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"The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History"

By Rich Fisher

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwgs/local-kwgs-884780.mp3

Tulsa, Oklahoma – In an age, such as now, when so much accurate, detailed, far-reaching information is accessible at the click of a button, why do conspiracy theories remain so popular? Why, indeed, have conspiracy theories been steadily increasing --- in terms of popularity, creation, and dispersal --- for the last several generations? On today's show, we discuss such matters with the British journalist and author David Aaronovitch, who's got a fascinating new book out called "Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History." It's a highly engaging read, a well-written work that makes some solid points on how and why people tend to act and think and believe the way they do --- regardless of where they live on the planet, or of what point in history they're living in. As the promotional copy on the book's dust jacket accurately notes: "This [is an] entertaining and enlightening book --- aimed to provide ammunition for those who have found themselves at the wrong end of a conversation about moon landings or the Twin Towers or the Birther movement --- [which] carefully probes and explodes a dozen of the major conspiracy theories. In doing so, [Aaronovitch] examines why people believe them, and makes an argument for a true skepticism: one based on a thorough knowledge of history and a strong dose of common sense."