When smart people believe dumb things
source: http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2010/02/03/david_aaronovitch_conspiracy_theories/index.html
-
-
- Future_America
- added this
In the autumn of 1919, shortly after the end of the First World War, a strange book began circulating in Western Europe and North America. "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" consisted of an 80-page manifesto outlining, in detail, how the existing powers in the world — churches, governments and the like — could be toppled using class hatred, war and Bolshevism, thus establishing a world empire ruled by Jews. Supposedly created by a cabal of nefarious Jews during an 1897 meeting, "The Protocols" was, of course, an anti-Semitic hoax, but that didn't stop it from becoming a sensation in Europe — and one of the first major conspiracy theories of the 20th century.
As British journalist and Times of London columnist David Aaronovitch explains in his new book, "Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History," it was far from the last. "The Protocols" was the first in a line of outlandish theories that have gained popularity over the past century. From faked moon landings to Holy Grail coverups and missing Hawaii birth certificates, a great many people have been willing to believe some very farfetched ideas. In this fascinating and thoroughly researched book, Aaronovitch dissects not only how many of these theories were invented, but also how they prey on our personal fears and, in some cases, metastasize into our popular culture.
Salon spoke to Aaronovitch by phone about the Internet's role in spreading conspiracy theories, our new golden age of paranoia, and the dangers of believing Naomi Klein.
More @ link
As British journalist and Times of London columnist David Aaronovitch explains in his new book, "Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History," it was far from the last. "The Protocols" was the first in a line of outlandish theories that have gained popularity over the past century. From faked moon landings to Holy Grail coverups and missing Hawaii birth certificates, a great many people have been willing to believe some very farfetched ideas. In this fascinating and thoroughly researched book, Aaronovitch dissects not only how many of these theories were invented, but also how they prey on our personal fears and, in some cases, metastasize into our popular culture.
Salon spoke to Aaronovitch by phone about the Internet's role in spreading conspiracy theories, our new golden age of paranoia, and the dangers of believing Naomi Klein.
More @ link
-
- groups:
- World News, books, Conspiracy Theories
