conspiracy theories

[HashberryOTG]

there are shape shifting lizards on earth that pose as humans and have taken places high up in our government,

I thought those were cat people....

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

Our educational system teaches us what to think, not how to think for ourselves. Critical thinkers are far less likely to fall for conspiracy theories. They are trained to seek out the truth, not accepting a point of view without evidence from a variety of sources.

So how do some come out of the same educational system as critical thinkers and some don't?

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

So how do some come out of the same educational system as critical thinkers and some don't?

Their parents teach them.

 

[SaintsManiac]

So how do some come out of the same educational system as critical thinkers and some don't?

Facebook and YouTube

 

[pens4821]

I don't know anyone that goes to extremes. I somewhat believe some theories, but not outlandish ones. I think its more withheld info, than it is some huge conspiracy.

Perfect example is what is going on now. We were told not to wear masks, that they wouldn't help. But we were told that so that the people who really needed them (hospitals, police, etc.) would be able to get them. So they told us something harmful, but it wasn't some huge conspiracy as they did so. There was a reason for it (right or wrong is a different question).

 

[LuvOrlando]

I had someone tell me the numbers we see on TV are lies meant to keep us scared. I told him to go on believing his conspiracy theories.

I think the numbers we see on TV are from Easter and Passover family gatherings, just like an uptick at the end of May will be from Mother's Day gatherings

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

But how long did it take to be found out, and how much damage was done? FIL has lung cancer from the "smoking is cool" era so that tab is still running I think

There were studies and data in the 1950s/1960s that showed the link between smoking and cancer. I have no idea how they were covered at the time (too young, thank god) but the data was out there.

So how do some come out of the same educational system as critical thinkers and some don't?

In my experience it seems like the K-12 system is mostly about regurgitating facts presented by the teacher while colleges push students to form their own opinions based on data. A lot of the people I see on the conspiracy theory side lack secondary education and have never developed the critical thinking skills necessary to challenge subjects put in front of them from an analytical standpoint.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

So how do some come out of the same educational system as critical thinkers and some don't?

Some are taught by their parents and others by life not to simply trust something that you are told.

I have taught my children that they are free to believe whatever they wish. I do not have any desire for them to believe things that I believe. I want them to have their own minds. But I also taught them that there was one rule in creating our beliefs - never accept anything simply because someone told them, they read it or they heard about it - no matter the source - and that includes me. Fact check everything before you believe it because once you believe it, it requires a great deal of work to unwind that belief in your mind.

When my boys argue with my wife and I, we love it. It means that they are thinking. We encourage it. Just argue respectfully, accepting that it is possible for two intelligent people to look at the same thing and see something very different.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I heard of one where birds are really some kind of biological robot the government uses to spy on us. “Birds aren’t real” it’s called. But, there have been “conspiracy theories” that have been proven true. For decades it’s been said that the government released lymes disease which has recently come out as true (google it), the JFK thing (any intelligent person can tell there was more then one shooter), government finally admitted to ufos being real after saying it was a “conspiracy theory” for 70 years, Bobby Kennedy also obviously had a second gunman and his own son wants his case reopened, government admitted to mind control experiments using lsd on inmates and people against their will and knowledge, etc., etc. My point is, just because the government or the majority of sheeple tell you something is a “conspiracy theory” doesn’t mean it really is. Think for yourself and do research. Don’t blindly believe what you’re told. Though most of those listed by op are ridiculous.

 

[Tjddis]

Well these things have always occupied a place in America’s conscious. JFK, Area 51, moon landing. Most of them were harmless, or even fun. Or just plain interesting. I spent years reading all the JFK stuff cause I just found it fascinating on so many levels
What’s different today is internet access and social media. It is just so easy to find like minded individuals and misinformation to support any claim. Literally anybody can start a rumor, create a bunch of bots to support and boom. Before you know it it’s out there and gains traction
Add to that nefarious actors that have agendas to destabilize things that actually devote resources to do this and it’s crazy. Although I supppse technically that too can be cited as a conspiracy theory...

