UFO Mail - No 186 - 2014

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 186
Date: November 11, 2014
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into public fears in America and the phenomenon of alien abductions, contrasting these with the situation in Denmark.

This is What Americans Fear

The main article, "Dette frygter amerikanerne" (This is What Americans Fear) by Kim møller Hansen, reports on a nationwide survey conducted by Chapman University in California. The survey, involving 1,500 participants from diverse backgrounds across the USA, aimed to identify the greatest fears among Americans. These fears were categorized into personal fears, crime, natural disasters, and 'fear factors'.

Key findings from the survey indicate that the most significant fear for Americans is walking alone at night. The study also revealed a correlation between a low level of education, high TV consumption, and increased anxiety. Participants expressed strong fears related to becoming victims of crime, particularly child abduction, gang violence, and sexual assault. Despite a general decline in US crime rates over the past 20 years, respondents often refused to accept this, suggesting that media coverage might be exaggerating the perceived risks.

While a substantial portion of the population (30-40%) expressed concern about natural disasters, preparedness in terms of knowledge, plans, or emergency kits was noted as low. Other personal fears included safety in specific locations (like cities at night), job security, illness, identity theft, pollution, terrorism, murder, mass shootings, and various phobias such as heights, small spaces, blood, and clowns. The article suggests that media, particularly TV and talk shows, contribute to a skewed perception of reality, making people more fearful than warranted. Furthermore, individuals with lower education levels were found to be more fearful of immigration and government affairs.

Other Interesting Conclusions

The issue also presents a list of "Other interesting conclusions" from the survey, covering a range of beliefs and opinions:

• 17.1% believe the Bible's text should be taken literally.
• 19% believe humans evolved from simpler life forms without divine intervention.
• 78.5% do not believe astrologers, palm readers, tarot card readers, or psychics can predict the future.
• 53.6% believe houses or rooms can be haunted by spirits.
• 40.8% believe some UFOs could be spaceships from other worlds.
• 74.8% do not believe Bigfoot is a real creature not yet discovered by science.
• 47% believe Satan is the source of most evil in the world.
• 11.3% have contacted or consulted a medium, fortune teller, or psychic.
• 13.3% live in a house or place they believe is haunted.
• 70.6% do not own a weapon.
• 30.1% believe most American children receive too many vaccinations.
• 44.6% believe the environment should be protected, even at the expense of economic growth.
• 8.8% believe global climate change is not occurring.
• 19.6% fear a major volcanic eruption (like Yellowstone Caldera) within the next 25 years.

The issue includes a photograph of Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, noting the presence of a supervolcano beneath the surface and its connection to geothermal features like Old Faithful.

Danish Poll?

The magazine poses a question about whether a similar Danish or European survey exists and asks readers for information.

Mistrust, Anxiety, and Disappointment: Alien Abductions

This section explores the phenomenon of alien abductions, referencing the 1992 Roper survey of nearly 5,947 American adults. The survey asked five questions designed to identify potential alien abductees. If a respondent answered 'yes' to at least four of these questions, they were considered likely to have been abducted. Out of the surveyed population, 119 individuals (2%) met this criterion. Extrapolating this to the adult American population of 185 million at the time, it suggests that approximately 3.7 million Americans may have been abducted by aliens.

The article then converts these findings to a Danish context, suggesting that if the same percentage applied, around 100,000 Danes might have been abducted. However, Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) has no comparable reports in its archive, indicating that Denmark does not seem to be a focal point for such experiences. The text suggests that the US appears to be a primary location for alien abductions.

Three possible explanations are offered for the high number of abduction claims in the USA:

1. Mistrust: A general lack of trust in authorities in the USA creates fertile ground for conspiracy theories, where people believe governments hide truths, possibly even collaborating with aliens.
2. Anxiety: A pervasive sense of anxiety in American society, amplified by media portrayals of threats like foreign terrorists and criminals, may lead people to also fear alien abductions as another form of violation.
3. Disappointment: Since 1947, the USA has had a significant cultural focus on UFOs and the belief in extraterrestrial visitation. Many enthusiasts have become frustrated by the lack of definitive proof, leading some to turn to alien abductions and related topics in ufology, which are often sensationalized and profitable.

TV Tip!

A section highlights a DR3 television program titled "Langt ude: Konspirationsteorier" (Far Out: Conspiracy Theories), which discusses various conspiracy theories with Danish personalities like Klaus Riskær, Oliver Bjerrehuus, and Mikael Simpson. Topics include world-controlling triangles, the moon landing, 9/11, and reptilian royalty.

Read UFO Reports

Readers are directed to the website www.ufo.dk to read UFO reports and view recent submissions to SUFOI under the 'Observations' section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on the psychological and societal aspects of fear and belief, particularly in relation to UFO phenomena and alien encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting survey data and research findings while also acknowledging the cultural context and potential psychological drivers behind such beliefs. The contrast between American and Danish experiences with reported alien abductions highlights a potential difference in cultural narratives or reporting phenomena. The magazine encourages reader participation by soliciting information on similar surveys and UFO reports, positioning itself as a hub for UFO-related information and discussion within Scandinavia.