2 Comments
Nov 29, 2022·edited Nov 30, 2022Liked by Cathy Reisenwitz

People believe in conspiracy theories for much the same reason they believe in god. It’s just too horrible to think the universe is a chaotic place where nobody is in charge and random shit just happens. It’s more reassuring to believe the unprovable and unbelievable.

You certainly hit upon the critical reality about conspiracy theories. Namely that all the real conspiracies are right out in the open for everyone to see. Like the decades long conspiracy by right wing evangelical Christians in league with Republicans to gradually destroy abortion rights. Among others.

Conspiracy theories about reptilian aliens then become just a distraction from the very real, but earth bound conspiracies that you could actually do something about. Much like Christianity telling slaves to obey their master because they will be rewarded by and by in heaven.

Another thing that always struck me about conspiracy theories is that it’s really a way of thinking and seeing the world. You’d think there’s only a few conspiracy theories to go around, but their numbers keep growing. In fact, they’re a nearly limitless renewable resource.

Expand full comment