Unexplained Mysteries

In review: They know us better...

November 8, 2007 |  0 comments
Image Credit: This month our review is on Bridget Brown's new book entitled "They Know us Better Than We Know Ourselves: The history and politics of alien abduction." This book takes a very different approach to the phenomenon of alien abduction than the existing well known titles in the field, the author never once claims that people are being physically abducted by aliens and experimented on. Instead, Brown provides a detailed view on alien abduction, what it means and how abduction experiences are a product of our changing understanding of ourselves and various psychological, social, political and environmental factors. If you are looking for a book providing a case in favour of alien visitation then this is not it.

Brown covers just about every part of the alien abduction phenomenon, recounting examples from famous cases such as the Betty and Barney Hill case and also her own interviews with abductees. Hypnosis is covered, as are the ways in which alien abduction experts use hypnotic regression to help abductees recall the details of their encounters, but how accurate are these 'memories' ? Brown also delves in to the detailed accounts of abductees being experimented on, again looking in to how such experiences can be explained through various psychological factors, memories for instance of domestic abuse in one's youth being represented in later life as an abduction experience. The so called alien 'breeding programme' is also examined, experiences in which alien 'hybrids' are presented to abductees during an experience and how parental factors come in to play in relation to these experiences.Later in the book Brown covers the concepts of aliens delivering messages of peace to abductees or warning them about the state of the Earth. She also covers conspiracy theories, and how many believe the government to be covering up knowledge of aliens, abductions and in some cases even assisting the aliens in their plans. Stories of government involvement in such activities are detailed and what can factor in to such beliefs. Stories from individuals claiming to have been abducted and taken to government research facilities such as Dulce are also featured.

Brown emphasises the way in which alien abduction has been represented in modern culture, in particular on TV and in the media with shows such as The X Files. Her views are compelling, convincing and put forward in a respectful way without bashing or ridiculing anyone who claims to have experienced an abduction. That being said, all but the most hardened believers are going to find themselves questionning the validity of abduction reports after reading this book.

"They Know Us Better Than They Know Ourselves" is a book which provides a non extraterrestrial explanation for the alien abduction phenomenon and in that it succeeds. If you are looking for evidence of alien visitation or validation of extraterrestrial intelligence then this book isn't for you, but if you are looking for an open-minded and refreshing approach to the phenomenon then this is certainly a recommended read. Comments (0)

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