During my last year as an undergraduate I developed a new awareness about myself and about life in general. One of the questions I would contemplate over for hours was, “How do I know what I know?” Do I know what I know based on what I have been told to think? Was it truly based on my own personal experiences? How much of me does truly drive what I know? In this digital age, journalism and media are so much a part of popular culture today and with television programming and new media pushing agenda’s and doing things to seek profit, more openly, it is hard to say with conviction that what I know about things are based on fact, and not beliefs, upside down perceptions, and delusions.
Last week I found myself in a situation that presented a great opportunity for me to take a step back and ask myself these very questions. A few of my friends have interests in details regarding, “conspiracy theories,” such as ones like the Illuminati and are concerned with news regarding the new world order, Illuminati symbolism (its use in pop culture and the music industry), and end of world prophecy. They insisted I watch some videos via YouTube that explained how the Illuminati is bringing to pass this one world order and how they are influencing popular culture. They also pointed out specific channels and videos that incorporated, music video examples, breaking world new events, and biblical references. Pop stars like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Katie Perry, as well as, rappers like JayZ, Little Wayne, and Kanye West were the featured artists in most of these videos. The common symbolism, actions, personal, political, and financial connections that were being pointed out, coupled with current worldwide breaking news and noted historical happenings of the past, was shocking and began to overwhelm me emotionally .
I began to find myself believing what I was seeing, hearing, and reading. My eyes have never been opened so wide. I was mortified! It seemed like everything pointed out made sense. Clearly it was researched, and there was objectivity to it and sources that were used behind the scenes were made known and noted. I did not know initially about all that was being explained to me, but I had heard things in the past about them before. I accepted the information as being valid even though it was collectively one point of view.
The starting point of me pursuing more information did begin with the sources and resources used for the videos and other details referred to in there vlogs. Published articles and news broadcastings were available in new media formats on Internet news/journalism sites like, Time magazine, CNN, and BBC. Additionally, I was able to locate transcripts of lectures, books written by people high up in the music industry, as well as. those who had first-hand dealings with being involved in the Illuminati agendas and groups.
There is so much information and at the same time there is so much that is unknown about this topic. It is hard to say what is true and what is not. I do think that in some instances, social media sites are credible sources for obtaining valid information. I feel that there is naturally a difference in the way credible information is reported, as opposed to unsubstantiated, bias that has a high entertainment factor. Those reporting more truthfully and adhering to ethics tend to be more transparent with where they are pulling information from and are willing to disclose resources. Those that invest in truly reporting and sharing information via all media channels want to inform and educate people about events or reality in general. A true investment in empowering others with the facts, requires a commitment to ethics. I understand that the creators of these videos do want me to see their point of view, but I did not feel pushed or forced into thinking and feeling only what they thought. I was still able to draw my own conclusion and seek out materials to gain my own deeper understanding.
In the end, before I get overly consumed by this topic, or anything I come across on social media sites, I have to remember the awareness I have about deciphering the kind of content I am reading, or listening to, and make sure that I am applying the ways of skeptical knowing to make sure the position, or view I end up choosing, is well founded.
Very good post Lauren. I enjoyed reading your entire process. I could see the wheels turning in your head as you were writing this and I could imagine all the questions you had while you were watching the video. You, correctly, point out that even though your starting point may have been the video and the sources they quote, you needed to go further to see what is missing, what they did not tell you. I particularly liked that you didn't reach a conclusion in your post. By this I mean that you didn't clarify whether or not you believed it. This is part of the skeptical way of knowing: not discarding right away, but not believing at face value either. The process is just as important. Well done!
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