DEBUNKED

Roeper, R.  (2008) Debunked  Chicago: Chicago Review Press

As humans, we construct our reality around some semblance of order. A major event happens and our little world of social constructions is violated. When a conspiracy, urban legend, or some evil plots enters our life space, we look to explanations that will restore our equilibrium to an illusion of a linear life. However, some conspiracies are valid and most others are not. When the phony explanations emerge it is calming to us. Randomness did not cause it and we will not be violated by such events and or characters.

For those who create these alternative explanations there is an incredible power for them to start a rumor or to start a story to avenge an enemy. Disciples pick this up and as gossips they have the attention of their peers and subordinates.

Conspiracy theories not only bring back the false illusion that our life is in order, but they also generate an incredible amount of interest and excitement. Surely, the internet can liberate us. Unfortunately and inadvertently, the world of cyberspace intensifies the trash.

From this point on, the author in a breezy style debunks all the latest rumors dealing with evil plots, the media, sports and gaming, entertainment, business, miracles, culture, and politics. The author then spends one whole section on conspiracy movies.

As there is much to cover, and this is a book review, it is unfair to the author to give away his arduous work and that of other journalists and pop culture historians. So let me suggest some of the questions that he dililigently tears apart.  I will ask the question, but not give you the answer. How many people did President Bill Clinton hire to kill his enemies? Who was behind the plot to kill Lady Di and JFK JR.? Why is the Virgin Mary found in so many odd places? How do the dead talk to their relatives during a mediumship television program. What is the secret of THE SECRET?

Now take all the above and multiply by 10 and you have the number of stories discussed

in the entire book.

Unfortunately for the reader, the author does not tell you where you may find the latest information on the internet. So this reviewer will. It is SNOPES.COM/   It has all the latest information about a rumor or related. If they are not sure on a story, they ask you to come back. Please recall, most every society has their share of real conspiracies and others try to cover the events up. However, most rumors and related are just that.

This book fits neatly in collective behavior of sociology and perception and interaction in psychology. This makes a great complimentary textbook to a course in social psychology or collective behavior.

The cover and the writing are attractive to both student and consumer. This is a useful tool.