Navigating the rise of conspiracy theories in family conversations this holiday.

A walk through the hood, looking at lights together, might be the perfect solution!

by Jude Goodwin

While this isn’t a specifically queer topic, it is one that is becoming more and more of a problem as the post-covid years go by. Family visits over the holiday can be stressful enough for the lgbtq+ community, but top that with family members coming at you with all sorts of conspiracy theories about the pandemic, climate change, government cover-ups, global domination, uaps, ufos - it can seem relentless. And upsetting. So let’s see if there’s anything we can do, any skills or tips.

What Is It?

The holiday season is upon us, bringing joy, festivities, and, for many of us, family gatherings. But along with the merriment, a new challenge has emerged in recent years: the rise of conspiracy theories within our family circles. Whether it's a cousin who's convinced of elaborate political plots or an uncle adamant about the latest health scare misinformation, conspiracy theories are increasingly seeping into our family conversations.

So, what's driving this trend? Firstly, the advent of social media and the internet has created a perfect storm for the proliferation of such theories. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have become echo chambers where misinformation spreads rapidly. These platforms often reinforce existing beliefs, making conspiracy theories seem more credible or widely accepted than they are.

But the internet isn't the only culprit. Political polarization, a growing distrust in institutions, cultural shifts, psychological factors, and crisis situations like pandemics contribute significantly. Combined, these elements create a complex web that can entangle even the most level-headed family members.

Why Is It Happening?

Understanding why our family members might be drawn to conspiracy theories requires a multifaceted view. One major factor is the psychological appeal. Conspiracy theories often provide simple answers to complex problems, offering a sense of control or order in a chaotic world. They can also fulfill a desire for understanding and uniqueness.

Historical precedents play a role too. Real instances of government cover-ups in the past, for example, lend a veneer of plausibility to new theories. Then there's the impact of celebrity endorsements, which can lend mainstream credibility to fringe ideas.

Crucially, this isn't about intelligence or character. It's often a response to complex social and psychological factors. As we head into family gatherings, it's essential to remember this, approaching our loved ones with empathy rather than judgment.

Tips on How to Cope While Visiting Family This Christmas

As we brace for potentially theory-laden dinner table conversations, here are some tips to navigate these tricky waters:

Practice Empathy and Understanding: Remember, belief in conspiracy theories often stems from a need for certainty in an uncertain world. Approach your family members with empathy. Try to understand where they're coming from rather than immediately dismissing their views.

Foster Open Conversations: Create a space where family members feel heard. Sometimes, just listening without judgment can open up a more constructive dialogue. It’s not about winning an argument but understanding different perspectives.

Encourage Critical Thinking: Gently challenge conspiracy theories by asking thoughtful questions. This can encourage your relatives to think critically about their sources of information and the logic behind their beliefs.

Share Reliable Information: If the topic arises, be ready to share credible sources. But do it gently, as a form of sharing knowledge rather than correcting.

Set Boundaries: It's okay to set boundaries in conversations. If a topic becomes too heated, it's perfectly acceptable to steer the conversation towards more neutral ground. When I was growing up it was often said that family gatherings were no place to talk about religion, politics or money. That could be more important this holiday than ever before!

Focus on Common Ground: Find topics everyone enjoys and can agree on. This could be fond family memories, shared hobbies, or plans for the future.

Personal Anecdotes: Share your experiences and feelings rather than just facts. For example, "I felt really confused about [topic] too, but reading [source] helped me understand it better."

Use Humor: A light-hearted joke or a humorous remark can defuse tension. Just be sure it's not at someone else's expense.

Opt for Offline Discussions: Sometimes, complex topics are best handled in one-on-one, offline conversations rather than across the dinner table.

Take Care of Yourself: Remember, it’s okay to step away and take a breather if things get overwhelming. Why not suggest a walk through the hood, looking at lights together? One of my favourite activities!

Encouragement

Navigating conspiracy theories in family settings is undoubtedly challenging. But remember, it's also an opportunity to connect, understand, and maybe even offer a new perspective in a compassionate way. The holidays are a time for togetherness and understanding. With a little patience and a lot of empathy, we can maintain the festive spirit, even in the face of challenging conversations.

So, as you head into this holiday season, arm yourself with kindness, understanding, and maybe a few credible sources up your sleeve. Here's to a peaceful, joyous, and understanding-filled holiday with your loved ones!

Jude Goodwin is a queer artist and writer living in Vancouver, BC.