Political Theatre category archive
“But It’s the Only Possible Explanation” 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Jeffrey S. Debies Carl takes a two-part dive into why persons spread conspiracy theories. One of his most disturbing findings at persons may benefit from doing so, but the evidence that they do benefit from fomenting falsehoods is all around us in dis coarse discourse. I commend both articles to your attention.
Here are his summaries of the main points from both parts (emphasis added):
Part One, titled Why Do People Spread Conspiracy Theories?
- Many people assume people who spread conspiracy theories will be subject to ridicule.
- Research suggests that conspiracy theories might actually improve the reputations of people who spread them.
- Spreading conspiracy claims and thinking positively of those who spread them might be part of human evolution.
Part Two, titled Does It Pay to Spread Conspiracy Theories?
- A new study examines the reputational consequences of spreading conspiracy theories.
- The findings show that conspiracy claims can either improve the reputation of spreaders or harm them.
- Social conflict improves positive reputational outcomes of conspiracy spreading and minimizes negative ones.
Facebook Frolics 0
Rebecca Watson comments on Mark Zuckerberg’s decision the greenlight hate speech on his “social” media platforms. (Warning: Mild language.)
Or you can read the transcript.
Missing in Inaction 0
The Editorial Board of my local rag looks at statements by a number of Republican regarding the fires in California and editorializes that
Withholding relief from California fire victims would be unconscionable
The editorial itself is behind the paywall, but its title summarizes it nicely.
But that leads to a larger question:
- Where is the evidence that today’s Republican Party has a conscience?
Facebook Frolics 0
At AL.com, Kyle Whitmire finds himself less than impressed with Mark Zuckerberg’s reasons for abandoning fact-checking Fakebook Facebook; Whitmire notes the irony (emphasis added):
And that’s just the start. Follow the link for the rest.
Meanwhile, in more news of the Zuckerborg . . . .
This New Gilded Age 0
Via the Majority Report, a business professor argues that “income inequality is out of control,” then Sam and the crew discuss his remarks.
Afterthought:
We are reaping the harvest of Reagan’s trickle-on economics.
The Rule of Flaw 0
A Solomonic ruling rooted in Cannon law.
Driving Defensively on the Disinformation Superhighway 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Bill Eddy notes that (emphasis added):
- Social media and some news outlets often include false information which can feel true from repetition.
- Research shows that false and emotional information spreads farther and faster than the truth.
He then suggests ten questions that can be helpful in parsing perfidy. Here’s a snippet; follow the link for the full list.
Will the speaker/writer personally benefit by saying what they are saying . . . .
Prioritization Nation 0
At the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mike McCool share a few thoughts about our nation’s priorities.
“History Does Not Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes”* 0
At the Idaho State Journal, Kim Shinkoskey hears a rhyme. Here’s how he opens his article:
Follow the link for his evidence.
________________
*Mark Twain.
