Eric Netterlund
WRTG 1150
December 9, 2011
Cultural Analysis Research Paper
Denver International Airport Conspiracy Conspiracy theories are profoundly inconclusive: They desire an absolute truth while questioning its very possibility; they strive to seek an ultimate conclusion while making sense of meaning; they doubt others’ credibility in search for unmanipulated knowledge. The American consciousness has found itself trapped within the grip of conspiratorial thinking. With each passing year, hundreds of conspiracy theories arise representing a new categorizing of truth and certainty where the explication of both expert authority and seditious discussion create phenomena. A particular conspiracy theory that has sparked the interest of the public surrounds the Denver International Airport. This airport has been the subject of various conspiracy theories since it’s opening in 1995. Investigators have questioned numerous airport officials in hopes of acquiring valid information regarding the myriad of mysteries within the airport itself. However, the officials have been reported to be distinctly elusive and secretive, which has further fuelled the conspiratorial fires. Denver International Airport’s runway design, dedication stone referencing the “New World Order”, mysterious murals, and unexplained underground base have been called to question therefore creating a widespread interest and the formation of conspiracy theories. These reported anomalies have led many to the conclusion that this particular structure will eventually become much more than just a commercial airport. Stapleton International Airport was Denver, Colorado’s primary airport from 1929 to 1995. Amongst three days of celebration and festivities, it opened on October 17, 1929 as Denver Municipal Airport. Due to a 1944 expansion, its name was officially changed to Stapleton International Airport after Benjamin F. Stapleton, the city’s mayor from 1923 to 1947. Ira Boyd
Cited: Boyer, Paul S. "The Strange World of Conspiracy Theories." The Christian Century 1 (2004): 32-35. Print. Gettelmen, Elizabeth. "Conspiracy Watch: America 's Evilest Airport." Mother Jones 34.6 (2009): Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Nov. 2011. Haynes, Wendy, and Andrew Whipple. "Transportation Megaprojects: Comparing Project Management and Oversight Approaches." Public Manager 38.2 (2009): 72-77. Print. Pinklemen, Janet. "DIA Conspiracy Theory." Denver Colorado Insights, News, Reviews & Specials - Denver Colorado. DenverColorado.org, 30 May 2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://denvercolorado.org/history-places-of-interest/dia- conspiracy-theory/>. Slaughter, Anne-Marie. "The New World Order." Foreign Affairs. 5th ed. Vol. 76. New York: Council on Foreign Relations, 2008. 183-97. Print. "Denver International Airport Facts." Metro Denver. Economic Development Corporation, Oct. 2011. Web. 12 Nov. 2011. <http://www.metrodenver.org/files/documents/transportation-infrastructure/air/Air_DEN_Facts.pdf>. Sunstein, Cass R., and Adrian L. Vermeule. Conspiracy Theories. Public Law & Legal Theory Research Paper Series. 15 Jan. 2008. Web. 12 Nov. 2011. Tannenbaum, Barabra. "Art/Architecture; Where Miles of Murals Preach a People 's Gospel." New York Times 26 May 2002: 29. Print. Szyliowicz, Joseph S., and Andrew R. Goetz. "Getting realistic about megaproject planning: The case of the new Denver International Airport." Policy Sciences 28 (1995): 347-365. Print.