now that it is about to be the end of the world. There is a thought that all is hunky dory. I think we are smack in between all that and we have cyclical wild swings made faster by greed and the power of the wolf pack traders. Read the theories on Germany’s decision to take control of their own destiny. Interpret it in the knowledge of the conspiracy theory of conspiracy theories what do you see and think now?
I welcome your comments; I have just introduced some of my theory of the theory here. It sits with my theories on herd mentality and the irrationality of crowds. For mine take responsibility of your own actions. Expect nothing to be as it seems and understand “they” are lying and cheating mongrels. Is that an excuse though or just something you must be aware of?
Comments on Conspiracy Theory of Conspiracy TheoriesLoading...
This is a fantastic article billy nice work..
I've been interested in some conspiracy theories, primarily the JFK one. Back in the sixties I read several books, including a bio of Oswald. There are a number of things that favor an explanation other than the Warren report. That report seemed to be incompetent. However, I currently chose the official version until established otherwise.
Often, I think, such theories are wishfull thinking.
Linda thanks for your feedback - I need to check 'The Whole Truth Out'. The herds are very easy to manipulate - just have to look at the stock market, gold and even music trends. There is a book called socioeconomics that is interesting in that regard. Informational insanity sums it up - love that quote - I may have to borrow that. What we hear is a ton of half truths also - everything seems to have an agenda. The Katrina one is a beauty - I have heard a few about the oil slick now too incidently.
Thanks Mark for your feedback mate.
dahoglund I agree most of them are but wishful thinking and an escape from responsibility, some take a bit of the truth and go too far and some have a solid basis. I have seen a fair bit of the JFK. From what I have seen I think the lone gun theory isn't plausible and the Warren Commission report is right up there with some great stories :) In most likelihood Oswald probably didn't even shoot with that old gun of his - as to who was behind hard to say for sure. I remember watching a documentary in France that had 2 hit man from the Marseille admitting to the hit as CIA wouldn't kill on their own territory i.e. the U.S. - it was pretty convincing as I recall and have felt that is pretty close to what was likely to have happened there. Who knows though right for sure?
Awesome, Billy. I have to read it again but after the theories you presented the analysis at the end needs deeper insight.
Thanks.
Thanks Melinda - yes we could greatly expand on the theory - first I think a little introspection in in order though :)
Hi Billy. Just goes to show how easy it is to be manipulated. The powers-that-be are only too willing to set up smoke screens to divert your attention. We must remain vigilant and constantly ask ourselves "is this the WHOLE story"?
We here in Canada get a different perspective on world news and especially U.S. news. The U.S. news outlets are comparatively highly biased in their presentation of stories of the day. I'm afraid anyone who relies on these sources alone is also being manipulated.
We all have to dig deeper if we want the REAL truth about what's going on. Nice hub, Billy.
There was a 1997 film, "Conspiracy Theory," in which the actor, Mel Gibson, played the role of a man who sees conspiracies everywhere.
Much like the American psyche, if you look for conspiracies long enough and hard enough, you might find one.
What an excellent piece of writing, Billy. And there is no dearth of more theories for you to examine: Lincoln's assassination; Marilyn Monroe's death; New Mexico's Area 51; big Pharma controlling drugs that could cure cancer; and dozens more. So, write away.
timorous thanks for your feedback it is easy to be manipulated because it is easy for most people to jsut accept it and not look further. Along the lines of the Smiths and Jones are losing on the stock market than it is OK if I do. The government has champion spin doctors eas do the banks and they are devoid of conscience - seen any of these testimonials? If you apply logic you can see though much of these lies and greed obsessions - if you want to that is. It is amazing how different the same news is spun in the U.S. you are right - even if you watch BBC America news you see that.
drbj yes that was a great movie I thought - they even has the catcher in the rye influence in that one - classic stereotypes but there was some good stuff. They had the helicopters at the end too as I recall. Yes there are so many conspiracies that one good examine. Right now the main one is all the banks the way they have gotten our money to bail them out - oh wait that isn't a theory they actually did it!
Great hub, billy. I , too, am reading Balducci's book, and its relationship to your article is amazing. With the aid of the internet it is incredibly easy to invent a story and make it true in a matter of minutes. After a while people stop questioning the truth of a statement and just accept it at face value. Frightening, isn't it?
