Conspiracy Theories Cause and Effect Essay

America seems to have a conspiracy theory for everything.  They abound and incorporate our military, businesses, religion, history and government.  Secret societies that pull the strings, clandestine groups with esoteric intelligences, aliens that are lower forms of deity, mind controlling bureaucrats hell-bent on mind control, etc.  The list is somewhat endless and equally fascinating.   A handful of scholars propose that America’s construction of conspiracy theories is new, sacrosanct with the Cold-War.  In essence, a way of explaining the expansion of government housed in a level of secrecy that the average citizen was ill equipped to understand.  Others postulate that the level in which science governs our lives has fostered conspiracies meant to imbue a feeling of religious sentiment and/or potential spirituality into our daily lives.  

Whatever the roots, the conspiracy theories continue.  In this essay you will explore the causes or the effects of a conspiracy theory.  This is considered an analysis essay, hence, the thesis will not be an argumentative thesis, but rather factual; however, an argumentative element can occur towards to the end of the essay.

For example: The anti-vaccination movement has forced political activism, and has been caused by celebrity endorsements.  

For example: The anti-vaccination movement has its roots in bogus studies, and could lead to outbreaks of diseases that have been under control for years.

Ideals for the Essay:

Length : 4 to 5 Pages 

• Standard format: 12 pt. Times New Roman, double-spaced, MLA in-text citation and works cited page, proper header on first page, last name and page number on all pages.
• The introduction should give background information on the issue (who is concerned and why, what the perceived threat or common perception is, etc.) and provide a thesis which serves to drive the paper.
• Think strategically about how your sources can enable the conversation you wish to have and try to make creative connections with a wide range of sources.