In her last Year End’s address, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against the growing minority of people who believe in conspiracy theories. “Conspiracy theories aren’t only dangerous and untrue, they’re also [..] cruel..”
What’s worse, these conspiracies result in undesirable human costs and death. Look at the pizza gate, the 5G phone mast conspiracy, the persecution of albino people, Jews, Muslims, Roma people, just to name a few.
Equally disturbing are the conspiracies linked to the covid-19 virus. These have led to millions to stage rallies and protests against mask-wearing, social restrictions and even the very existence of the virus. I wonder how many millions have died or suffered as a direct result of these conspiracies.
We’re not immune here from these unproven and irrational utterances. Just take a look at social media. I don’t think I’am exaggerating when I say that these groups continue to wreak havoc, precisely now that a vaccine has been made available. Now it’s contended that the vaccine contains “stuff” meant to control people and their thoughts. Funny that these people are afraid of being brainwashed by Zionists and the lizard people via a scientifically-developed vaccin, except, but don’t care being brainwashed by anti-vaxxers or covid-deniers.
Why should we care? It’s been shown, scientifically and independently, that if a large enough percentage doesn’t take the vaccine, covid-19 will linger on.
Next month vaccination will start in Curaçao. So far Fòrti seems to have concentrated on the logistics only of this operation. I however urge competent authorities not to underestimate the power of these conspirationists. It won’t be easy to change their opinions and shouldn’t call them crazy. Encouraging critical thinking -the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgement- may be the best solution. Then again, we’ve not been exactly brought up to do this. Too many school curricula, religions and parents prefer to tell us “the truth” without explanation or allowing space for critical thoughts.
Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He’s from Curaçao and has a MBA from the University of Iowa. (USA).
