ADULT EDUCATION: CLICK TO JOIN! Thursdays | 11:30 am

https://zoom.us/j/863810961 Meeting ID: 863 810 961

Call into the discussion: +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592

Thursday, September 9 11:30 a.m.~CONSPIRACY THEORIES w/ NATALIE ISSER. Sponsored by Claire Tuckman.

This lecture will examine conspiracy theories that have evolved in most societies, both past and present. The most notable characteristic of these phenomena is the psychological satisfaction that these provide. They offer comforting answers to those encumbered by social fear, frustration, resentment and anger. Their significance rests on the prevalence of political and international upheavals and the nature of communication that leads to many perverse behaviors, resulting in dangerous and immoral policies and laws. Although many were discarded eventually as ineffectual or insane, too often they have persisted from on generation to another with deleterious results. Natalie Isser is Professor Emerita of the Pennsylvania State University, where she taught history and Women’s Studies at the Abington campus. She has written two books about French antiSemitism, and French public opinion and diplomacy during the Second Empire.