Denialism

From civicintelligence
Revision as of 20:17, 3 May 2013 by Rogjoh26 (Talk | contribs)

(1) Description of the pattern

A society of people that adhere to certain beliefs proven to be untrue, sometimes supported by certain media outlets and pseudo-sciences.

i.e. Global warming is a lie, Holocaust denial, etc.

Refusing to accept as truth something that has been proven to be true. Often motivated by religious beliefs, self-interest, or as a defense mechanism out of fear or discomfort.

(2) Why the pattern is good

Relieves guilt by taking away responsibility.

Can be used to postpone or eradicate fixing problems that the state doesn't want fixed.

(3) How it Works

Though proof is exposed to a certain topic, individuals continue to deny the data and continue to adhere to these false beliefs.

Problems can be reframed in a way that they are represented as not being problems at all. Popular beliefs can be played upon to invoke denial of the problem.

(4) Synthesizing

Weapons of Mass Distraction, Dumbing Down, Compartmentalization of Knowledge, Distorting History, Social Apathy, Media Monopolies.