Part 1: Preface and Introduction

© by Frances T. Shure, 2013

Editor’s Note:  Frances Shure, M.A., L.P.C., has performed an in-depth analysis addressing a key issue of our time: “Why Do Good People Become Silent—or Worse—About 9/11?” The resulting essay, to be presented here as a series, is comprised of a synthesis of reports on academic research as well as clinical observations.

Ms. Shure’s analysis begins with recognition of the observation made by the psychology professionals interviewed in the documentary “9/11: Explosive Evidence – Experts Speak Out” by Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, who cite our human tendencies toward denial in order to avoid the discomfort of cognitive dissonance. Indeed, resistance to information that substantially challenges our worldview is the rule rather than the exception, Ms. Shure explains.  This is so because fear is the emotion that underlies most of the negative reactions toward 9/11 skeptics’ information. Ms. Shure addresses the many types of fear that are involved, and how they tie into the “sacred myth” of American exceptionalism.

Through the lenses of anthropology and social psychology, Ms. Shure focuses on diffusion of innovations; obeying and believing authority; doublethink; cognitive dissonance; conformity; groupthink; terror management theory; systems justification theory; signal detection theory; and prior knowledge of state crimes against democracy and deep politics. Through the lens of clinical psychology, Ms. Shure explores viewpoints described in the sections on learned helplessness; the abuse syndrome; dissociation; and excessive identification with the United States government. Two sections on brain research provide astonishing insights into our human nature.

Finally, the sections entitled “American Exceptionalism,” “Governmental Manipulation and the ‘Big Lie,’” and Those Who Lack Conscience and Empathy” contain valuable information from an amalgam of the disciplines of history, social psychology, clinical psychology, and brain research.  The final sections address how we can communicate about 9/11 evidence more effectively, and our human need for awareness and healing.  Ms. Shure concludes by quoting poet Langston Hughes in an inspiring epilogue, which asks: “Is America Possible?”

This month’s installment begins with Ms. Shure’s Preface and Introduction. Succeeding segments will continue the journey that explores contributions of Western psychology in answering the pressing question, “Why Do Good People Become Silent—or Worse—about 9/11?”

Experts Speak Out in the Bahamas

We were invited to the Bahamas to be interviewed for a script being written by 9/11 Truth supporter and filmmaker Ric Von Maur. A few years ago Von Maur produced his first movie Wind Jammers, which was shot on location in the Bahamas, and he is working on his next one.  Von Maur kept a low profile for years after he became aware of the World Trade Center evidence ignored by the mainstream media, which dominates the news offerings in this island nation just as it does in the US.
 
Ric and Doreen Von Maur hosted AE911Truth in what turned out to be the most successful screening of our landmark film “9/11: Experts Speak Out” everVon Maur had been aware of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth and was interested in how the life of Richard Gage, AIA, had changed when he transitioned from full-time architect to full-time CEO of the nonprofit organization AE911Truth. Von Maur did not want to write a “conspiracy” movie, preferring instead to write about the difficulty people have with voicing questions about the official theory of 9/11.We agreed to meet and suggested to him that he invite friends to watch “9/11: Explosive Evidence: Experts Speak Out“ and meet Mr. Gage in person. Preferring to keep a low profile, he was reluctant at first, but decided it was a great opportunity for Bahamians to meet Richard Gage, AIA.

After securing an 18-seat theater at the Albany Resort where 9/11: Explosive Evidence – Experts Speak Out could be screened, von Maur began to talk up the event. Word traveled fast on the small island and it quickly became clear that the audience was not going to fit. He decided to move the event to a 200-seat theater and placed ads in the local print and television media.