Feelings over Facts: Conspiracy Theories and the Internet Novel
The article explores the impact of conspiracy theories on politics and society, emphasizing the need to understand their emotional roots. Authors advocate for listening to concerns and avoiding dismissal, highlighting their role in expressing power dynamics.
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The article discusses the prevalence of conspiracy theories in today's internet culture and their impact on politics, art, and society. It explores the origins of conspiracy theories, their evolution, and their emotional underpinnings. The authors, Naomi Klein and Larne Abse Gogarty, argue that dismissing conspiracy theories outright is counterproductive and fails to address the underlying fears and anxieties driving them. They emphasize the importance of listening to these concerns to build understanding and potentially form coalitions. Gogarty criticizes the tendency to trivialize conspiracy theories and highlights their role in expressing power dynamics experienced by individuals and communities. The article also delves into the differences between conspiracy theory and critical theory, pointing out the naive faith in the power of knowledge to expose hidden truths. Overall, it suggests a more empathetic approach to understanding conspiracy theories as reflections of political fears and anxieties rather than purely factual narratives.
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