Pop - I look forward to a review of the book from you guys :) It is avery good point about the internet and so much is made up there from hoaxes, lies and different agendas. Mud tends to stick so these stories achieve their purpose regardless whether true. They can grow their own legs so to speak and low and behold we have a conspiracy if they are denied. A crazy world we live in. It is what it is and have to treat it as such.
Billy - lots of really good thought here. I immediately remembered a book that came out in the early 1950s which I received in a selection of relevant Time-Life books, including it, plus one by Walter Lippmann, "A Preface to Morals", plus a Karl Marx biography, and also a quaint novel called "Memento Mori" about an older creative couple sort of competing for staying alive the longest and producing the most of whatever they creatively did.
Lippmann was worth reading but the author & work which & who really captured my attention, was Eric Hoffer and his book "The True Believer" - about mass movement mentality, in its time very much like your article here, but set in the earlier scenario.
Hoffer was a longshoreman who just happened to be a philosopher and student of trends, people and this subject of mass movement, by which huge groups of people are manipulated & moved to act in unison toward any kind of end - from the sublime to the ridiculous.
I found a site with some actual reading from the book itself, since it seems to have generated the same sort of extreme for or against mentality some of the conspiracy theories you mention also engender, so that it's difficult to find a site telling about him which doesn't editorialize any semblance of what he tried to say right out of it. Know what I mean? Take a peek - you may find it interesing:
Oh yeah I think we are into conspiracies because we love to have some kind of intrigue and events are more interesting if there is some conspiracy theory on it, Thanks Billy, Maita
Nellieanna thanks for the tip - I wasn't aware of that book - should have been though as some very telling points. I like the reactions - they have chosen to interpret per their own agendas - which is part of my theory.
Personally I think the must read and a book I have used as research in other articles is Le Bon, Gustave ( The Crowd - A Study of the Popular Mind from 1878 - he nailed it and this is before or the modern spin doctors 'doctored his ideas'
CHAPTER I. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CROWDS. -- PYSCHOLOGICAL LAW OF THEIR MENTAL UNITY.
CHAPTER III. THE LEADERS OF CROWDS AND THEIR MEANS OF PERSUASION.
CHAPTER II. CROWDS TERMED CRIMINAL CROWDS.
A couple of chapters to give you an idea.
It was written about the French revolution - great stuff.
Maita that is a good point also - much why reality shows are so popular - living through someone else's life etc - and the unreal spins on them. It has only increased too with the celebrity worshipping that goes on.
bad, you do great writing. You must love to write. I struggle terribly.
Keep on hubbing!
eovery - I do enjoy it yes, a real challenge to get good at it and publish one day :) I enjoy your hubs - don't be hard on yourself writing is but an extension of one's self.
billy-the best way to start a conspiracy is 'begin a debate and see its effect,reverse the process see its effect and keep whatever suits you best',but thats for politicians and we are the victims of the system.
Suny - excellent observation and something you can trace with much of recent history, namely the Iraq war, the financial crisis, swine flu, FEMA and the list goes on.
Great hub. enjoyed it.
so who do you work for, the Ant people, the NWO. The Ancient order of Blue haired old grannys for drive by spankings.
" pinky are you thinking what Im thinking" " sure brain.. but where would we find a monkey in a tutu at this hour" "shut up pinky. tonight we take over the world"
Love it outdoorsguy - time to take over the world, oops it's too cold outside better wait for another day, anyway pizza is here...
Interesting post..
I think there's a vast conspiracy to conspire with conspiracy theorists to... well, that's as far as I've gotten so far..
LOL!!
That is key to the theory Carolina - give them something to run with, embellish it reshape it confuse the herd.
There has been a "cover-up" in the sloppy and quick investigation into 911. There is no way that those towers came down from just those planes.
One is a world record. Two is criminal. It is foolish to take the word of one of our "LeAdErS". America wake up! ThanksBilly!
Thanks for this interesting and thought-provoking hub, I shall have to bookmark it and read it again. I find in the UK, that it is very hard to form 'my own' opinion about things because it is so evident that different areas of the press and media manipulate and 'spin' the information available according to their own slant on reality. I have become very cynical.
