Conspiracy theories to spread of epidemics earlier, far Naturopathy naturopathy specialist portal
Conspiracy theories to diseases in the past?
In times of COVID-19 there are many conspiracy theories in relation to the disease. Here a striking Parallel to previous epidemics such as the plague outbreak in 1720 in Marseilles show.
In research work by the team of Dr. André Krischer from the cluster of excellence “Religion and politics” of the westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, it was clear that conspiracy theories were widespread in terms of pests and diseases already in the past, and far.
Measures of quarantine to conspiracy theories
Already 300 years ago, there were people who believed in conspiracy theories. As in 1720, in Marseille, the plague broke out, a led England to the actions of the quarantine, which led to fierce debates, which is quite the conspiracy theory approaches were reported by Dr. André Krischer. This as yet little-known case from the history, have quite a few Parallels to the situation in today’s Germany.
Rumors about the dark machinations of governments
Even today there are people who COVID-19, for example, as a means to take us all of our rights and a new world order to begin. In the time course rumors about the dark machinations of the government-designate also. So people feared even then that, for example, their freedoms curtailed and the military could be deployed in the country.
Disease prevention evokes conspiracy theories
Critics held in the case of the plague outbreak prevention in England is unnecessary. Some people were even of the opinion that the disease could harm the British nothing at all. Here it is clear that disease prevention has always been conspiracy theories promoted, which is confirmed in the Corona of a pandemic again.
“Paranoid fear of Building a dictatorship, fear of economic collapse and a natural scientist in the centre of the criticism – the English debate from the 18th century. Century also resembles, in this respect, our present,“ says the historian, Dr. André Krischer in a press release from the University of Münster.
In the past, there were conspiracy theories
Dr. Krischer worked for the historic case and structural Similarities to the present. On the basis of a variety of sources and events, such as, for example, a Pamphlet of the Bishop of London, it is clear that already in the past, various conspiracy were widely used theories quite.
Conspiracy theories as a critique of the elites
There is a long Tradition of conspiracy theories as a critique of the elites. It is by no means a coincidence that in England in the 18th century. Century heated the minds of the people living there so. “London had been in 1720 a very self-conscious Public with coffee houses and a unique variety of press and media landscape, which was regulated by no more censorship,” said Dr. Krischer.
Possible origins for conspiracy theories
In addition, conspiracy theories in England had a long Tradition. People thought at the time constantly in conspiracy theoretical categories. There was, for example, fear of infiltration by the Catholic Church, or the ruling of the people was that they want to erect a despotism. Also from a religious point of view the measures of the government were in doubt. For example, it was claimed that the plague was a punishment from God. Against the plague is only fasting, Praying, penance, and the calm preparation for death, to help it was called at the time.
Why individuals often play an important role
At that time, the physician Richard Mead, particularly to a target for conspiracy theories, much like the virologist Christian Drosten today. Many people mistrusted Richard Mead due to its strict recommendations to curb the plague, but also because of its proximity to the policy. In addition, his Religion still played an important role, the doctor was a Quaker.
In 1720, many doctors thought the plague is not contagious
“In 1720 was a fight about the meaning of quarantine, because there was still not many doctors who stopped the plague and contagious. 2020 castle schools and day-care centres, while it has been argued whether or not children are at all relevant to the Carrier of the Corona Virus,“ explains Dr. Krischer.
Epidemics as a stress test for the company
It seems to be easier to get a scandal out of something, if scientifically unsafe statements suddenly take on political relevance and at the same time people with you can be identified, adds Dr. Krischer. The resonance of lies, false news and conspiracy theories in the population have decreased in the cases described but quickly. “Epidemics of stress testing for companies and certain discursive can reinforce patterns,” says Dr. Krischer. (as)