Conspiracy Beliefs (2) - Myth - not Theory

Conspiracy Theories


First, as you may have noticed, the expressed opinions are not theories in a scientific sense - as the word ‘theory’ usually would imply.  This is because scientific theories are in principle falsifiable, i.e. they can be proved or disproved using scientific methods. This is not the case for such belief systems (as you will see later). Therefore, they are here mostly called myths, conspiracy beliefs or conspiracy ideologies.

Myth believers feel endangered and enlightened

Many people who believe in such myths think (and feel) that they are endangered, disenfranchised, marginalized and subjected to impending massive destruction (personal, family, society). They see mysterious activities going on carried out by people or organizations that have immense power, long-range planning, wealth and a hidden, far-reaching network. It is believed that their only aim is to rule the world and use, marginalize or destroy the others.

Such convictions are regarded as real, dangerous and the felt loss of control is disturbing and therefore not acceptable. Proof is what ‘enlightened’ people know, write, disseminate and preach. Proof is also what believers experience with their immediate sensory input.

The fact that other folks do not recognize these dangers is a sure sign that they are ‘dumb’ (so-called ‘sleep-sheeps’) or blue-pilled (the term comes from the move The Matrix;  there are two choices for Neo: either take the red-pill and see the truth, or swallow the blue pill and remain delusional.

Networks

People who believe in conspiracy myths are usually part of a bigger group or network and usually connected via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and so on. Videos are a very powerful media, as they are often considered to be trustworthy (who would otherwise spend so much time and money to produce them). Standard media sources (including Wikipedia) are believed to be manipulative and misleading. Prominent scientists are regarded as being bribed or being part of the ‘evil’ system.

Threat and Defense

Again, believers of such ideologies feel threatened by very strong , intelligent and evil enemies, acting in secrecy. Therefore, they feel it is more than justified to use all kinds of self-protection against such destructive plans, including deadly force. They want to regain control of their lives. They think in dualistic terms like Good and Evil, Black and White, Fight or Defeat, Friend or Foe.


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