Billy~~ Thanks for a great Hub! I too see where people are weak and fall head first into a good conspiracy theory.I tend to dig and research and pick things apart and try to disprove things as part of my logical thinking and wanting to know the details of things before making a decision on how I feel. There are a few conspiracy theories that I have looked into that have puzzled me and clouded my judgment. One is the JFK asassination, and the other is the more recent conspiracy of Obama and his political agenda and how he was supposedly groomed from a young age to rule with is Socialistic agenda. I find them provocative and mysterious. I look forward to reading more of your work!
Micky Dee thanks for your input - it is hard to trust the leadership - thats why I say take responsibility and assume there is a spin somewhere either about the so called conspiracy or the event of much of our major news events.
Alison thanks for your feedback, I am glad you recognize the spin, many people never do and get caught either believing it and even defending it. many see this makes the spin fact and the confusion reigns. You are right to be cynical, that is a healthy way to be in this day and age of spin doctors galore.
Tina thanks for your comments. Logic applies but also truth is stranger than fiction sometimes. The key is don't be trusting and check yourself and check the sources. Checking the sources helps you check what ever agenda there may be. Some of the conspiracies do have a strong basis but get taken off and manipulated and some are nothing but diversion tactics. the conspiracy of conspiracy theories!
Hi Billy,
I love your Hubs, this one especially because you wander into my territory with a love of all things conspiratorial.
Mostly of them probably started as some lunatic fringe theory latched onto by the Media, blown out of all proportion until it takes on a life of its own. Fantastic, where would Dan Brown and I get our inspiration if not from the Loony Toons Press Agency?
You mention Controlling and Confusing the Masses which I have to point out is not an American invention, it has been a leadership tool since the year dot.
Fear is another great tool and they are still used today to great effect from Governments who want to create ‘Big Brother,’ all in the name of protecting us of course. To the seemingly innocent world of the Advertisers....
Check it out; How many adverts use fear as a basis to sell you something, be it a fear of hidden germs to Body Oder. Mass manipulation pure and simple, the bigger the lie, repeated often enough the greater the number of people who believe it.
Merlin you make some excellent point. Particularly the use of fear to control us - the most obvious would be the terror alerts of course in the US. You are right about advertising and germs and medicine - the swine flu was another - we were told that was going to match the plague. Yes these are bad risks but they are blown out by one side and labeled as conspiracies by another. As you say they tend to run off on their own and get bigger with the lies and manipulation. Confuse and control.
Thanks for more food for thought, billy. Just got a quick glance. will have to check back another time.
Great article. I think conspiracies are tempting because the truth is so awful sometimes!
Good thought provoking article!
The illustrations and cartoons are superb! Really adds to the experience
Conspiracy theories are interesting and fun. They are great for relieving boredom. Great for conversation starters and keeping children in line.
Especially good for trying to understand things that don’t make sense.
But then we get distracted because we get hungry or the evening news comes on or our favorite TV mystery.
Eventually the realization sinks in that there isn’t a doggon thing we can do about it anyway.
Billy,
There's quite a lot of interesting content in this hub. I grew up on the X-files, so I'm no stranger to conspiracies. I have read several of your hubs and I have to say that you need to keep your run on sentences under control. They make your hubs quite difficult to read-- especially when they are long. I noticed a number of images for this hub, and images can help break hubs into pieces that are more manageable. The same holds true for sentences, which is what hubbers have come to the hub for. My basic advice is that every time you would use a comma, think about using a period instead. Should help you out loads.
Wow, great hub. So well linked. For anyone who is interested, a really good book written years ago -- years and years ago -- is They Dare Not Call It Conspiracy. I think the author (if memory serves) is Gary Allen. There are a lot of good books out there and I agree, we all need to do our homework and be prepared to the level that we, as individuals, feel we need to be.
Thanks Kim - these are certainly interesting times so thought I would throw another spanner in conventional thinking :)
Gypsy writer thanks for your comments. I agree I think that is right - why I love that cartoon at the opening - 'These ludicrous conspiracies are just away to hide the incredible truth'
Joe thanks for the feedback, glad you liked the cartoons I thought a picture is worth a 1000 words here. You almost have to laugh to see the absurdity of it all. I love your comment 'we get distracted' and I really think that is the point of what adds validity to the conspiracy theory of conspiracy theories :)
starvagrant thanks for your feedback I will keep that in made. I appreciate the advice on sentence structure and punctuation.
