The Alien Abdution Cult

[Paul Kimball]

Original at: http://redstarfilms.blogspot.com/2007/01/alien-abduction-cult.html

The Alien Abduction Cult


I've met both David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins at different UFO conferences. They seem like nice enough people - witty, even charming, until you realize that they, and other "abductionologists" like them, have spent decades spouting absolute nonsense about "alien abductions", and in the process have caused very real trauma to very real people (and created, by the way, a nice little cottage industry for themselves).

Budd Hopkins has written [Witnessed: The True Story of the Brooklyn Bridge UFO Abductions]:

"Everything I have learned in twenty years of research into the UFO abduction phenomenon leads me to conclude that the aliens' central purpose is not to teach us about taking better care of the environment. Instead, all of the evidence points to their being here to carry out a complex breeding experiment in which they seem to be working to create a hybrid species, a mix of human and alien characteristics."
​

All of the evidence?

What "evidence"?

Memories induced by hypnosis?

I've written about the usefulness of hypnosis as an investigative technique before, particularly when it's done by self-taught amateurs (see: The Abduction Phenomenon and Hypnosis).

Here's the uncomfortable truth - the abductionologists, feted at UFO conference after UFO conference, are the problem, not the solution. It isn't little green / grey men from some other planet that are causing pain to the people "studied" by Hopkins et al - the pain, the damage, is being caused by the "investigators" themselves, feeding questions, and then answers, to people who may have real problems.

Disagree with me? That's your prerogative, of course, but before you start wailing, and crying "foul", do me one small favour - show me the hard evidence that supports the claims made by the abductionologists.

How about a photo? Let's start with that.

I mean, we have UFO photos - most fake, but some, like McMinnville, perhaps authentic - so why not photos of an abduction?

How about witnesses to an abduction - not hypnotically regressed ones, mind you, but independent witnesses who actually saw an abduction happen.

Where are they? I mean, we have myriad UFO cases with multiple independent witnesses.

Why not abductions?

Kevin Randle, Russ Estes and William Cone got it right in The Abduction Enigma when they wrote, at p. 359:

"Here's what it all comes down to. There is not a single shred of physical evidence that alien abductions areaking place other than the tainted testimony of the abductees. The physical evidence to support the claims is nonexistent. What has been offered as proof has been eliminated through testing by objective scientists or additional research by unbiased investigators. The scars, the missing fetus, or the implants do not carry the proper medical documentation to make a strong case, and in fact, suggest something else altogether."​

I'll go further than Randle, Estes and Cone, who confined their critique to stating that the abductionologists had simply not proven their case. In my view, this has become an Alien Abduction Cult (of personality), aided and abetted by some in ufology who should know better. The abductionologists themselves are beyond irresponsible - they are dangerous, causing real pain and suffering to people who in at least some cases no doubt need real help.

Perhaps it's high time that the proper authorities take a closer look, not at "alien abductions", but rather at those who claim to be investigating them, because, with one or two notable and courageous exceptions like Kevin, "ufology" has proven itself wholly unwilling to confront the creators and purveyors of the Alien Abduction Cult.

Meanwhile, the ultimate irony for anomalists is that, should there really be a paranormal element to a few of these "abduction" cases, the Alien Abduction Cult has so muddied the waters with their bunk that it will be almost impossible to ever chart a different course.

Paul Kimball
​

 

[Gareth]

I agree. To be clear though, I DO think there is something going on that is not just sleep paralysis or lucid dreaming. Maybe its an interdimensional phenomena.

But, this statement:

"Everything I have learned in twenty years of research into the UFO abduction phenomenon leads me to conclude that the aliens' central purpose is not to teach us about taking better care of the environment. Instead, all of the evidence points to their being here to carry out a complex breeding experiment in which they seem to be working to create a hybrid species, a mix of human and alien characteristics."

...is just absurd. How can a professional say something so absolutely with nothing to back it up? Isnt he embarrassed?

 

[Paul Kimball]

I agree. To be clear though, I DO think there is something going on that is not just sleep paralysis or lucid dreaming. Maybe its an interdimensional phenomena.

I can't say for sure, but I remain open to the possibility that a small percentage of cases may involve some paranormal aspect... hence my final line.

But, this statement:

"Everything I have learned in twenty years of research into the UFO abduction phenomenon leads me to conclude that the aliens' central purpose is not to teach us about taking better care of the environment. Instead, all of the evidence points to their being here to carry out a complex breeding experiment in which they seem to be working to create a hybrid species, a mix of human and alien characteristics."

...is just absurd. How can a professional say something so absolutely with nothing to back it up? Isnt he embarrassed?

