Bielefeld conspiracy

Bielefeld Conspiracy

The Bielefeld Conspiracy is a satirical conspiracy theory that claims the city of Bielefeld in Germany does not actually exist. This theory originated in 1993 and has since become a popular in-joke in German culture, often used to illustrate the absurdity of conspiracy theories in general.

Origin

The Bielefeld Conspiracy was first proposed by Achim Held, a computer science student at the University of Kiel, in a Usenet post on May 16, 1993. Held's post humorously suggested that Bielefeld was a fabrication, and that any evidence of its existence was part of an elaborate cover-up. The post was intended as a joke, but it quickly gained traction and became a cultural phenomenon.

The "Evidence"

Proponents of the Bielefeld Conspiracy often cite three "proofs" to support their claim:

1. You don't know anyone from Bielefeld. 2. You've never been to Bielefeld. 3. You don't know anyone who has ever been to Bielefeld.

These points are presented as rhetorical questions, suggesting that if you cannot personally refute them, then Bielefeld must not exist.

Cultural Impact

The Bielefeld Conspiracy has been referenced in various media and has become a part of German pop culture. It is often used to mock or parody other conspiracy theories by highlighting their reliance on anecdotal evidence and logical fallacies.

In 2019, the city of Bielefeld offered a reward of €1 million to anyone who could provide irrefutable proof of its non-existence, further embracing the joke and using it as a marketing tool to promote tourism.

Criticism and Analysis

While the Bielefeld Conspiracy is intended as a joke, it has been analyzed in the context of how conspiracy theories spread and gain popularity. It serves as an example of how easily misinformation can be disseminated and how people can be drawn to seemingly absurd ideas.

Also see

• Conspiracy theory
• Satire
• Urban legend
• Internet meme