Thanks Pamela - I will source out that book - they dare to call it a conspiracy - looks like fascinating reading. Yes we need to be comfortable and ell source out the facts and fiction disguised as one to us.
It is very late here, and I have a few choice words to describe your hub (which I enjoyed immensely); but I am just going to use one: BRILLIANT!!! Thank you! We shall have to exchange some more con-theories one of these dark and imminent days. Hopefully before the $hi+ really hits the fan. Thanks again.
Joshua thanks for your feedback, I look forward to discussing and exchanging more con-theories with you. Definitely before it really hits the fan!
I enjoyed reading this. Conspiracy theories are really hot right now especially with the New world order thing. I remain Switzerland on the whole thing.
please.. every one type quietly THEY might hear you. Sigh.. And I bet none of you are wearing your foil hats are you.
well when you suddenly have an odd craving for Pistacho Ice cream and a need to buy Catcher in the Rye. Just remember I warned you... no .. dont remember that, THEY might be able to read your minds. LOL
" pinky are you thinking what IM thinking." " sure Brain, but if Pippylongstockings and Me had kids what would they look like". " Shut up pinky.... TOnight we take over the world"
Janny you are right it is the buzz word of the time - I see Obama labeled something as the new International order yesterday - that has to fir in somewhere :) I love the term Switzerland, brilliant stuff!
Great stuff outdoors guy - reminds me of that eternal Floyd question....is there anybody out there?.....
Loved the hub - and you have talent+ - keep up the good work....
Thank you for your comments barefootdoctor.
Great food for thought! I agree with you. We need to be less trusting, check the sources and check out things for ourselves. It's too easy to go with the popular public opinion and I feel we are all guilty of that at one time or another.
Yes sometimes green tea-cher it is just too much to bear and we take the 'I don't want to know, what can I do or my brain hurts' options out. Sometimes just a good old cap of tea and a clear mind will open you up to what maybe. The key is a clear mind and be wary of confusion and agendas.
I like the part of your poll that says the aliens are in control LOL!!! It certainly seems that way at times. Having said that, I think it's time we utilized our extra-sensory/power of knowledge skills to maintain(the good which has not fallen)and to improve our todays and tomorrows. Good one, rated up!
Awesome Hub. I've read some conspiracy theory books. There is a pattern of greed and attempts of control that are obviously correct, but to believe it to be a planned stage for decades ahead is too much. You summed it up in "take personal responsibility." When we point 1 finger at government or corporations to bail us out of the mess we are in, we fail to see 3 fingers point back at us. "take personal responsibility." - Save the middle class takes a group effort from the middle class. And Saving the Middle Class is not a theory, it is a practical solution. It begins with Us... both You and Me. Good hub!
Support Med you thinking up joking???? Is it the Reptilians or the Greys in control I forget? It is certainly time we took it on ourselves to improve our lot going forward.
Thanks Neil for you feedback - yes it is all up to us and there will be many hard decisions we have to make. No doubt there will be some tough times a head but throughout history there has been and guess what man has gone on with it. Through history governments have tried to manipulate through greed and control and look what has happened. Uh oh....
Great Hub! Brings me back to an overload of information a friend gave me some years ago, "42 Conspiracies that Changed the World", just to mention some of the titles; "The Brainwashing of America - How Americans have been led into socialism", "The United States is Still a colony of Great Britain", "Silent Weapons for Silent Wars", "Individual Freedom", and many more that just plain leave you stunned.Thanks for the a great read.
Yes there are so many and those that get into them seem to find more and more - they confuse and to many they see what they want to see - the gist of my article. Some people it seems just can't get enough of conspiracy theories! Thanks for your feedback Work At Home Gal.
Conspiracy theories are not even theories. They have no testable hypotheses and are usually framed to achieve maximum fear. I also find it peculiar that the so-called theories usually have to do with the current right-wing agenda - stuff like the Illuminati, the New World Order, etc, etc. And of course the whole thing about President Obama being a Muslim or not born in the US or having a socialist agenda. So really I think that the way to deal with so-called conspiracy theories is to apply the old legal question - cui bono (who benefits)? Who is benefitting from people getting excited and worked up about the latest conspiracy theory. Who will gain the most from getting people to believe there is a secret cabal running the world? The answers to such questions might get us closer to the truth.
