The Kennedy Assassination and Conspiracy Culture

The Power of the Kennedy Assassination Conspiracy Theories

The Kennedy assassination in 1963 gave rise to a plethora of conspiracy theories that continue to captivate and divide people's opinions. These theories can be loosely categorized into two main families: external and internal conspiracies. Initially, Cold War tensions led to beliefs that Castro or the Soviets were behind the assassination. However, as trust in the government eroded in the 1970s, a shift occurred towards internal conspiracy theories. These theories revolve around the idea of a military-industrial complex or other sinister forces within American society being responsible for the killing. Despite the Warren Commission's conclusion that Oswald acted alone, public skepticism persisted, especially as images of the Zapruder film revealed further questions. Over time, conspiracy theories have emerged from both the left and the right, reflecting a broader sense of societal disillusionment with the government. Today, conspiracy theories continue to be prevalent, with beliefs ranging from COVID-related conspiracies to suspicions about political elites. The recurring theme in these theories is the human desire for meaning and the search for explanations when faced with unsettling events.