ChatGPT said:
Yes, there are some intriguing parallels between the resurgent belief in flat earth theory and the resurgent belief in Donald Trump, particularly when viewed through the lens of how people engage with truth, authority, and perception in today's world.
1. Rejection of Established Authority
- Flat Earth: Flat earthers often reject centuries of scientific evidence and the authority of the scientific community. They substitute mainstream science with their own narratives, often reinforced by alternative or pseudo-scientific sources.
- Trump: Similarly, Trump's rise and sustained support have involved a rejection of traditional political elites, media outlets, and established authorities. His followers often embrace his narrative, regardless of established facts, seeing him as a figure who challenges the "elite" and speaks a truth that resonates with their views.
Connection: In both cases, there’s a rejection of expert authority and an embrace of alternative narratives that are seen as more “authentic” or “real,” even when they contradict well-established facts.
2. The Power of Cognitive Dissonance
- Flat Earth: Flat earthers often hold onto their beliefs despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, engaging in mental gymnastics to explain away the facts. Cognitive dissonance—holding contradictory beliefs or ignoring inconvenient evidence—plays a big part in sustaining these beliefs.
- Trump: Many Trump supporters also exhibit cognitive dissonance, dismissing contradictions, lies, or failures associated with him. This can be seen in their ability to overlook his actions or words that contradict their values, because they view him as representing their ideals or as a "necessary force" against perceived threats.
Connection: Both groups engage in a form of selective perception and belief, maintaining their chosen narrative even in the face of overwhelming contrary evidence. This strengthens in-group identity and a sense of belonging to something "real" or "authentic."
3. The Appeal of Alternative Realities
- Flat Earth: For flat earthers, the belief in a flat earth offers an alternative, self-contained reality where they feel they have uncovered a hidden truth. It provides a sense of control, as if they are part of a secret group of "enlightened" individuals who know something that others don't.
- Trump: Trump's appeal similarly offers an alternative narrative to mainstream political discourse. He presents a world where his followers are "in the know" about the truth, such as believing that the 2020 election was rigged or that he is fighting against "the swamp." It creates a sense of belonging to a group that sees itself as uniquely privileged to understand what's really going on.
Connection: Both groups have been drawn to these alternative realities as a way of asserting control over a world that often feels overwhelming or disconnected from their experiences. They reject mainstream narratives in favour of a more comforting or empowering version of events.
4. The Role of Social Media and Echo Chambers
- Flat Earth: Social media has played a huge role in amplifying flat earth beliefs. Online communities provide a space for believers to reinforce each other's views, create echo chambers, and present evidence (often cherry-picked or distorted) to support their claims.
- Trump: Social media has similarly played a crucial role in spreading Trump’s ideas, with platforms enabling the creation of echo chambers that reinforce supporters’ beliefs and vilify opposing views. The "alternative facts" culture thrives in these spaces, and conspiracy theories are often perpetuated.
Connection: In both cases, social media allows for the rapid spread of alternative views that are insulated from critical engagement with mainstream perspectives, making it easier for these beliefs to persist and grow.
5. Us vs. Them Mentality
- Flat Earth: Flat earth believers often see themselves as part of an enlightened "us" who are in opposition to the ignorant "them"—the scientific community, the media, and anyone who accepts the spherical earth view. This creates a clear in-group versus out-group dynamic.
- Trump: Trump's rhetoric has been heavily characterised by an "us vs. them" mentality, pitting his supporters against political elites, mainstream media, and anyone who challenges his worldview. This has solidified a base that feels united by a common enemy, regardless of contradictions or flaws.
Connection: Both movements thrive on this binary thinking, creating strong group identities that are constantly reinforced by opposition to an external "other," whether that be the scientific community or political rivals.
6. Populism and Anti-Elite Sentiment
- Flat Earth: Flat earth theory has been embraced by certain populist movements that resent the perceived dominance of scientific elites. The movement appeals to a distrust of institutions and experts, which is often rooted in a broader populist sentiment.
- Trump: Trump's rise can be seen as part of a broader populist wave, where he capitalised on anti-elite sentiments, portraying himself as an outsider who was going to "drain the swamp" and fight for the "common man." His rhetoric appealed to those who felt sidelined or disillusioned by the political establishment.
Connection: Both the flat earth movement and Trumpism reflect populist impulses that distrust the establishment and favour outsider narratives, even if those narratives are factually dubious or contradictory.
Conclusion:
The common thread between the resurgence of belief in a flat earth and the resurgent belief in Trump is the rejection of expert authority, the embrace of alternative realities, and the power of social media and echo chambers in reinforcing these beliefs. Both are fuelled by populist sentiments and cognitive dissonance, with followers seeking a sense of belonging and empowerment in a world that feels out of their control. While the specifics of the beliefs are different, the underlying dynamics of belief, group identity, and rejection of mainstream narratives are remarkably similar.
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