And then I think the personal responsibility angle might have some validity - if I can blame someone else for the problem I don't have to do anyting myself to find a solution.
As with so many things having a critical yet open mind is the best defence against people trying to instill fear and loathing through conspiracy theories. I just don't buy any of them.
Thanks for starting an interesting debate.
Love and peace
Tony
Tony an excellent commentary - yes my thoughts exactly accept in the who does it benefit I put some creedence on leadership confusing the masse. Indeed the US government has a website addressing the conspiracy theories - debunking them etc. America.gov - check it out Why would they do that other than to create some sense of validity and confuse - they just add to the conspiracy theory. It certainly gets the big brother thought control fired up.
Very interesting and very well written. And I appreciated, beside the pictures, your point of view. I'd like to say one thing though: as regards conspiracies every time I look at the one dollar bill I must admit that all those masonic symbols are pretty self explanatory, and the same happens when reading about the Bilderberg Group, just to name one. The second thought is that I've never been able to understand how someone who has evidently serious issues like George W. could have been allowed to "run" USA and have the red nuclear button in his hands. But then I remember that I live in a Country where five Mafias run 90% of the territory, and unfortunately this is not conspiracy but tragic reality.
Rated up and awesome, and stumbled too. :)
Thanks for your comments hypnodude. There are certainly lots of symbolic information out there to put together conspiracy theories whether that is coincidence or something innocent is always up to debate - masonic leanings aside - remember though the original masons were about helping one another from catholic Europe and America was founded by lots of protestant group - so there isn't anything necessarily sinister about it. However that simply point is forgotten in a lot of theories. Good point on the mafia and there is a similarity there - violence and threats aside.
Wow Billy, you hit the jackpot with this one! Congratulations!
I found the hub fascinating and the comments and your feedback deepened your perspective.
Hmm. Now I am feeling quite cynical, lol.
In the grand scheme of human existence, why do you think these theories might exist? Do you think there is some learning to be found inside conspiracy theories? I mean from the perspective of history and human growth? Do they feed the human condition in some way? Is there always a point?
Sometimes I think God is sitting on some hill somewhere laughing hysterically at the muck we humans have created for ourselves... when life at its foundation is really quite simple.
Thanks I hope I trust I answered your questions Storytellus and thanks for your wonderful feedback.
I think in regards the question of human condition that man has a need to believe there is something more than the readily explainable to justfy their existance or situation. There is an argument that with a rise in athiesm in the West there is a common thread between those believing conspiracy theorists and despising organized religon. One has to be careful as you can believe some of a conspiracy and laugh about others etc. Would be interesting to these percentages on this.
Conspiracy theories are effectively nurtured in some instances and become self fulfilling in justification. The internet enables that - hence why TBTB could quite easily use conspiracy theories to their advantage.
You are probably right God probably has a snicker at some of the goings on and must wonder what is in the cool-aid down there!
Yes life is simple - but with simplicity comes responsibility - remember as Pogo said 'the enemy is within'
Billy. I am going with the aliens being in control of these . ever fold a 20 dollar bill into pieces that show that towers burning???
Amazing Hub once again:) I just love to read your stuff:)))
I have seen a few aliens after one two many :) I have seen that 20 dollar bill, it is amazing but I wonder what it was interpreted before the burning towers? We need to check that out. Thanks for you kind words Wavegirl. :)
It's also possible that many people have too much time on their hands. :)
Yes timorous and plenty of time to let the mind wander....
