Conspiracy Theories - Period 2, Wednesday

[worstofalltime.livejournal.com]

There wasn't any maple syrup rain today, so it was already looking up for Washington. It was a low bar, but it was still a bar. And today was over it.

"Welcome back to class," Wash said, still looking slightly uncomfortable out of his armor. Damn threatening students and paranoia. "Today we're going to talk about the Illuminati."

He passed a small pile of worksheets to the nearest student to pass onto their neighbors.

"The Illuminati were a group founded under the principles of reason, opposition of religious control, and the prevention of injustice. And also that the Freemasons were too expensive to join." He shrugged at that. "So, they copied the Freemasons and called it a different name."

Didn't that sound like the beginning of a sinister organization?

"They, along with other secret societies, were banned by the government of Bavaria after the Catholic Church pressured the ruler of the age. Despite that, rumors still continued about their influence on world events such as the French Revolution. Several 'modern' organizations claim to be descended from the original Illuminati to draw in members. Because people are largely stupid enough to buy that. The conspiracies based around this organization started off being spouted by various religious groups as a means to defaming them. But now they have reached new levels with anyone in a position of power being suspected of having ties to the group. The Kennedy assassination was caused by them, Hollywood is filled with them, Bill Gates is one of them--that one might be true--they're trying to start a new world order... the list goes on."

And it was hilarious if you asked him. Don't ask him.

"Okay, we're going to open up discussion on the subject of the Illuminati, and then--" He sighed. "--my teaching assistant will give a small lecture on a conspiracy of her choice. If any other students want to do the same at a latter date, let me know."

Comments

Re: Student Presentation - Lottie

[spin_kick_snap]

Kathy also raised her hand. "Isn't the burden of proof always on the person making the assertion?" she asked her little sister. "Mostly because you can't prove a negative?"

Which was 'nerd' for calling bullshit.

Re: Student Presentation - Lottie

[bestatmystery]

Oooo, a smart one, eh? Lottie never let logic get in the way of a good drama. "That sounds like some propaganda from the intelleck-tual elite," she said. "Can you prove that you can't prove a negative?"

Re: Student Presentation - Lottie

[spin_kick_snap]

Well-played, Lottie.

"Umm...I'm pretty sure there's a mathematical proof out there somewhere that does?" she said. "But you're the one putting forth the hypothesis with absolutely nothing to back it up."

Re: Student Presentation - Lottie

[bestatmystery]

"Well yeah, that's what makes it a conspiracy theory!"

Re: Student Presentation - Lottie

[spin_kick_snap]

"I thought that even the dum--err, even the most far-fetched conspiracy theories had at least some evidence, however flimsy, to back it up," Kathy said.