HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM!After the moon landing occurred, many people were speculating if the U.S. had truly gone to the moon. Technology was advancing and the U.S. had been desperate to win the space race with the Soviet Union. By combining these two facts, many people began to think that the moon landing was staged. Several theorists arose and the media was all over it. The theory was all over news until it died down, but soon enough then the internet was created along with many popular T.V. shows that gave light to the theory. Today, more people believe in the theory than in the past and it largely correlated with the advancements in technology.
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Toy Replica of Moon Landing (Sercombe, 2018).
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1970's : The Beginning of the Moon Landing Hoax
1968 Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space OdysseyIt would not be until a year after the release of Kubrick’s movie that Apollo 11 would have succeeded its mission of putting man on the moon. However, after the moon landing, many people looked back on 2001: A Space Odyssey as a source for their moon landing conspiracies. Kubrick’s movie had a few advanced cinematic features that made people think that the moon landing could have been staged (Knight, 2019). One of the main theories is that, Kubrick worked with NASA to stage the moon landing (Preston, 2019).
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1971 Guy Hamilton’s Diamonds Are ForeverThis movie was not the official beginning of the moon landing hoax, however it alluded to the thoughts of many Americans; Was the moon landing faked? This movie poked fun at this idea by featuring a scene where Sean Connery’s character James Bond, breaks into a Nasa facility and passes by a film set identical to that of the moon landing (Godwin, 2019).
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1976 Bill Kaysing’s book, We Never Went to the Moon: America's Thirty Billion Dollar Swindle!Self-published American author Bill Kaysing, was the first to bring light to a theory that had only been murmured about. In his book, he talks about having knowledge about the government’s secrets, claiming to have seen secret documents about and figuring out that the moon landing was everything but real (Wickenden, 2019). Similarly, to continue his argument he brings up various pieces of “evidence” from the moon landing T.V. broadcasts that prove the moon landing was faked.This book went out to be very popular with many theorists of the time. Click the button bellow to learn more about Bill Kaysing's life and accomplishments |
Bill Kaysing's 1976 Book Cover (Crowley, 2011).
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Peter Hyams' Capricorn OnePeter Hyams film, Capricorn One, took the moon landing theory to a whole new level. This film is about the government deceiving the public into thinking they successfully went to Mars even though the reality is that the mission failed miserably. Many people saw the similarities between the fake Mars landing and the actual moon landing that broadcasted in 1969. The film went on to feed into the conspiracies that had been made from Bill Kaysing’s book.
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1990's & Early 2000's : Resurrection of the Moon Landing Hoax
Popular T.V. ShowsThe hit science fiction TV series, The X Files (1993- 2018) by Chris Carter, brought attention to various conspiracy theories, including the moon landing theory. This TV show made many theories popular and it became a norm to discuss and think about such theories. Other hit TV shows such as Friends ( 1994-2004) and Futurama (1999-2013), also shed light on the moon landing theory by discussing it during episodes (Howell, 2019).
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The X Files Black & White Image (White, 2018).
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Apollo 11 Crew Training Exercise by NASA, 22 April 1969. Public Domain.
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Documentaries & BooksAs a result of the “buzz” coming off the popular TV shows of the time, several documentaries were made to address the moon landing hoax. One of the most notable documentaries was broadcasted by Fox, called Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon? which aired in 2001 (Godwin, 2019). This documentary became very popular as it not only featured conspiracy theorists but also film directors and representatives from NASA. Following the documentary Phil Plait, an American Astronomer came out with his book Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax" in 2002. The already popular astronomer was able to touch a larger audience and address the misconceptions of the moon landing theory (Howell, 2019).
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Bart Sibrel & Buzz Aldrin IncidentBart Sibrel is an American conspiracy theorist who continues to believe in the moon landing hoax. His passion for the theory led him to write and direct two documentaries called A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon (2001) and Astronauts Gone Wild (2004). On his journey to writing the second of his documentaries he decided to interrogate Buzz Aldrin in front of his hotel. This did not go very well as Sibrel openly called Aldrin a “coward and liar” when Aldrin refused to speak on Sibrel’s moon landing allegations (Briggs, 2019). After very upfront insults, Aldrin punched the conspiracy theorist and the rest was history. The moon landing conspiracy had grown too much popularity and as seen, had gotten a little out of hand.
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Now: Prevalence of Moon Landing Hoax
It is not news that internet and phone usage has increased significantly in the past several decades. It has become a norm in society, and with it so have many creative platforms that have been able to allow people to not only connect with others but be able to speak their minds without filter. These creative platforms, better known as social media, have become widely successful in reaching millions of people in ways that were not able to only a few decades ago. As a result, a variety of content has been produced and shared to discuss this ongoing moon landing theory.
