Conspiracy theories are a common phenomenon in American society, driven by personality traits and motivations such as intuition, antagonism, and superiority. A national poll released last April revealed that 37% of Americans believe that global warming is a hoax, while 21% think it is. A survey showed that 42 out of people without a high school education believe in at least one conspiracy theory, compared to 23 of people with a high school education.
Psychologists’ research offers insight into why people put faith in conspiracy theories like QAnon. Despite hundreds of studies examining belief in conspiracy theories, it is still unclear who demographically is most likely to believe them. “Confirmation bias” is the most pervasive cognitive bias and a powerful driver of belief in conspiracies. We all have a natural inclination to give more weight to evidence that supports what we believe.
A segment of the American population has long embraced conspiratorial thinking, with false beliefs about moon landings or space aliens appearing as innocuous as they may seem. The history of American conspiracism goes back much longer, with the obsession with finding and casting out the “un-Americans”. Belief in conspiracy theories appears to be driven by motives that can be characterized as epistemic (understanding one’s environment) and existential (being safe).
Research from the University of Chicago indicates that at least 50% of Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory. Conspiracy theories seem to be everywhere these days, found in American politics and on people’s social media feeds.
📹 WATCH: Prince Kicking Kim Kardashian Off Stage and 6 Other Times He Spoke His Mind
📹 QAnon’s corrosive impact on the U.S.
— 60 Minutes, the most successful American television broadcast in history, began its 52nd season in September. Offering …
Saw Prince in concert 3 times, but the most memorable was as what would now be called a “pop-up”. These were the days when top artists would just show up last minute and surprise the audience. This night there was a buzz that someone HUGE was going to show up and my then husband insisted that I go with him. 1987, small San Fernando Valley venue the size of a family restaurant. Standing room only. He comes out and we all go crazy. About 10 minutes in, he spots me leaning against the wall and because he could see that I was very pregnant (8 months) and barely holding myself up, invites me to come sit on the stage, which I did. I literally sat on the stage floor next to the speaker for the remainder of the set. One of the biggest thrills I’ve ever experienced. By the way…Sheila E was on drums.
Saw him perform in Glendale, AZ years ago, he did a short set because the acoustics were terrible in the venue. He had played for about an hour at that point, abruptly stopped the show and gave EVERYONE a refund. He said he is a professional and if others could not live up to that standard he was not going to make us suffer…Prince’s music guided me on my youthful journey and I matured through his music as he matured as an artist…Respect👍🏾
Prince was a no BS type of guy man he didn’t tolerate BS. If it wasn’t right, he would let you know before it was the end of the night. I truly appreciate, and will miss a man who is substance his understanding, and his willingness to tell you how it really is whether you felt it was wrong as far right God bless you Mr. Prince Nelson
Prince didn’t like how the music & the music industry changed . He’s old school that new shit wasn’t his thing . Respect that. He’s a huge inspiration for artists & if those artists really did see him as a role model/inspiration there should be no hate or hard feelings towards his opinions. Prince knew what he was talking about
He let my two children and me watch his rehearsal in Pasadena, CA. His security let us go in, just walked into the auditorium and sat down. I was blow away. He knew we were there and was fine with it! My kids were young, 10 or so, but they still remember. He was a very spiritual person. Like Michael Jackson. I’m sorry they are both lost to this world. Truly gifted musicians, who will always be remembered! ❤
Prince was like a fine wine, allowed to mature and hone his art over many many years before going on the shelf. Many artist these days (not all) are like mass produced wine that have gone straight to the shelf for £$. I do miss the slower paced days when we had time to let things mature….music, movies, artists, athlete’s. Now everything is “get there quick” on half the talent of those from our yesteryears.❤
I loved Prince and his music! Just real, authentic and genuine. A true one of a kind. Was at an LA Coliseum concert in the early 80’s where the idiots standing in front of the stage threw stuff at him and his band when they were preforming. Was before he got big, and I’ll have to say he got the last laugh because he went on to become an international phenomenon! RIP Prince!
