IAC-19,A4,2,12,x48796 We (do not) come in peace: the images of extra-terrestrial life in contemporary conspiracy theories.

摘要

Extra-terrestrial contact has already become a staple of science fiction and popular culture. This, in turn, has helped to spark interest in scientific search for extra-terrestrial life (such as, for example, that is carried out by SETI institute). However, the conspiracy theory narratives provide images of extra-terrestrial life that, though obviously inspired, are still somewhat different from the ones found in science fiction books, movies or even mythologies of various new religious movements. Furthermore, these various conspiracy theories have become quite popular among the population. In these conspiracy theories, extra-terrestrials are portrayed either as evil entities that have made pacts with various governments and now are secretly tormenting humanity, or as diabolical creatures that have infiltrated political positions of various world powers and are secretly ruling the planet. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it aims to analyse various UFO and extra-terrestrial themed conspiracy theories and describe how extra-terrestrial life is portrayed in those narratives. It also speculates possible sources of these images, such as science fiction clichés of always evil interstellar invaders. Second, it also tries to predict what possible responses and reactions the discovery of signs of extra-terrestrial intelligence might provoke among the conspiracy theorists, and how conspiracy theorists may react to such discovery.