How do deal with a conspiracy theorist/family member
My brother thinks the Democrats "green-lighted" this pandemic because it's the only way to get the current president out of office. The economic implosion, chaos, stock market rollercoaster, lost jobs/wages - this was orchestrated. Oh, and "It's just the flu. People die every day from the flu."
There's not enough wine in my house to respond to him. Any thoughts?
Faye Nelson-Ramsey
Always looking for new Challenges
2.41k
03/27/20 at 12:44PM UTC
The piece of advice I keep in my mind is this, 'you can't reason someone out of something they were not reasoned into'. I have friends that are like this as well about the situation. They agree that the situation is bad but no worse than the flu and that the , yes he actually said this, 'the old and infirm need to be protected but it shouldn't have to impact the rest of the healthy population who have taken care of themselves'. Another quote that I have always really liked "Conspiracies are beliefs unmolested by facts." Sometimes people just can't wrap their heads around the reality that something this bad could actually be happening in this day and age. I would tell him you love him and leave it at that.
Anonymous
03/30/20 at 6:59PM UTC
This is great advice. I was so fired up, I asked my dad if he'd voted for 45. I'd never asked him before. He said no. I almost fell over.
LINDA LOCKEAuthor, Public Speaker, Educator for 40+ years.
232
03/26/20 at 12:50PM UTC
I have a friend on FB that keeps posting this conspiracy stuff and how the government has stolen our rights, forcing us to not work, etc. Thankfully, I can scroll right past, however, it is not without an eye-roll or two.
Anonymous
03/26/20 at 7:38PM UTC
Wow, I so hear you. Do you watch "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central? There's a "man on the street" episode that is hysterical. People saying conspiracy-related untruths, the reporter debunks them, and the people have no idea they've rejected their own POVs. Keeps me laughing - and sane.
Carolyn FieldsInstructional Designer and Author
486
03/25/20 at 9:19PM UTC
Never try to respond with logic to an emotional position. Just listen, say something like, "Oh, do you think so?" Listen a bit more, then change the topic. Try to make the change a subtle extension on one of his key points. For example, "I wonder which jobs are going to be the hardest hit. What do you think?"
Just a thought. You know your brother far better than any of us, and you'd know if he can be redirected this way or not.
Otherwise, use my old standby: Wow! Look at the time! I've got to run!
Beth CaldwellFounder of Leadership Academy for Women
577
03/24/20 at 12:07PM UTC
It's important to have a non-emotional response and to keep yourself from absorbing the negative energy and thoughts of others.
Try these responses. You can say them out loud or to yourself:
"Let's hope you're right."
"Time will tell."
"Someone is going to have to answer to this one day, that's for sure."
" I'm praying for our leaders right now."
"That's an interesting perspective."
"Wow, I never thought of that as possible."
And, you can always bake!
Good luck, Anne.
Anonymous
03/24/20 at 8:28PM UTC
Love all of these responses - thank u!
Anonymous
03/25/20 at 8:12PM UTC
I used many of your helpful quotes last night in our latest "it's-all-a-hoax" phone call. Thank u!
Jackie GhedineCoach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
03/24/20 at 11:10AM UTC
There's always one (or two) in any family.
The first thing to realize is 'you aren't going to win.' There's no talking sense, there's no way to have him hear your side and he isn't going to stop sharing his thoughts.
The only thing YOU can do is create boundaries for yourself. You can either share them with him, "if you start talking about your beliefs on this matter than I'm going to hang up the phone."
Or you can create an internal boundary for this situation.
Change your goal from 'how do I respond to him,' to 'how do I extract myself from the situation and save my sanity.'
Anonymous
03/24/20 at 8:29PM UTC
I haven't practice my boundaries. I will now. Thank you!
