The Thamesmead Grump

I DON'T BELIEVE IT

This article, published on the BBC website, describes how to deal with the conspiracy theorist in the family when seated round the Christmas dinner table. Not withstanding the less than likelihood of that happening this year, it still provides a useful insight into dealing with the potentially difficult situation of how to respond when someone pipes up with the dreaded "Covid-19 doesn't exist" type scenario.

The advice it offers includes not trying to shame them as this is likely to backfire - 

""Be realistic about what you can achieve," psychologist Jovan Byford warns. "Conspiracy theories instill in believers a sense of superiority. It's an important generator of self-esteem which will make them resistant to change.""

It also warns not to expect much to change in the short term -

"For those who have fallen deep down the conspiracy rabbit hole, getting out again can be a very long process".

Attacking Conspiracy theories head on, especially with verifiable evidence simply increases the sense of paranoia. e.g. Countering the "NASA faked the moon landings" with "if NASA faked the Moon landings, they would need to recruit at least 450,00 people to carry out the hoax" is evidence to them just how extensive "their" control is. If 99% of climate scientists say that human activity is causing climate change, then that's 99% of scientists who are in on the hoax. Our Prime Minister who, on present evidence, couldn't find his bottom with his hands in his back pockets, suddenly develops the ability to orchestrate a global conspiracy. The list goes on.

During the infamous Novichok poisoning incident in Salisbury in 2018, stories about what actually happened were flying around, each one more outrageous than the last; many of them believed by large numbers of people. The only explanation not generally accepted by conspiracy theorists was that Russian security agents tried to poison a Russian dissident using a Russian nerve agent on the instructions of the Russian President; this was considered much too unlikely.

It doesn't have to be a conspiracy theory of course; there are many other examples where someone advocating any sort of "alternative" position against mainstream consensus could be said to be displaying a need to demonstrate their sense of superiority. Alternative medicine, extreme religious or political groups, faddy diets or even (dare I say it?) David "Bloody" Avocado Wolfe.

You only have to look at the way they describe non-believers. "Sheep/brainwashed/stupid" and far worse of course. What they are saying is "I know something you don't and that gives me power over you."

My advice, just add conspiracy theories to the "no discussing politics or religion at the dinner table" list.

If you want to read more about the psychology of conspiracy theories, you can read this interesting paper by Karen M. Douglas, Robbie M. Sutton and Aleksandra Cichocka. School of Psychology, University of Kent by clicking on the link here.

ALMOST CHANGING THE SUBJECT

Today, 21st Decmber 2020 sees the "Great Conjunction." For those of you who don't know, this is a rare close conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in the evening sky, visible just after the Sun sets. 

Unusual for one of these events, it doesn't seem to have triggered a flurry of predictions of doom that usually accompany an event of this sort. I would have thought by now, pretty much every "end of the World" merchant would have jumped on it, proclaiming that it signified some catastrophic event or other. Somehow, I find that more worrying. 

Anyway, expecting the weather to be no use for astronomical photography today, I took myself along the river to a suitable vantage point yesterday when conditions were more favourable and took advantage of the clear sky. 

The picture I took doesn't show the conjunction at its closest but it will have to do. Enjoy.

The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, taken on the evening of the 20th December 2020.
Looking South-West towards Thamesmead Town Centre.