The Problem with Conspiracy Theories

Recently, on Fresh Air, Terry interviewed an investigative journalist who has studied the social effects of conspiracy theories. The recent shooting at a play (about a fictitious conversation between Emmet Till and Anne Frank) was by a guy that believed the Federal Reserve controls the Obama Administration. He understood it as Jewish people controlling Black people to subordinate Whites. People who belive in these theories fall victim to all sorts of logical fallacies. Unfortunately, this appeals to oppressed people because it helps them make sense of a world that seems unreasonably unfair. Sadly, they lose credibility and are agents of their own disempowerment.

With that said, I like this Sabac Red video (Peace to www.grandgood.com GRANDGOOD for putting me on to this). It's a little too conspiratorial and extreme, but its good place to start.