First, Hopkins is a professional artist, not a scientist, so when he makes a statement like that back-up is the last thing on his mind. Second, I sincerely doubt any of these self-important abduction kingpins are in the least embarrassed by what they have done, and continue to do, which is a sad lack of self-realization on their part.

Paul

 

[Tommy Allison]

Hey Paul.

I work as a professional artist, but it's not the only thing I've done in this lifetime. I have an educational background in science and history and art found its way to being my profession when I got sick of the other stuff. I'd like to think that I have an analytical mind, and am capable of very rational and objective thought.

Being an artist doesn't mean that you're a full tilt believer and wacko when it comes to UFOs or the paranormal.

With that said though, Budd apparently has some background with hypnosis, and I thought he at one time had some kind of psychology degree. Maybe that was someone else, I could be wrong. I have no idea of what Budd's background is education wise. If you know could you share?

As I stated before, my profession is an artist and all that, but it doesn't cloud my thinking or color it one way or another. If anything, it really helps me see through a lot of the bullshit, and lies that people tell, or fraud they try to perpetrate.

Especially where forensic reconstructions, or digital photography are concerned, I am pretty good at analying and seeing how fraud can be committed. I would know, I had some assclown tell me something I worked on for him wasn't Alien enough.

 

[Paul Kimball]

Hey Paul.

I work as a professional artist, but it's not the only thing I've done in this lifetime. I have an educational background in science and history and art found its way to being my profession when I got sick of the other stuff. I'd like to think that I have an analytical mind, and am capable of very rational and objective thought.

Being an artist doesn't mean that you're a full tilt believer and wacko when it comes to UFOs or the paranormal.

With that said though, Budd apparently has some background with hypnosis, and I thought he at one time had some kind of psychology degree. Maybe that was someone else, I could be wrong. I have no idea of what Budd's background is education wise. If you know could you share?

As I stated before, my profession is an artist and all that, but it doesn't cloud my thinking or color it one way or another. If anything, it really helps me see through a lot of the bullshit, and lies that people tell, or fraud they try to perpetrate.

Especially where forensic reconstructions, or digital photography are concerned, I am pretty good at analying and seeing how fraud can be committed. I would know, I had some assclown tell me something I worked on for him wasn't Alien enough.

Tommy,

No offense was meant to artists. Heck, I'm an artist, at least of sorts. But just because you're a good artist doesn't mean you're qualified to be mucking about with people's heads, anymore than being a qualified mental health professional makes you the next Van Gogh, or Spielberg.

But that's the problem with "ufology" - self-proclaimed experts being treated like their word is law, with their methodology or qualifications hardly ever called to account. Take Stan Friedman, for example. The fact that he has an M.Sc. in nuclear physics, which he trumpets about all the time, has absolutely no relevance on his ability to conduct historical research, or interview witnesses, the two things that have been the focus of his real attention in UFO research. Those are skill sets that people spend years training to learn, and practice. And yet no-one ever really says, "gee, maybe Stan doesn't know what he's talking about" when it comes to interviewing witnesses.

Of course, there is always room for the talented amateur, and self-taught historian. But that takes time, and practice - and then those people know that having a degree in a wholly unrelated field has no bearing on whether they're competent in that other field. Then they have to be judged by the quality and objectivity of their work. And it is here that most UFO researchers, and particularly abductionologists, fail (there are notable exceptions, of course - I would suggest Jerry Clark is one of them, for example).

All of which is harmless enough when what you're talking about is documents or something. But when you're mucking about with people's minds, like Hopkins et al, then you're lack of real training becomes a problem, and dangerous. Which is why, of all the abductionologists, John Mack was an exception to the rule - whatever one thought of his conclusions, at least he was a qualified professional who knew what he was doing, and respected the process.

Paul

 

[Schuyler]

I also think Hopkins, et al, are catering to the emotionally needy who are both impressionable and in need of attention. I saw Hopkins once on a TV interview that allowed call-ins. This obviously whacko woman (sorry, but it WAS obvious) called in wondering about her strange dreams--this after a complete recounting of abduction theory by Hopkins. He then asked her,

"Do you have scoop marks on your thigh?"

"Why, yes!" she says in amazement.

"Well, don't hang up. We'll have to interview you."

So, she's an instant star on the TV show. Don't know what happened to her, but this set-up was so painfully transparent that it hurt.

PS: Hopkins has no background in psychology, but he 'tutored' under a psychologist for a time, sat in on regressions the good doctor performed, and 'learned' by observation.

 

[Paul Kimball]

PS: Hopkins has no background in psychology, but he 'tutored' under a psychologist for a time, sat in on regressions the good doctor performed, and 'learned' by observation.

Which is effectively meaningless... or, to put it another way, I wouldn't want someone who had just observed open-heart surgery actually practising it on me.