A lot of info shared here. How many online encyclopedias did you read thru-! As for Bugliosi's book, I was surprised that a trained legal mind of his caliber could arrive at the odd conclusion that a lone gunman manufactured and pulled off the whole crime. His professional record shows him to be such an intelligent, clear-thinking man. But his conclusion flatly denies all evidence of a governmental conspiracy in this case---a very suspicious result coming from someone of his intellectual level. I find myself wondering if that brilliant fellow has joined some unsavory club of paid-for-hire media puppets. His book on the assassination is closely and shrewdly examined by his peers in an enlightening way. The supposed authority of his scholarship in this book is well-examined and found lacking by several reputable critics. It was refreshing to find this out through a personal search. I felt almost as refreshed as I did when I found Gerald Posner's critics online. Posner is revealed to be one of the most ludicrous and bald-faced liars ever to write books, possessing none of the professional credit rightly granted to Bugliosi. Perhaps Bugliosi would've done best, though, by naming his book "History Profaned." Or he might well have named it "Oswald Reframed," as suggested by one of his critics.
Your hard work on this hub is appreciated.
LewJ thanks for your comments on Bugliosi's book - I also thought it like a paid 'gun for hire' that came out at a time to assert there was no crack in the US psyche perhaps. Posner doesn't have many credible fans does he? It is an interesting world of conspiracy theories - I often think 'don't let truth get in the way of a good story' is a more apt description.
Hi! Thanks for the useful theory of conspiracy theories. Well, creating a controversy about a new product is one of the most powerful marketing tactics used by worlds leading marketers! --Thanks
Thanks ss sneh you are right. Are you starting a conspiracy about Apple and the iPhone. iPod and iPad perhaps? :)
Hello. I am not usually interested in anything that deals with politics. But conspiracies do interest me to some degree. i thought this hub was awesome and plan to read more of your hubs. My two favorite theories you covered were the new world order and the Elvis presley and Jim morrison. i am an Elvis fan love himto death. As far as you comment about them... i agree it would be cool to see them in a duet. Hey... I do believe they are dead tho. HAHAHA! There have been no sitings for me.
Celina thanks for your comments. Yes a duet would be impressive, I wonder what song they would choose - 'The end' would be appropriate in these dark times. Oh wait the NWO probably wouldn't allow that at this time:)
lol-"lets go back to the senario in which none of this is my fault"
This was an interestin article, and the comics made it easier for my distracted mind to keep reading :)
Thanks for the comments starqueen. The conspiracy comics are classic - glad you enjoyed them :)
Billy,
I think you are right to assume that most conspiracy theories are bunk. That people want to believe them in order to cope with the failings of society and the economy. However, some conspiracies are identifiable, with hoards of evidence to support them, and are sometimes openly acknowledged as their consequences have worn off. Conspiracies do exist, and they have existed for a long time. Anytime you have a group of people that hold power and they conspire to mislead people in order to affect a plan for their secretive benefit, you have a conspiracy.
Rusticyeti thanks for your feedback. Actually I don't think all conspiracies are bunk - just the majority of them as a means of wishful thinking or passing on the blame of people's own sorry lives. I also think there is much in my theory of conspiracy theories being part of a larger conspiracy. That way you can confuse the masses. Power corrupts that is a fact and with that come many attempts to control - most fail or are found out pretty quickly IMO. Maybe we are all part of the conspiracy writing about conspiracies?
Billy,
I have a simple, quite paranoid mind and because of that, up until a few weeks ago i have purposely distanced myself from anything relative to conspiracy theories, however, my research has ultimately shown me that conspiracy theories may often be "dreamed up" by a person/organisation wanting to shift blame, and i loved reading your rationalisation on these various theories, great reading, thanks! xX
A great read to add to your collection! The possibility of conspiracy is so much more exciting than the "knowledge" of straight edge reality. For this reason, I also love comics! My favourite American conspiracy was one that stated the Federal government, continuing on with the Obama board, have been controlling population (cancer deaths) via means of temperature control in air conditioning! Cheers
Sidonie I like your conclusion - much of what I have concluded also. They are a great way to get mind and thought control. Along the lines of the Pygmalion motivational theory. Though some of what we consider conspiracies may have much factual basis or are smoke screens for something else - great isn't it!
FredIndy yes the increase in conspiracy theories did pick up with the first coming books, That is a new one the spread of cancer through air conditioning, Well new for me at least I appear to be outside of the conspiracy theory loop so to spkeak.
Billy,
Bloomin Amazing. To put it simply!
Sidonie it is amazing I have started researching a hub on a; the conspiracies running around on the BP Spill - talk about bloomin' amazing there too.
Well written, Billy. So many conspiracies, so little real truth!
