

Getting to the Pit of the Bull: Bronwen Dickey on Canines and Conspiracies
Aug 23, 2016
Bronwen Dickey, a contributing editor at The Oxford American and author of "Pit Bull: The Battle Over an American Icon," shares her insights from a unique journey on a cruise for conspiracy theorists. She explores how paranoia drives belief in conspiracies, drawing parallels to the fear surrounding pit bulls. Discussing the flawed narratives shaped by media and society, she debunks myths about pit bull aggression and reflects on how misinformation fuels public perception. Dickey's expertise reveals the complex dynamics of belief and community among both dog lovers and conspiracy theorists.
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Hostility Towards Journalists
- Bronwen Dickey faced hostility as a journalist from conspiracy theorists on a cruise despite upfront transparency.
- She was warned by presenters that they would attack her media outlet if disparaged.
Andrew Wakefield's Fall Illustrated
- Andrew Wakefield appeared alongside fringe conspiracy figures on the cruise, showing his fall from scientific credibility.
- His presentation heavily used fear and misleading imagery about vaccines.
Religious Language in Conspiracies
- Bronwen Dickey observed conspiracy theory communities use religious language and themes extensively.
- This reveals a deep human need for belief systems offering all-encompassing explanations of good and evil.