At a time when many so-called conservative-originated “conspiracy theories” have been proven true, many are alarmed that the left-leaning United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is “escalating its global war on ideas and information it considers to be ‘misinformation’ and ‘conspiracy theories,'” according to a report in the Epoch Times.
The Paris-based U.N. education agency released a report on the dangers of conspiracy theories, noting they can cause “significant harm” and form “the backbone of many populist movements.”
Conspiracy theories “foster and reinforce harmful thinking patterns and exclusive worldviews,” the report continued. They also “reduce trust in public institutions” and “scientific institutions,” which can incite violence or decrease the desire to “reduce their carbon footprint.”
“All conspiratorial thinking threatens human rights values,” the document adds.
Examples of “conspiracy theories” cited in the report include “climate change denial,” the “manipulation of federal elections” in the United States, the “earth is flat” and “Michelle Obama is actually a lizard.”
Citizens for Free Speech Director Patrick Wood took issue with the UN report, stating:
“There are plenty of crazy thoughts on the Internet, many of which are patently false.” However, the theories the UN Agency seems to want to ‘correct’ “are those contrary to the globalist narrative. This proves that the focus is on protecting their own narratives and nothing else.”
Wood added:
“UNESCO joins a censorship cartel that now includes the European Union, the US government, the World Economic Forum, social media giants like Facebook and Twitter, and notably, Google. Anyone who does not parrot the globalist narrative is by default considered to be a ‘conspiracy theorist.'”
The UNESCO document also noted that “at the heart of the global program to combat these ideas and theories are teachers and schools.” Some see the statement as a thinly veiled push for indoctrination.
The report was announced at UNESCO’s International Symposium on Addressing Conspiracy Theories through Education. The June event was held in Brussels and was slated to promote “joint action” against conspiracy theories and those who believe or spread them.
Many warn that the U.N. effort represents a “dangerous” escalation in a war on free speech, free expression and the freedom to question certain narratives.
New York University professor of media studies Mark Crispin Miller warned, “What they mean by ‘conspiracy theory’ is any claim or argument or evidence that differs from the propaganda pumped out by the government and media.”
Miller told The Epoch Times:
“I can’t think of anything more dangerous to free speech and free thought—and, therefore, democracy—than this effort by the UN, which has no business telling us what’s true and what is not.” That distinction is not theirs to make, but ours, as free people capable of thinking for ourselves, and unafraid of civil argument.”
The U.N. edict comes as many recent conservative-associated “conspiracies” have been proven true. These include the Hunter Biden laptop story, the Russian collusion story, the Trump building wiretapping story, big tech censorship and narrative manipulation, the unscientific call for six-foot distancing, the efficacy of vaccines, the vaccine impact on children and pregnant women, the efficacy of wearing masks, the need to close schools and businesses, political bias in the FBI, CDC reporting, statements made by Dr. Anthony Fauci, IRS attacks on conservative groups, the introduction of CRT curriculum in schools, the DOJ’s mishandling of many high profile cases and more.
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