Political Theatre category archive
The Lies of the Land 0
Tony Norman warns us to prepare for an onslaught of lies as the impeachment trial moves forward (or in whatever the heck direction it’s going to move).
No excerpt or summary can do his piece justice. Just read it.
“It Must Be True. Nothing Else Explains It.” 0
Joe Pierre has posted two pieces about the psychology of conspiracy theories (and theorists) at Psychology Today Blogs, derived from a radio interview in which he participated. They are worth a look.
Here’s a bit from Part One (emphasis added):
How has the internet affected the spread of conspiracy theories? Do you think the internet promotes the spread of conspiracy theories?
There’s little question that the internet can help spread false beliefs including conspiracy theories. And research has shown that misinformation tends to spread faster and more widely than factual information. So the internet is clearly a fertile breeding ground for conspiracy theories.
That said, there is not good evidence that conspiracy theories are necessarily more common now than they have been at other points in history. . . .
What is somewhat unique to the internet is the way it’s very design — through a click-based revenue model along with the creation of filter bubbles — can foster echo chambers and confirmation bias that strengthens conviction in our pre-existing beliefs. As I like to say, searching for information online is often like “confirmation bias on steroids.”
A Picture Is Worth 0
Know them by the company they keep.
A Flair for the Obvious 0
And this surprises you how?
The Climates They Are a-Changing 0
And I thought I was a bit of a pessimist.
Meanwhile, Bob Peckman suggests that, if one wants to discuss scientific topics, one might be wise to pay attention to science.
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Dreams in the White-House 0
Jamelle Bouie finds Lovecraftian overtones to these troubled times. Here’s a bit; follow the link for the rest of his tale of eldritch horror made real.
It feels, at times, that when it comes to President Donald Trump, our political class is this Lovecraftian protagonist, struggling to understand an incomprehensibly abnormal president.
Aside:
Readers of Lovecraft will recognize this post’s title as a pun on the title of one of Lovecraft’s stories.