God I miss him. His talent and artistry is something lacking in today’s music industry. He came along and changed so much and gave us wonderful memories we can reminisce on for the rest of our lives. His music and legendary spirit will live on and inspire other musicians to be unique and make music people will enjoy
I didn’t appreciate prince when I was growing up and after I listened to his music and really listened to it did I realize just how talented he was. He was gifted and not listening to him earlier in life I felt kinda cheated for those years which was self inflicted. He’s one of the best guitarists who ever lived and wrote his own music and played every show with a perfection you rarely see in these times. He was a person who didn’t give a shit about stupid things and he was unique and honest which is rare to find in people on his line of work and I love that he didn’t put on a show or act like he was into something he didn’t like just for show or because others were. He was a true artist and a rare talent you won’t soon see in another.
Prince …. he just. “IS”. he’s the man, the artist, the voice, the music, the forever legend. You cannot compare anyone to him. This kind of talent is found very rarely. I remember him in the 80s . Funky, fierce, and he never faded…in decades time does not dim his light here on earth or his music . 🎤
Prince was feeling as sorts of pain when Usher was singing his music. They should have recognized Prince and honored him but never covered his music because he was alway clear and spoke the truth about how he disliked it. Just as Prince was a true Artist that spoke out against the industry even when they still paid him because of that horrible contract and always spoke out on how the industry destroys artist’s. Prince was a true artist with no need for being famous or having to be on red carpet to feel better than other’s, Prince was a man and an a musician who knew his own worth and he’s so missed and loved because when he spoke we knew it was true and never about any agenda or narrative. Much respect and deep love for his musical creativity and all the Art he gave us. Rest In Peace and God Bless You ♥️🙏🏼♥️🙏🏽♥️🙏🏼♥️ for always speaking about your deep love for Jesus.
Bieber is not in the same stratosphere as prince and never will be. Prince is timeless and as for bieber, when these 14 year old girls finally grow up, bieber will no longer be in demand and he doesn’t have the musical iq to adapt and transform himself. Prince will be remembered for the next 100 years and bieber will be forgetten in ten.
While she may be known for being a Kardashian Prince literally went without a name for years and and will be know long after they are gone no matter your age race or sexually or music preference you have to appreciate talent where it is and he was the musical artist of all time and will be missed by millions R.I.P.
When I was 11 in 1984 I had a pink dresser and on the side I drew Purple Rain with raindrops in purple crayon. I wrote to the “fan club” back then, probably professing my 11 year old love, haha. I watched the Little Red Corvette article on a 13″ black and white tv. Slumber party in my friend’s basement all of us girls perusal When Doves Cry saying how hot Prince was.😛In high school when Sign of the Times came out I played the cassette so much that the print wore off. I still love the song Housequake. NYE 1988 my best friend and I popped balloons to Delirious at the stroke of midnight. I love hearing Prince speak. His voice is very pleasing. Will always love the music. That performance he did during the tribute for George Harrison for While my Guitar Gently Weeps was phenomenal. Rest in peace and thanks for the tunes for the soundtracks of our lives.💫✨❤️
How did he feel about Kanye West? Prince was at last year’s Grammy’s presenting the Album of the Year to Beck when Kanye almost stormed the stage again. I think he had a disgusted look on his face (off to the side of the stage) after Kanye left and Beck was motioning him to come back. Prince was looking down at this point so I don’t know.
I was at the concert @ Madison Square Garden in NYC, during the Coming To America tour. When Prince kicked Kim Kharshadian off of the stage. Here’s what happened: Al Sharpton, and Chris Rock we’re also in the audience as well. Prince was randomly picking people from the audience to come up on stage to dance with him for a few minutes. One by one he was picking older women, black and white. So then he decided to invite Kim up on stage. She was walking very slowly up the steps, So Prince went to the steps took her hand to help her up. Prince did mentioned something about her being sexy as she was coming up the stairs in her tight fitting dress. When she got on stage Prince started dancing in front of her. She just stood there trying to whisper something in Prince’s ear. Prince tried several times dancing around her to get her to dance. She just stood there looking stupid. When she didn’t move, that’s when Prince asked her to get off the stage. He then pointed her the edge of the stage and took her hand and walked her back to the steps where she came from. Then Prince waved his hand at her as if to say later for you. She deserved what she got. I heard that she cried backstage because Prince didn’t flirt with her.
One of my best friends was Prince’s High School principal. He told me a story about the time he called Prince into his office because Prince was missing too many days. He told Prince not to depend on his music to make a living but rather to concentrate on his education and to use his music for a good time hobby.