Pastor Walt very sad but true - there are many tall stories you have to wade through. It is fun checking them out though. Often though fact is stranger than fiction.
Interesting hub for sure. Makes me wonder about the death of Marilyn Monroe too. I guess we'd never know.
Hubpageswriter thanks for your comments. On Marilyn Monroe we know of the affairs and the involvement with the Kennedy's and the mob the question is always going to be did she know too much or was it death by misadventure. I sad life ending indeed.
Spinning the facts this way and that way to suit individual goals of the moment...amazing that we can ferret out anything that even resembles the truth. You forgot to mention the aliens kept alive under secretive government security in Roswell, New Mexico. In your poll just for fun I was tempted to vote that the aliens control everything but rather chose the "Are you kidding they couldn't organize drink in a brewery." Interesting hub, Billy.
Peggy yes Roswell is a great one - remember the autopsy photos. Actually I am just finishing up a hub on the Peak Oil and BP Skeptic Matt Simmons who died on Sunday - lots of theories and misinformation on his death.
Will look forward to reading what you write about Matt Simmons.
Peggy working on it - I also committed to the 60DC so a busy few months here.
I'm part of a million member Conspiracy Theory group that believes the Media is honest and objective. I also believe the cost of gas is solely by Supply and Demand and believe Politics are totally honest with no back table deals. And of course Madoff was framed.
Conspiracy Nut classic answers had me laughing hard - thanks for dropping by with your conspiracy theory debunks :)
Hey Billy, I hope I am not intruding. I have my own opinion on conspiracy. I say there is a thin line between good business and conspiracy.
I hope you don't mind if I post a link to a petition I am circulating to hopefully bring some light to health and healing business or conspiracy.
I maintain that science and medicine are not interested in cures that cannot be patented and I hope you and your followers will sign this petition.
Sincerely,
David Flowers
David thanks for your feedback I have left it up for others to join if they choose. The big drug companies certainly have a ton of power and greed and money and stock prices seem paramount. Your theory also fits in with nations not interested in Peace such as the Middle East etc. I look forward to reading more of your work.
You know you believe me Billy. :)
bgamall do you believe in magic? :)
It's interesting that you would use such examples as the JFK assassination and 9/11 and leave out the most possible conspiracies theories. It would seem that you have written an article to further spread disinformation, as you have left out the most probable explanations.
Perhaps a little more research and a little less opinion would give more credence to your . . . how did you put it? Oh yeah DRIBBLE!
Final Judgement a book written in the sixties and promptly censored from America to this day, sheds a lot of light on the JFK assassination. One needs merely ask "Who had the most to lose?" to answer that question, which in your dribble you didn't mention.
As far as 9/11 goes you again failed to address the most pressing issues anyone with half a brain would ask. How does a commercial airliner fly at 480 miles an hour at less than 2 thousand feet? This is physically impossible, perhaps you have never been on a plane before? They don't achieve that speed until they reach 30,000 feet.
How does a building fall down AS a pile of dust? The dust was happening as it was falling not after it fell? Why was Hurricane Eris (the size of Katrina) located 75 miles off the coast of Long Island on 9/11/2001 NEVER reported on any News Stations?
When you have answered or even acknowledged any of these concepts and questions then you may officially consider yourself apart from the herd, until then I would say the conditioning is working, either that or the fluoride.
You ain't even close dude, baa, baa!
somethgblue clearly you did not get the gist of the article it is not whether conspiracies are true or not - I did not even address that. The conspiracy theory of conspiracy theories simply states that the conspiracy theories are intentionally pushed by TPTB to confuse and effectively lead to an unquestioning public the more mindless it gets - take a look at the past few years of politically intrigue largely unquestioned. It wasn't an article about who killed JFK or whether 911 WTC was an inside job. Two totally different situations.
That is the point it creates debate an division between believers, unbelievers, the apathetic and the paranoid. Thanks for the time for reading not sure if your abuse was warranted but that is exactly the point of the passion that is inspired. Hope that makes sense.
Great hub! The term 'conspiracy' is in effect the conspiracy. When this term is used it immediately throws a suspicious light and makes questionable any other facts that are raised which undermine the integrity of a reported event or established story.