Shane DawsonYoutube has been a hit sensation since its creation in 2005, it is a platform where many people are able to openly share their thoughts and feelings with videos. Shane Dawson, is one of the first youtubers to gain popularity on the site, he creates a variety of content from comedy, to parodies, to even conspiracy theories. In 2016, he made a video regarding his thoughts on the moon landing theory and it gained over 7 million views. His fame, quirky personality, and large following, give him a certain level of credibility.
Click on the botton below to learn more about Shane Dawson and his videos |
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Joe RoganJoe Rogan, a man of many talents (comedian, actor, host) has also shared his opinions on the moon landing hoax on a Penn Jillette’s podcast show. Rogan, claims to be a believer of the moon landing hoax, and spoke so openly on his thoughts on this podcast.
Click on the button below to find out more about Joe Rogan and his podcasts |
Google Search ImageThe moon landing itself has become one of the most celebrated accomplishments of the United States. Each year on July 20th the world celebrates the men who walked the moon. Google does their part in celebration by creating their google search image each year. These images help people around the world to see and understand this monumental occasion in history.
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Overall, the moon landing hoax is still prevalent today. The various resources we have to connect with one another are immense and have allowed both the media and regular folk to be able to share their thoughts and ideas. The one thing that has changed in regards to the moon landing theory is how it is being talked about today. In the New York Times Article “They Kinda Want to Believe Apollo Was Maybe a Hoax,” by Amanda Hess, she stated, “The internet’s biggest stars are using irony and nonchalance to refurbish old conspiracies for new audiences, recycling them into new forms that help them persist in the cultural imagination.” At one point, this theory was scary due to its implications about the government, but it is now merely a method of entertainment.
Click on the bottom below to find out more about how the media has portrayed the moon landing hoax theory
Click on the bottom below to find out more about how the media has portrayed the moon landing hoax theory
References
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Godwin, R. (2019, July 10). One giant ... lie? Why so many people still think the moon landings were faked. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jul/10/one-giant-lie-why-so-many-people-still-think-the-moon-landings-were-faked
Hess, A. (2019, July 1). They Kinda Want to Believe Apollo 11 Was Maybe a Hoax. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/01/science/moon-landing-hoax-conspiracy-theory.html
Howell, E. (2019, July 19). Moon-Landing Hoax Still Lives On, 50 Years After Apollo 11. But Why? Retrieved from https://www.space.com/apollo-11-moon-landing-hoax-believers.html
Knight, P. (2019, July 10). How moon landing conspiracy theories began and why they persist today. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/ how-moon-landing-conspiracy-theories-began-and-why-they-persist-today-118643
Kubrick, S. (2012, April 6). 2001: A Space Odyssey - Trailer [1968] HD [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2UWOeBcsJI
Moon View of Earth by Tumisu under CC-BY. [Heading Image]
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Preston, E. (2019, February 27). Psychology and the Allure of Conspiracy Theories. Retrieved from https://undark.org/2019/02/27/ the-psychology-and-allure-of-conspiracy-theories/
Sercombe, R. (2018, April 14). [Toy Image of Moon Landing]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/richardsercombe/29246789468/in/photolist-LyrryQ-AmDmZK-uodUeb-NjmXgX-J9gLPf-MRKp5s-MsiAoy-Ms7Ai4-Nso3NH-Ni4ZQA-TddLyA-21scaf7-Ng8mS1-ZWkbKG-NiENcW-26wgukf-2fjePfd-MuDhoo-shfwCQ-t1NQzf-NudNNK-Cw w9mA-z9B5Ta-DZHN5T-MzVSwG-Muhzds-Nq5drK-Ng8iqG-MvNp42-MwuwQW-N2vpmY-Nh3VPN-2dhkDBU-Ns2H6r-NrPCdz-DVtjnM-22CsyXo-A6gYHK-No4Jjz-ChDcQX-N6qDzy-MxS1sk-Nh3GYY-NueapK-M zQsC8-Zp2mte-NhQjBF-ZjdrWs-LvYn6b-zaoweN/
Shane. (2016, March 31). MOON LANDING CONSPIRACY THEORY [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMapSAKvB7U
TechNews4U. (2019, July 19). Moon walker Buzz Aldrin punches conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrtye8nhC30
