Conspiracies
VOLUME 22. ISSUE 1.
The concept of the conspiracy theory has long been a part of our culture. However, they remain elusive and intangible to the general populous. How are they created? Who circulates them? What makes them so appealing to the human psyche? These are the questions we wish to dissect. This month’s Bearing Down examines: conspiracies.
“…their arguments project situations as very black and white. Once they gather up in little groups, they all feed into these crazy ideas.”
— quote from Drew Kelleher in article “Don’t Fall Victim to Conspiracies” by Chris Jordan
THE CONTENT
The Origins of Conspiracy Theories
feature by bella alimenti
Conspiracies have always been a part of culture and the basis of ideology and beliefs. Things such as Bigfoot, the Lochness Monster, Mermaids, and the Bermuda Triangle all have interesting history behind them. Considering this, all of these have also evolved…
Michigan’s Own Local Lore
feature by cassidy watson
Melon heads, a six foot tall humanoid figure that flies in the sky, and killer clowns—you can find all of these cryptids right here in Michigan….
The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories
feature by mason hanks
The News Literacy Organization defines a conspiracy theory as “an unfounded explanation of an event or situation that blames the work of a sinister, secretive group.” Oftentimes, the explanations surround major world happenings, especially those with political or social stakes…
Don’t Fall Victim to Conspiracies
opinion by chris jordan
In a world dominated by the internet, it is easier than ever to fall victim to misinformation. Conspiracy theorists, cults, and even people close to you all use similar tactics to persuade you…
Notable Conspiracies in History
feature by eliot schlaack and leyla dumke
In 1776, Bavarian Adam Weishaupt founded a secret, anti-religion organization, or order, he dubbed “The Illuminati.” According to BBC Travel, he was “inspired by the Freemasons and French Enlightenment philosophers…” The Bavarian Illuminati spread across Europe, aided by popular Enlightenment philosophies but died out within a century…
Are Aliens Humanoid?
pro/con by bella alimenti and sophie confer
In 1969, we reached for the stars and put our first man on the moon. Now in 2021, we question if there are beings out there that have done the same, and whether or not they’ll reach out to us— at least not before we do…