Annie McCormick-Vass

13 June 2006

Conspiracy Theory

Definitions:

-A conspiracy theory attempts to explain the ultimate cause of an event (usually a political, social, or historical event) as a secret, and often deceptive, plot by a covert alliance of powerful people or organizations rather than as an overt activity or as natural occurrence.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory)

-A theory seeking to explain a disputed case or matter as a plot by a secret group or alliance rather than an individual or isolated act

(http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=8&q=conspiracy+theory)

Representational Genre:

• Narrator or Single Voice (most common)
• Narrator + Dialogue

Narrative Genre:

• Romance
• Tragedy
• Comedy
• Satire

Related Genres:

• Urban Legends
• History and Military
• Religion
• Science Fiction and Thrillers
• Health
• Science
• Pop Culture

There’s a conspiracy theory for just about anything.

Example:

September 11, 2001 – The Pentagon

There are currently a lot of conspiracy theories surrounding the events of September 11^th.  These theorists suggest that September 11^th was an inside job and was meant to make an easy target out of others who have what is valuable to this country (oil=money=power).  Basically, America needed an enemy so they found one.

The events of September 11^th are still a touchy subject and many theorists recognize this.  Some admit that their theories are just that—theories.  What they really wish to emphasize through all of their suggestions and ideas, though, is that ultimately the government is not telling us the whole truth.  And the truth is what we deserve.

http://www.pentagonstrike.co.uk/flash.htm#Main

Questions:

1. The problems addressed in conspiracy theories are often left unresolved, which is unlike the other narrative genres we have dealt with that have very specific endings.  Does not having a pure ending hinder conspiracy theory in being recognized as its own genre? (Does conspiracy theory even fit in with the idea of genre?)

2. While there are some conspiracy theories that make rather outlandish claims, there are a number that successfully provoke further thought and challenge the status quo.  Just as comedy is sometimes used to deal with serious issues, can the type of paranoia apparent in conspiracy theories help do the same?