It is fascinating how a story that is not true can become real among conspiracy theorists. It has happened for years but can be more prominent in today’s world with social media and the internet.
I am sure many of you my age are Beatles fans. One of the first conspiracy theory claims I recall is that Paul McCartney died in a car crash in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike.
Conspiracy theorists point to supposed “clues” hidden in Beatles songs and album covers, claiming that the band left hints about Paul’s untimely death for the die-hard fans.
The so-called clues were supposed to be on the Abbey Road album cover. A writer said that McCartney was out of step with his bandmates and that his eyes were closed. They also wrote he was not wearing shoes like a buried body.
The order in which the four Beatles were arranged was also deemed significant. John Lennon, bearded and dressed in white, represented Jesus. Ringo Starr, in a sober black suit, was apparently the undertaker and George Harrison, dressed in jeans and denim shirt, made him the gravedigger.
This theory was pretty wild but spread like wildfire. Of course, McCartney himself debunked it. In fact, after the Beatles breakup, he went on to form another band, Wings. He is one of only two surviving band members, along with Ringo Starr.
Another conspiracy theory I heard growing up claimed that German Nazi leader Adolf Hitler did not die in 1945 but escaped to South America to live in hiding. The theorists claimed and argued that the official story of Hitler’s suicide death in Berlin was a lie. They continued by claiming there were sightings of him in Argentina to support this theory.
Some Nazi supporters did escape and went to other countries to live, but I do not think one of them was Hitler.
Extensive historical evidence, including eyewitness accounts and forensic analysis, confirms that Hitler did die in Berlin. The theory remains popular even today, partly due to the enduring intrigue around his life and death. Still, mainstream historians widely accept that he died in 1945.
One that is more modern is that of the New World Order. The theory holds that a secretive, elite group is working toward establishing a global government. Advocates argue that this group orchestrates various political and economic events to control nations and bring about a totalitarian government.
There is no credible evidence to support the existence of a New World Order. But many believe it exists.
Globalization has indeed influenced world politics, but the notion of a single, hidden organization running the world lacks verification.
I sure hope this theory is not true.
During the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, conspiracy theorists claimed that vaccines contained microchips used to track or control individuals. This theory gained momentum when prominent figures, including Bill Gates, became falsely associated with the idea.
However, scientists and health authorities have continually stated that vaccines are free of any tracking devices or microchips. The idea is technically implausible, as microchips small enough to fit in vaccine vials would not function as tracking devices.
I certainly hope this conspiracy theory is not true. I took the vaccine and the boosters. So far I do not think anyone is “tracking” me and why would they want to?
Another COVID-related conspiracy theory is that 5G mobile phone signals sent by new 5G towers are the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theory states that the towers can cause COVID-19 by suppressing the immune system or somehow propagating it by using radio waves.
Neither claim is backed up by evidence, and, in any case, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting countries that do not even have 5G infrastructure.
The virus most likely came from a laboratory leak and started in China. But that is another theory for another time.
Until next time.
(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)