Wengsky01. (2010, November 4). MOON TALKS Joe Rogan, Phil Plait Penn Jillette Part 1/10 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mDLFm-DRPQg
White, S. (2018, October 7). [X Files Black & White Image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/156990522@N06/44426335364/in/photolist-2aFNzHo-FKsqgk-2aFuEc7-25pD12r-FKr7y8-DXZpmK-D1tQqm-25pCZUn-D1uppY-DVErBC-DFpL9D-DVDZNJ-25pCxxz-25pCZP2-Ca57tj-21iBVF6-28bXsRg-27uJ4p6-DvSoF1-DVEkx3-27zMsod-EAky3N-ED9WuU-DJ4TbG-JCWFqN-wVjD3Y-rSbqwA-rL37Qb-DMzhXh-DvSY7j-DXYJPz-DMyK9CDfcqj3-DPKmV4-r7Zuup-HJ1uWu-CD7DTt-21h2ixs-Hqzuk8-JueEKj-FwCD2y-DzwK3a-SCMN79-JcZU1G-tqzCpA-25x7gK4-rpr13D-DJ53rA-21RWgGX-DJ4JFf/
Wickenden, W. D. (2019, July 22). Who Believes in the Moon Landing? Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/political-scene/ who-believes-in-the-moon-landing
YouTube Movies. (2015, January 12). Capricorn One - Trailer [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl5l0VDgMvc
Briggs, P. (2019, July 18). Watch Buzz Aldrin punch lunar lunatic in the face! Retrieved from https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/ astronaut-buzz-aldrin-punches-moon-landing-denier
Crowley, M. (2011, May 1). We Never Went to the Moon: Classic conspiracy text from 1976 [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthetube/5674663125/in/ photolist-2gARhXo-6HfLt8-6HjNMS-6HfLCR-6HfLyK-67uT8j-9Ds8Dp-7aTz76/
Godwin, R. (2019, July 10). One giant ... lie? Why so many people still think the moon landings were faked. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jul/10/one-giant-lie-why-so-many-people-still-think-the-moon-landings-were-faked
Hess, A. (2019, July 1). They Kinda Want to Believe Apollo 11 Was Maybe a Hoax. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/01/science/moon-landing-hoax-conspiracy-theory.html
Howell, E. (2019, July 19). Moon-Landing Hoax Still Lives On, 50 Years After Apollo 11. But Why? Retrieved from https://www.space.com/apollo-11-moon-landing-hoax-believers.html
Knight, P. (2019, July 10). How moon landing conspiracy theories began and why they persist today. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/ how-moon-landing-conspiracy-theories-began-and-why-they-persist-today-118643
Kubrick, S. (2012, April 6). 2001: A Space Odyssey - Trailer [1968] HD [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2UWOeBcsJI
Moon View of Earth by Tumisu under CC-BY. [Heading Image]
Movieclips Class Trailers. (2014, June 5). Diamonds Are Forever (1971) Official Trailer - Sean Connery James Bond Movie HD [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yOamj4mlnE
Preston, E. (2019, February 27). Psychology and the Allure of Conspiracy Theories. Retrieved from https://undark.org/2019/02/27/ the-psychology-and-allure-of-conspiracy-theories/
Sercombe, R. (2018, April 14). [Toy Image of Moon Landing]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/richardsercombe/29246789468/in/photolist-LyrryQ-AmDmZK-uodUeb-NjmXgX-J9gLPf-MRKp5s-MsiAoy-Ms7Ai4-Nso3NH-Ni4ZQA-TddLyA-21scaf7-Ng8mS1-ZWkbKG-NiENcW-26wgukf-2fjePfd-MuDhoo-shfwCQ-t1NQzf-NudNNK-Cw w9mA-z9B5Ta-DZHN5T-MzVSwG-Muhzds-Nq5drK-Ng8iqG-MvNp42-MwuwQW-N2vpmY-Nh3VPN-2dhkDBU-Ns2H6r-NrPCdz-DVtjnM-22CsyXo-A6gYHK-No4Jjz-ChDcQX-N6qDzy-MxS1sk-Nh3GYY-NueapK-M zQsC8-Zp2mte-NhQjBF-ZjdrWs-LvYn6b-zaoweN/
Shane. (2016, March 31). MOON LANDING CONSPIRACY THEORY [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMapSAKvB7U
TechNews4U. (2019, July 19). Moon walker Buzz Aldrin punches conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrtye8nhC30
Wengsky01. (2010, November 4). MOON TALKS Joe Rogan, Phil Plait Penn Jillette Part 1/10 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mDLFm-DRPQg
White, S. (2018, October 7). [X Files Black & White Image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/156990522@N06/44426335364/in/photolist-2aFNzHo-FKsqgk-2aFuEc7-25pD12r-FKr7y8-DXZpmK-D1tQqm-25pCZUn-D1uppY-DVErBC-DFpL9D-DVDZNJ-25pCxxz-25pCZP2-Ca57tj-21iBVF6-28bXsRg-27uJ4p6-DvSoF1-DVEkx3-27zMsod-EAky3N-ED9WuU-DJ4TbG-JCWFqN-wVjD3Y-rSbqwA-rL37Qb-DMzhXh-DvSY7j-DXYJPz-DMyK9CDfcqj3-DPKmV4-r7Zuup-HJ1uWu-CD7DTt-21h2ixs-Hqzuk8-JueEKj-FwCD2y-DzwK3a-SCMN79-JcZU1G-tqzCpA-25x7gK4-rpr13D-DJ53rA-21RWgGX-DJ4JFf/
Wickenden, W. D. (2019, July 22). Who Believes in the Moon Landing? Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/political-scene/ who-believes-in-the-moon-landing
YouTube Movies. (2015, January 12). Capricorn One - Trailer [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl5l0VDgMvc