How covid conspiracy theories led to an alarming resurgence in AIDS denialism
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Jan 8, 2025
The podcast dives into the troubling revival of AIDS denialism, driven by conspiracy theories from the pandemic. It highlights how popular media figures are amplifying these false beliefs, undermining public health. With roots tracing back to the 1980s, the discussion reveals how social media has helped spread misinformation faster than ever. The episode warns of the dangerous implications for public health as skepticism towards credible institutions grows, fueled by the same conspiracy mentality that emerged during COVID-19.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Rogan and Weinstein on AIDS
Joe Rogan and Brett Weinstein falsely claimed party drugs are a factor in AIDS.
They also said AZT kills faster than AIDS itself.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rodgers on Fauci and AZT
Aaron Rodgers alleged Anthony Fauci orchestrated the AIDS crisis for personal gain to promote AZT.
Rodgers also falsely claimed AZT kills people.
insights INSIGHT
Resurgence of AIDS Denialism
AIDS denialism resurged during the pandemic alongside broader distrust in science and institutions.
Renewed suspicion gives life to previously debunked ideas, impacting millions and potentially risking patients.
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Peter Duesberg's "Inventing the AIDS Virus" is a controversial book that challenges the widely accepted scientific consensus on HIV and AIDS. Duesberg argues that HIV is not the cause of AIDS and that other factors, such as lifestyle and drug use, are responsible. His views have been widely rejected by the scientific community due to a lack of supporting evidence. The book has been criticized for its flawed methodology and promotion of misinformation. Despite its rejection by mainstream science, it has influenced AIDS denialist movements.
Denying AIDS
Seth C. Kalichman
Seth Kalichman's "Denying AIDS" delves into the history and impact of AIDS denialism, exploring the false claims that HIV does not cause AIDS. The book examines the motivations and consequences of this misinformation, highlighting its devastating effects on public health. It analyzes the spread of denialist narratives and their influence on policy decisions. Kalichman's work provides a comprehensive understanding of the dangers of AIDS denialism and its impact on individuals and communities. The book serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of this issue.
The Real Anthony Fauci
Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health
Robert Kennedy, Jr.
In this book, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presents a highly critical view of Anthony Fauci's career, particularly his roles during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy alleges that Fauci has sabotaged safe and effective treatments, orchestrated fraudulent studies, and violated federal laws to allow pharmaceutical companies to conduct deadly experiments on vulnerable populations. The book also details Fauci's partnership with Bill Gates and the influence of the 'Pharma-Fauci-Gates alliance' on global health policy, media, and scientific research. Kennedy argues that Fauci and his allies have suppressed open debate, censored dissent, and promoted fearful propaganda about COVID-19 virulence and pathogenesis.
Podcaster Joe Rogan, former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and football quarterback Aaron Rodgers are all helping revive AIDS denialism—a false collection of theories arguing either that HIV doesn’t cause AIDS or that there’s no such thing as HIV at all.
These ideas were initially promoted back in the 1980s and ’90s by a cadre of scientists from unrelated fields, as well as many science-adjacent figures and self-proclaimed investigative journalists. But as more and more evidence stacked up against them, and as more people with HIV and AIDS started living longer lives thanks to effective new treatments, their claims largely fell out of favor. At least until the coronavirus arrived.
This story was written by Anna Merlan and narrated by Noa - newsoveraudio.com
MIT Technology Review Narrated 