 

[skunkape]

I've met a few people who were severely traumatized by hypnotically recovered memories of alien abductions. I have had some pretty extreme paranormal experiences myself, but never anything resembling a typical abduction scenario. I'm not really even interested in trying to probe these experiences with hypnosis. I remember most of it very clearly.
Of those I've met personally who were upset with these recovered memories, I was under a strong impression that they were experiencing a mind-fuck at the hand of irresponsible, unqualified hypnotists.
That's all I got to say about that.

 

[Tommy Allison]

Tommy,

No offense was meant to artists. Heck, I'm an artist, at least of sorts. But just because you're a good artist doesn't mean you're qualified to be mucking about with people's heads, anymore than being a qualified mental health professional makes you the next Van Gogh, or Spielberg.

But that's the problem with "ufology" - self-proclaimed experts being treated like their word is law, with their methodology or qualifications hardly ever called to account. Take Stan Friedman, for example. The fact that he has an M.Sc. in nuclear physics, which he trumpets about all the time, has absolutely no relevance on his ability to conduct historical research, or interview witnesses, the two things that have been the focus of his real attention in UFO research. Those are skill sets that people spend years training to learn, and practice. And yet no-one ever really says, "gee, maybe Stan doesn't know what he's talking about" when it comes to interviewing witnesses.

Of course, there is always room for the talented amateur, and self-taught historian. But that takes time, and practice - and then those people know that having a degree in a wholly unrelated field has no bearing on whether they're competent in that other field. Then they have to be judged by the quality and objectivity of their work. And it is here that most UFO researchers, and particularly abductionologists, fail (there are notable exceptions, of course - I would suggest Jerry Clark is one of them, for example).

All of which is harmless enough when what you're talking about is documents or something. But when you're mucking about with people's minds, like Hopkins et al, then you're lack of real training becomes a problem, and dangerous. Which is why, of all the abductionologists, John Mack was an exception to the rule - whatever one thought of his conclusions, at least he was a qualified professional who knew what he was doing, and respected the process.

Paul

Oh I agree with the whole mucking around with people's minds, ESPECIALLY if he's never been to school for psychology. If you have a psychologist, or psychiatrist conducting these experiments in a controlled environment, that's a far cry from some guy off the street hypno-regressing people to remember anything.

I have no idea what Hopkins' background is. I didn't know if you knew he was just an artist who made this a hobby or something. MACK!!! That's who I was thinking of. If I'm not mistaken he was an actual psychologist or psychiatrist who did that for a long time.

For whatever reason I confused the two, sorry.

 

[CapnG]

What about implants? Missing time? Coincidental UFO sightings in the immediate area by persons other than the abductee? They could all be fraudulent too of course but claiming abductions are nonsense by singling out hypnosis is debunking by disection.

And what about Friedman, Hopkins, et al? Can a nuclear physicist not learn to be a good historian as well? Now, obviously I've never met these people personally but it strikes me as a bit of a leap. Diplomas are nice and all but this notion that it's impossible to become adequately educated in a particular discipline without a piece of paper with a pretty stamp on it is ludicrous. And boderline ad hominem.

 

[skunkape]

What about implants? Missing time? Coincidental UFO sightings in the immediate area by persons other than the abductee? They could all be fraudulent too of course but claiming abductions are nonsense by singling out hypnosis is debunking by disection.

Not debunking. I have personally seen implant evidence and had an unexplainable "mark" put on my own body, experienced time anomalies, and seen some really weird stuff. Something is going on. I just don't buy the standard scenario which is largely based on 'recovered' memories.
The whole "alien doctors touching my naughty bits" just doesn't jive with what I've experienced personally. I think that may be just yet another screen. A red herring.

 

[Schuyler]

And what about Friedman, Hopkins, et al? Can a nuclear physicist not learn to be a good historian as well? Now, obviously I've never met these people personally but it strikes me as a bit of a leap. Diplomas are nice and all but this notion that it's impossible to become adequately educated in a particular discipline without a piece of paper with a pretty stamp on it is ludicrous. And boderline ad hominem.

Fair enough, Capn. The abduction thing is not only about hypnosis and I take your points. The thing with Hopkins in particular is that he obviously asks leading questions. I believe I quoted him correctly above (It HAS been a long time.) and in that he gave the caller the answer along with the question, leading the witness. So looking at that clip, Hopkins hadn't yet learned not to do that and he tainted that particular investigation. I think it is fair to call him an amateur after seeing that. A pro simply would not have done that. Another example is reported by mikec here when he said Hopkins told him, "I've seen blocks before, but you are REALLY blocked" when the evidence was that mikec simply could not be hypnotized. I believe mikec is sincere in his report of that, and it is yet another example of citing non-evidence as evidence.

