Confirmation bias and conspiracy theories....

This should be of interest to, and is most likely already realized by, our resident and budding sociologists/psychologists... our conspiracy theorists will, however, gawk! (although we know deep down that Q is ALWAYS spot on with his theoretical perspectives and perception of reality 😉)

"In debating whether or not to release the allegedly gruesome images of Osama bin Laden's death, one of the main arguments in favor of release was that it might help to counter the conspiracy-minded thinking that the operation was a fake, or that bin Laden has been dead for years, or even that he was a CIA fabrication all along. ... [However,] most of us only seek and believe information that supports what we already think, all the while ignoring and disregarding information that would contradict our pre-existing beliefs. ... [In other words,] We like to pick one side and be right about it, and once we commit to thinking a certain way, gosh darn it, we're going to make sure we keep thinking that way — whatever it takes."

Why bin Laden Dealth Photos Won't Change Minds

stick with horse raceing its more interesting
as for binny biting the dirt I think they got him
but I just can't buy the dump in the ocean part.
you investagate that
I will investgate why there is no Steepelchase in the U.S.A.

We have Steeplechase in the US (not that I've ever gone to one)... where I live it is always held the day after the Kentucky Derby! (granted, it is only one day per year where I'm at, but yeah it is a point of interest for some in the States)

As far as investigating if/why we tossed him in the drink or even whether "we got him" this year or not is really of no concern to me. I tend to not feel emotional about such matters. Not really worth investigating, it matters not either way...

And as a further point of discussion...

I try to look at all sides of an argument and lean toward explanations (not justification) of beliefs and behaviors (hence my posting of the article). But, as a result, it is hard to take sides. Most issues of social concern are highly convoluted and without a complete understanding of any given issue and a consideration of the impacts on society one is remissed in taking sides. Unfortunately, this puts me in a position in which people tend to think I'm "against them/their position" when, in-fact, I have no position on the matter but, rather, a realization of the complexity of the issues and that there are no easy answers.

This is not to say I don't have my convictions on certain issues, in general it are those which I have personal, intimate knowledge of/experience with (which, in itself creates a bias I will admit - but, for me anyway, is still one which is constructed within a broader context and general understanding of why my position would/could be opposed and an understanding that personal experience shapes perceptions and may indeed not be that of reality).

However, too many people jump to conclusions, lack an understanding of the facts, and want to go with whatever is popular at any given time or, as the article suggests, lean toward the position that best confirms their position. In other words, they have no concrete reason for their position (and ignore alternatives) and is perpetuated through confirmation bias.

You are a person who tries to convince dxp that you have a Virgo .. when in reality, you work for him. So, if you cannot face the truth yourself .. how do you expect anyone in here to take it seriously when you tell them to look at all sides?

Society in general truly are "sheeple" who are to mentally lazy to even want to examine the truth right in front of their faces.
Walking against the herd feels lonely,and uncomfortable...so stay safe and keep on trusting those powers that be. 😉
Oh look! some stupid "reality" show is on!!!

Lildol
back to horse racing do you raise race horses?

Tate, no, I don't raise them - but have owned two now. My first was this previous year. He was claimed back in March in a claiming race - that is him in my avatar at the finish line. Anyway, I went to Fl this past month and My Virgo and I purchased another and we are working on getting him race ready (he's an unraced 2yo). He should be ready to go mid-June to early July. Who knows, maybe I'll be on the Kentucky Derby program next year 🙂 (one can always dream!)

Good luck its to rich for me can't aford being an owner but I do love the racing here and in Ireland.

Thanks Tate!! It is rather costly, although we made out ahead with the last one. I do have a pretty good deal going though which keeps the costs down... we don't have to pay for boarding as he is stabled at the track and My Virgo is the trainer (this alone saves us a bundle). Another nice thing about this setup is that, unlike a lot of owners, I pretty much know everything going on with my horse and am involved with his care on a daily basis (downside is getting attached because I can't just view him as an investment as a result such regular interaction - and, he loves his mommy LOL).

It is interesting though, and I'm learning a lot - and not only about the horses and horse racing (which I knew nothing of prior to 2010), but the internal and statewide politics of the industry as well. In-fact, the horseman's association is interested in me doing an economic impact analysis of our flat track (sans casino). I want to bring it in as a project where I work, but my boss wants no part of it because someone in another dept at my institution completed one recently on the casinos themselves (sans racetracks) and he doesn't want to step on anyone's toes. Whatever! The focus is completely different and for a different reason entirely. I may go forward with the project anyway. I do, after all, have the resources to work independently and a little knowledge of the industry, although time is a factor and it may be considered a conflict of interest which may not bode well for my current job (and I do have a horse to feed!!).

You americans
will they keep it with the Kennedy head and the elvis head?

^ ha

Just on a stick is good... on display in the museum of American history maybe?

I was hoping for a jar of formaldehyde rather like Rasputins supposed male member.