Introduction
Birtherism refers to the conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the United States and was thus ineligible for the presidency. It played a central role in US politics during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Origins
The controversy began during Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and gained momentum via social media, cable news, and political figures.
Key Examples
- Claims of falsified birth certificates.
- Allegations of a media and government cover-up.
- Parallel accusations against other political figures.
Critical Analysis
Multiple independent investigations have confirmed Obama’s US birth. Birtherism is seen as a case study in misinformation and political weaponization.
Influential Literature: Pro & Contra
- Philip Bump – “The Obama Birth Certificate Conspiracy” – The Washington Post, 2016. Bump, The Obama Birth Certificate Conspiracy. WaPo, 2016.
- David Weigel – “Birtherism and American Politics” – Slate, 2017. Weigel, Birtherism and American Politics. Slate, 2017.
- Michael Barkun – “A Culture of Conspiracy” – University of California Press, 2013. Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy. UCP, 2013.
- Jan Harold Brunvand – “Encyclopedia of Urban Legends” – W.W. Norton, 2001. Brunvand, Encyclopedia of Urban Legends. Norton, 2001.
- Cass R. Sunstein & Adrian Vermeule – “Conspiracy Theories: Causes and Cures” – Journal of Political Philosophy, 2009. Sunstein & Vermeule, Conspiracy Theories: Causes and Cures. JPP, 2009.
- David Aaronovitch – “Voodoo Histories” – Riverhead Books, 2010. Aaronovitch, Voodoo Histories. Riverhead, 2010.
- Brian Keeley – “Of Conspiracy Theories” – The Journal of Philosophy, 1999. Keeley, Of Conspiracy Theories. JOP, 1999.
- Jonathan Kay – “Among the Truthers” – Harper, 2011. Kay, Among the Truthers. Harper, 2011.
- Kathryn S. Olmsted – “Real Enemies” – Oxford University Press, 2009. Olmsted, Real Enemies. OUP, 2009.
