DEF
Conspiracy theories are allegations that powerful people or organizations are plotting together in secret to achieve sinister ends through deception of the public.
Excerpt from Wikipedia
A conspiracy theory is an explanation for an event or situation that asserts the existence of a conspiracy by powerful and/or sinister groups, often political in motivation, when other explanations are more probable. Conspiracy theories are generally designed to resist falsification and are reinforced by circular reasoning: both evidence against the conspiracy and absence of evidence for it are misinterpreted as evidence of its truth, whereby the conspiracy becomes a matter of faith rather than something that can be proven or disproven.
Studies have linked belief in conspiracy theories to distrust of authority and political cynicism.
The term generally has a negative connotation, implying that the appeal of a conspiracy theory is based in prejudice, emotional conviction, or insufficient evidence.
This is a conspiracy theory.
An example of a conspiracy theory would be “What about building 7?“
(But the topic here is not “conspiracy theories” but the jackal that calls certain views a “conspiracy theory”.)
Unfolding of the foreground jackal into background jackals
You are too suspicious.
And also too gullible, not critical enough.
And you should really get yourself informed. There is so much decent information out there, scientific research.
Are you a fascist? You know, the anti-semites always told the wildest conspiracy theories. I feel reminded of that when I hear you say such things.
(Each of these statements provides more clarity around possible feelings and needs – they are examples only, other jackals could be alive. Look inside and check which jackals are alive in you in a half-conscious way and formulate them out.)
My personal favorite at the time of writing this is:
I can not reach conspiracy theorists. They are so firmly closed off in their bubble, it is hopeless and not even worth trying.
Start the inner or outer dialogue with guessing the feelings and needs behind ONE of the proposed jackals.
Guess a strategy …
Would you like to have magic wand to reach such people?
Or guess a feeling and a need:
Are you frustrated and do you like when people are open to be moved by dialogue?
Translating some core needs harbored in this jackal:
openness to outcome in dialogue or reasoning
trust in good intentions
trust in observations
capacity of thinking independently (If a conspiracy theory becomes a strategy to deal with strong emotion like fear, then thinking serves the master of the internal emotional landscape, therefore can be totally untrue towards the outside world)
truth (big word here – subjective truth, objective truth – the search for truth – maybe we cannot know the final truth of anything, but we can certainly strive for an ultimate truth – a truth that is our truth and at the same time the truth of the outer world – so the need is the value we hold for the truth in our heart, the struggle for it, our limitations to know about it)
trust and respect for authorities
mutual understanding and care
peaceful conflict resolution
This is a work in progress – I am still searching for deeper connection to the jackal inside myself – for me, this is about relationship, connection and my perceived lack of agency, the ability to mourn maybe a bit restrained at this time, so I feel confused and do not get to the bottom of my needs right now.
This is a conspiracy theory.
Do you have a need for understanding?
Do you have a need for skepticism?
Do you have a need for critical thinking? (need to unpack the qualities in that term – check solidity of sources or facts, deductive or inductive method of thinking, clarity, logic, balance and inclusion of all relevant major points)
Do you have a need for loving kindness?
Do you have a need for flexibility?
Do you have a need for competence in thinking and communicating?
Do you have a need for respect?