Fact and fiction quickly become the 'apparent' rather than the 'actual' making it difficult to distinguish one from the other. The focus becomes the counter-arguments rather than the facts themselves and any attempt to re-focus on the initial facts can simply be confused by further counter-argument.
The reality is that 'fact' is simply an agreed consensus by the majority and most significantly by the 'ruler'. If something is labelled 'conspiracy' then majority consensus will not be achieved while the rule-maker can still maintain the ultimate decision on what shall be deemed fact...
Thanks - what we are seeing out is the ultimate smoke and mirrors - trying to force public opinion and apathy with conspiracy and repetitive denial and fabrication to where the public is swayed with submission - many just dumbed down already.
Hi BAD,
I really enjoyed this article, and quite fraknly it makes more sense than anything I have ever read on conspiracy theories lol.
Did you ever see the mad revisionist? it is halarious.
Anyhow, I have seen one that most people don't ever look at. Search for "robert newman, the mozart Myth"
here is a guy that bleives Mozart never wrote 95% of the works credicted to him to make up a story of a super musical genius so the powers that be could make germany look better at their composers. sigh.
I will tell you that I don't buy into any conspiracy theoreies at all with the exception of what most would label if you are against it as saying it is a conspiracy theory, but there is a big diffrence. I think the thing I am referring to is mostly that I think it is a bunch of dribble and hype and used as a phrase politician use just so they can get elected because it is popular. and that is Global warming. I think the way it is being used is a bunch of nonsense but that is becasue I can see the climate with my own 2 eyes as can all 7 billion people on the planet. There isn't really anything hidden. It is just a lack of common sense and the information is inconculisve really that is why I say it is in a totally diffrent cateogory.
I do know people who believe the following:
The Denver int'l airport is a sign of the illumannati
they invented a natural drug (not really a drug) that cures all stage 4 cancers and is only 2 or 3 cents per dose. but you can only get it in France, the government is hiding it because they want the drug companies to make money.
the IRS, the border patrol of US/Canada, the railroad police all have more authority than the US federal gov't. yet you to any website and every one of these is a department under , whom reports to the federal gov't.
there are others and I can't think of them now but this is great stuff :)
Mark - It is fascinating that your comments are an exact example of what I see as the effect of the 'conspiracy' word i.e. to undermine the integrity of a fact raised that questions an established belief, to discredit the perpetrator of that alternative opinion followed by focus on the counter arguments. I am not familiar with the matters that you mentioned and would grateful if you could elaborate on the facts on which these conspiracies are based.
Mark - thanks for the comments - whatever it maybe it is all about controlling fear and seemingly making money for the initiators or the groups that run with it as global warming is - which now climate change as it is more convenient no doubt - moving the target and the sheeple will follow suit. Can't ever admit you are wrong as the conspiracy is against the conspiracy :)
Jefcsaid further to what you said that is a key part of the conspiracy of the conspiracy theory - undermine, confusing and legitimizing. Seems to work wonders for some. If you hear it enough it must be true. If there are enough distractions than it must be a conspiracy and it rolls in until fact becomes fiction and vice versa. Confused? That is the point.
Most Americans do not believe in conspiracy theories; it's very much a fringe activity. I've never seen a scientific survey done across a broad spectrum of the population that indicates that more than 50% of Americans believe in such things.
Also, belief in conspiracies isn't just confined to the US. There are plenty of conspiracy theorists among the Canadian, British, and French, just to name a few nations. Americans probably get more attention for it simply because the US is a more populous country than others and its cultural products are exported all over the world. But in terms of percentages, there's no evidence that the US has more conspiracy nuts than any other country.
Linda Myshrall Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
Hey BAD, This is fascinating!
I am just now reading a book by David Baldacci called, The Whole Truth. The story line pretty much mirrors one of your assertions---how easy it is to manipulate 'The Herd' with conspiracies.
I agree that it is necessary to attempt to understand what is happening around us. We cannot abdicate our responsibility to research and verify what we are being told.
We cannot be lemmings. We cannot blindly follow any party or leader.
It does feel like we are in the midst of a blizzard of informational insanity right now though. Kind've like trying to move Bandini Mountain with a weeding trowel.
Thanks for giving me new threads to unravel.
ps. my favorite conspiracy theory is the one involving the US Gov causing Katrina.