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

Perfect example is what is going on now. We were told not to wear masks, that they wouldn't help. But we were told that so that the people who really needed them (hospitals, police, etc.) would be able to get them. So they told us something harmful, but it wasn't some huge conspiracy as they did so. There was a reason for it (right or wrong is a different question).

I guess I see this as changing guidelines as new information is obtained. Like at first I believe "they" - as in the CDC and others issuing guidelines - really did think masks were not needed for healthy individuals who were not likely to be in close contact with individuals who have covid-19. Then, as more information became known - that asymptomatic individuals could spread it, that it can be spread prior to symptom onset, that it can be spread by droplets within a (yet to be determined) radius, then the guidelines changed to recommend masks for all. I don't think we were told something harmful on purpose.

Kind of like for awhile medical guidance was to not introduce peanuts until 2 years of age to prevent allergies, then with additional research and studies, they now actually recommend introducing them early. Or dietary recommendations can change based on new research.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

For decades it’s been said that the government released lymes disease which has recently come out as true (google it),

I picked your first one and googled it. The only thing I found is the House was investigating it. Am I missing where it came out as true?
https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/17/politics/lyme-disease-amendment-investigation/index.html

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I picked your first one and googled it. The only thing I found is the House was investigating it. Am I missing where it came out as true?
https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/17/politics/lyme-disease-amendment-investigation/index.html

The house has ordered the pentagon to investigate it and explain what happened. They know it happened (back in the 70s) or they wouldn’t be investing how it happened. Government was doing research on lymes in ticks for biological warfare purposes and wanted to release uninfected ticks to track their spread and accidentally? released infected ones. Like I said, do some research.

 

[SaintsManiac]

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

The house has ordered the pentagon to investigate it and explain what happened. They know it happened (back in the 70s) or they wouldn’t be investing how it happened. Government was doing research on lymes in ticks for biological warfare purposes and wanted to release uninfected ticks to track their spread and accidentally? released infected ones. Like I said, do some research.

They ordered an investigation because they know it happened? Um... that's not how it works.

I did research and found nothing of authority saying this happened. Feel free to provide a reputable source saying otherwise.

 

[TippyThomas]

Flat Earthers confuse me on all kinds of levels.

 

[China Expat]

Yes...I know a few folks who believe or disbelieve a whole host of things. THey are college educated and all say they obtain their "news" from the same network...Fox.

 

[monsterkitty]

Our educational system teaches us what to think, not how to think for ourselves. Critical thinkers are far less likely to fall for conspiracy theories. They are trained to seek out the truth, not accepting a point of view without evidence from a variety of sources.

I guess I should stop telling my students that it's not only okay to disagree with others, but highly encouraged. However, you need to make sure you have a self-formed opinion and can back that up. I really should stop asking them, "please explain your thoughts" or "can you show me how you came to that conclusion".

It's funny how you say critical thinkers "are trained to seek out the trust, not accepting a point of view without evidence from a variety of sources." In my district we have learning standards that requires the students to seek evidence from a variety of sources, both pro and con, so that you can form and support your own opinion.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

They ordered an investigation because they know it happened? Um... that's not how it works.

I did research and found nothing of authority saying this happened. Feel free to provide a reputable source saying otherwise.

They ordered an investigation because there is evidence that it happened. There’s been research for 40 years about it. The house would not pass an amendment if there weren’t some evidence to support the investigation. The fact that something cited as a fringe “conspiracy theory” by small brained sheeple for 40 years is being investigated by the pentagon is huge

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I guess I should stop telling my students that it's not only okay to disagree with others, but highly encouraged. However, you need to make sure you have a self-formed opinion and can back that up. I really should stop asking them, "please explain your thoughts" or "can you show me how you came to that conclusion".

It's funny how you say critical thinkers "are trained to seek out the trust, not accepting a point of view without evidence from a variety of sources." In my district we have learning standards that requires the students to seek evidence from a variety of sources, both pro and con, so that you can form and support your own opinion.

Good for you and your school system. That is awesome. But that is an anecdote. If you think they are doing that in most schools, you are kidding yourself.

My anecdote - my boys were in 4 different school systems in two different states and were never allowed to question the things taught in class.