And to single Hopkins out probably is not entirely fair as well. Mack was an MD psychiatrist, the real deal and, in my opinion, better qualified than most. I know Mack was convinced that 'something' happened to these people, though I'm not sure he bought into 'alien abduction,' per se. Just as more background, the psychiatrist (another real one, and MD) who examined Betty and Barney Hill did not believe their experience was 'real' in the sense that they were actually abducted.

I'm not vested in an answer either way on this except to say that the sheer number of 'abductees' as reported - in the millions - seems incredulous to me. I just can't see a phenomenon that wide-spread. It doesn't make sense to me, at least the 'aliens from Zeta Reticuli' schtick. Thats one helluva abduction program. I mean, where do they get the funding? (I know. I know. Don't get me on that one! )

 

[Hoffmeister]

Until recently I wouldnt even consider the notion of abductions. However people are always telling me I am so cynical and never believe anything so I decided to read 'Captured' by stan friendman and Cathleen Mardman or whatever her name is.
I have to say it can be quite convincing at times, but then a book that is narrated by two people who want you to believe in the story would be.

On the one hand, if there are aliens here, and i do believe there probably are, then its not inconceivable that they might do the odd test on someone, so why is it so hard to believe?

On the other hand, whenever you seem to hear stories of abductions, they usually start with the bit where people remember being taken by aliens in their bed, and then the rest they 'remember' through hypnosis.

Well as i have described on these forums before, I have had the same experience as many of these people, where aliens have busted open my door.... only i am 100% sure in my mind that it was sleep paralysis.....REALLY BAD sleep paralysis. And thats where i think it all breaks down, some people are so quick to jump to the supernatural explanation, they bypass all of the completely rational ones.

Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I went to Budd, told him my story and got him to hypnotise me. I bet he would have me talking all sorts of stuff about being on a craft etc

Sleep paralysis doesnt explain everything, but i think it explains most cases. It certainly does for me.... either that, or i was abducted by aliens, then had a real screaming ghost fly out of my leg about two weeks later when i was a kid.... that would be pretty bad luck

 

[CapnG]

To be clear, I'm not invested in the whole "alien doctors" aspect of the phenomenon either but again, to start arguing against it is further debunking by disection (because there are no aliens, because you can't get here from Zeta Riticuli, etc). It's dismissing the wall by removing a brick.

 

[Gareth]

Schuyler, Mack definitely thinks something 'paranormal' happened to his patients. Some interaction with an 'other'.

Hoff: If you want to read an abduction book, the book you cited isnt really the best choice IMO. Try Mack's "Abduction".

 

[Paul Kimball]

Diplomas are nice and all but this notion that it's impossible to become adequately educated in a particular discipline without a piece of paper with a pretty stamp on it is ludicrous. And boderline ad hominem.

That thinking - akin to the levelers of yore - is part of what keeps "ufology" from moving forward. And if it is ad hominem, then it is the kind of ad hominem that "ufology" needs more of if it is ever to be taken seriously.

Let me ask you a question. Without proper training, could I figure out how to be a nuclear physicist, and would you trust me to do the kind of work Stan did? I wouldn't. Asserting that anyone can become a historian without training is the same thing... albeit without the big explosions.

 

[CapnG]

Let me ask you a question. Without proper training, could I figure out how to be a nuclear physicist, and would you trust me to do the kind of work Stan did? I wouldn't. Asserting that anyone can become a historian without training is the same thing... albeit without the big explosions.

Let me reverse the question: HONESTLY, is there anything you learned at college (or university, assuming you went) that you do not think you could have learned on your own?

I think you're grossly underestimating yourself and others. Anyone sufficiently motivated and dedicated can learn anything, fancy-pants diploma or not.

As for the ad hominem aspect, you don't stop the boat from sinking by poking more holes in it to let the water out...

 

[dhatz]

 

[Gen]

I can't explain why, but Budd Hopkins has always struck me as a bit sinister. And I agree that he mucks with people's heads.

But so do psychologists. A lot of their research involves nothing more than throwing crap at the wall and seeing what sticks. That's how they came up with electroshock therapy. Anyone who has ever known a psych major -- or googled "Ewan Cameron" or "MK-Ultra" -- will come away with a healthy distrust of that profession, though there are certainly good ones out there.

Nowadays, it's possible to get just about any academic degree if you're capable of paying for it. And I've taken enough history courses to know that they don't train you in interviewing techniques.

Paul, I really appreciate your level-headed approach, but I am not prepared to dismiss all the accounts of abductions, especially since the phenomenon seems to go back well before the modern era (as described by Jacques Vallee and Graham Hancock). What do you have to say about those pre-modern accounts?

 

[Gen]

Also, most women's thighs are covered with "scoop marks." It's called cellulite.