Fact Check: The lizard people will rise

The Claim: "The lizard people will rise"

The claim that "the lizard people will rise" refers to a popular conspiracy theory suggesting that humanoid reptilian aliens, often called "lizard people," secretly control the world. This theory posits that these beings can shape-shift into human form and have infiltrated various levels of government and society. The origins of this idea are often traced back to conspiracy theorist David Icke, who has been a prominent figure in promoting the concept.

What We Know

1. Origins of the Theory: The reptilian conspiracy theory has its roots in various speculative narratives, particularly those propagated by David Icke in the 1990s. Icke claims that these reptilians are responsible for manipulating global events and controlling human society from behind the scenes 36.

2. Cultural Impact: The idea of lizard people has permeated popular culture and has been referenced in various media, including television shows and films. This has contributed to its persistence in public discourse, despite a lack of empirical evidence 8.

3. Conspiracy Theory Characteristics: Conspiracy theories, including the lizard people narrative, often rely on anecdotal evidence and are characterized by their ability to adapt to new information, which can make them resilient to debunking 14.

4. Public Perception: The lizard people theory has gained traction in certain online communities and has been linked to other conspiracy movements, such as QAnon. This has led to a broader acceptance of outlandish claims among some groups 58.

5. Fact-Checking: Various fact-checking organizations have consistently debunked claims related to lizard people, emphasizing that there is no credible evidence to support the existence of such beings 29.

Analysis

The claim that "the lizard people will rise" is steeped in speculative fiction and conspiracy theory. The sources available provide a range of perspectives on the topic, but they also highlight significant issues regarding credibility and bias:

• Credibility of Sources: Wikipedia provides a broad overview of the reptilian conspiracy theory, but as a user-edited platform, it may contain biases or inaccuracies that require verification from more authoritative sources 3.

• Fact-Checking Organizations: Sources like Reuters and Snopes have a reputation for rigorous fact-checking and provide context for the claims surrounding lizard people, often pointing out the lack of empirical evidence and the fantastical nature of such assertions 27. However, the effectiveness of these fact-checks can be limited if the audience is predisposed to believe in conspiracy theories.

• Cultural Commentary: Articles from Vox and Politifact discuss the societal implications and the psychological appeal of conspiracy theories, suggesting that they fulfill certain emotional or cognitive needs for believers 56. These sources are generally reliable but may carry an implicit bias against conspiracy theorists, which could color their analysis.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those that originate from conspiracy theory circles, may have a vested interest in promoting the narrative of lizard people for personal or ideological reasons. This can lead to a lack of objectivity in their claims 410.

The methodology behind the claims of lizard people often relies on anecdotal evidence, sensational stories, and a selective interpretation of events. This raises questions about the validity of the evidence presented by proponents of the theory.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the lizard people will rise" is unsupported by credible evidence and is characterized by its roots in conspiracy theory rather than factual reality. Key evidence leading to this verdict includes the lack of empirical support for the existence of reptilian beings, consistent debunking by reputable fact-checking organizations, and the reliance on anecdotal and sensational narratives by proponents of the theory.

While the cultural impact of the lizard people narrative is notable, it is essential to recognize that its persistence is largely due to psychological and social factors rather than factual accuracy. The appeal of conspiracy theories often lies in their ability to provide simplistic explanations for complex societal issues, which can resonate with certain audiences.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence; while the claim has been thoroughly debunked, the psychological and sociocultural dynamics that allow such theories to thrive remain complex and not fully understood.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources of claims, especially those that seem extraordinary or implausible. Engaging with a variety of perspectives and relying on credible sources can help in discerning fact from fiction.

Sources

1. Dentith, M.R.X. "Suspicious conspiracy theories." PMC. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9152829/
2. "Fact Check: Video claiming to show a 'reptilian' person on television." Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/fact-check/video-claiming-to-show-a-reptilian-person-on-television-is-digitally-altered-idUSL1N32J24J/
3. "Reptilian conspiracy theory." Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptilian_conspiracy_theory
4. "Fact Check: The world would be better off if it were ruled by lizard people." Truth or Fake. Available at: https://truthorfake.com/blog/the-world-would-be-better-off-if-it-were-2568
5. "Reptilian conspiracy theory continues after queen's death." Politifact. Available at: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2022/sep/12/facebook-posts/reptilian-conspiracy-theory-continues-after-queens/
6. "Lizard people: the greatest political conspiracy ever created." Vox. Available at: https://www.vox.com/2014/11/5/7158371/lizard-people-conspiracy-theory-explainer
7. "Snopes.com | The definitive fact-checking site and reference source for urban legends." Snopes. Available at: https://www.snopes.com/
8. "Lizard people, the Illuminati and the CIA: How conspiracy theories." ABC News. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-06/the-united-states-has-a-long-history-with-conspiracy-theories/102928506
9. "Fact check: False claims that Jeff Bezos is an alien, reptile." Yahoo News. Available at: https://news.yahoo.com/fact-check-false-claims-jeff-224850608.html
10. "Who Started the Lizard People Conspiracy Theory?" Today I Found Out. Available at: https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2019/09/who-started-the-lizard-people-conspiracy-theory/