In the landscape of modern politics, the rise of conspiracy theories has become a concerning trend. It’s even more disheartening when public figures, especially those in positions of power, lend credibility to these baseless narratives. North Carolina governor candidate Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, unfortunately, has emerged as a prime example of such behavior, and his embrace of conspiracy theories not only undermines his credibility but also poses a threat to democratic discourse. He is a far-right conspiracy theorist, Donald Trump supporter and Holocaust denier who has attacked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a communist and said that women shouldn’t have the right to vote.
Moreover, Robinson’s indulgence in conspiracy theories extends beyond electoral matters. He has made inflammatory remarks describing the Parkland school shooting survivors who pushed for gun control as ‘spoiled, angry, know-it-all children.’ He has made other incendiary remarks about climate change, and gun control, often echoing discredited theories circulated by fringe groups and extremists. Instead of relying on scientific evidence and expert opinion, Robinson chooses to embrace narratives that cater to his ideological biases, further polarizing the political landscape and impeding constructive dialogue.
This is the classic Donald Trump playbook, using propaganda and fear to stir emotions by drumming up the enthusiasm, in persuading undecided voters. A meta-analysis conducted by Albarracin and her colleagues found that messages with fear are nearly twice as effective as messages without fear (Psychological Bulletin, Vol. 141, No. 6, 2015).
“A large part of politics is getting people to think about things as part of a group,” says Christopher Federico, PhD, professor of political science and psychology at the University of Minnesota. Politicians using this strategy must first show that they (or their party) are best suited to address a specific issue.
The question is why are some pockets of African Americans embracing these conspiracy theories and spewing hateful rhetoric. I think is because they want the visibility, lure, popularity and so the called prestige.
What black people such as Mark Robinson has failed to understand, no matter how much you try to assimilate and embrace the far-right lies but you are still just another black man they look down on.
You will never be accepted as their equal, These fringe voters and Republicans will clap for you at the rallies, shake your hand, and vote for you, but when it comes to protecting their own, their values, and way of life, you are just a second class citizen to them.
You sold your soul for popularity, this is highest level of disgrace for a black man which we call a “sell out.”
You attended a HBCU North Carolina A&T where loving one’s self and black pride is taught throughout that campus, so how did it get to this point? Let answer the question for you. Robinson you lack self confidence and love within you, so guess the only way to get ahead was to kiss the white power structure’s ass. Well that is the only thing you have been good at in life.
As a public official, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has a responsibility to uphold the principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability. However, his propagation of conspiracy theories not only violates this responsibility but also sets a dangerous precedent for other aspiring leaders. When elected representatives prioritize partisan agendas over truth and evidence-based policymaking, the foundations of democracy are eroded, and the public interest is subverted.