Lexi Webster
There are people who genuinely believe that Australia doesn't exist. These people are known as Flat Earthers, and they believe that the Earth is not a sphere but a flat surface. The theory that Australia doesn't exist was popularised by a Swedish Facebook user, Shelley Floryd, who claimed that Australia was a hoax created by Britain as an excuse to kill tens of thousands of prisoners. Floryd's post went viral, sparking a debate about the existence of Australia, with some people even breaking up with their partners over the issue. While the majority of people consider the idea of Australia being a hoax absurd, there are still those who are convinced that Australians are all hired actors and that the country is a fictional construct.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The idea that Australia doesn't exist can be traced back to a 2006 thread on a Flat Earth Society Forum. |
| Proponents | Flat Earth Believers, including a group from Birmingham, England, and a Swedish Facebook user named Shelley Floryd. |
| Beliefs | Australians are hired actors, and the country is a hoax created by the government to conceal the mass murder of convicts. |
| Reactions | Anger, disbelief, and humor from Australians and others who believe Australia is real. |
| Evidence | Maps, landmarks, personal testimonies, and the existence of Australian celebrities and products are cited as proof of Australia's existence. |
| Impact | The theory has gone viral, sparking debates and discussions online and raising questions about mental health and conspiracy theories. |
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What You'll Learn
The Flat Earth theory
It may come as a surprise, but there is a small yet vocal group of individuals who subscribe to the idea that Australia doesn't exist. This bizarre belief is often tied to an even more extraordinary claim: that the Earth is flat. Proponents of the Flat Earth theory argue that the world is not a spherical shape as widely accepted by the scientific community but instead assert that it is flat, often proposing a disc or rectangular shape. This theory has gained some traction in modern times, with a growing number of people identifying as "Flat Earthers."
Those who deny the existence of Australia often do so as a result of their adherence to this Flat Earth ideology. They claim that Australia is a fictitious construct, invented for a variety of reasons. Some suggest it is a ploy to encourage tourism, while others believe it is a way to distract from secret government activities in the Southern Hemisphere. These conspiracy theories are often intertwined with other fringe beliefs and can form complex, interconnected narratives.
Flat Earthers propose a number of arguments to support their theory. One common assertion is that the Earth appears flat to the naked eye, and that the curvature of the Earth has never been directly observed. They often point to the fact that when standing on the ground, one cannot see the curve of the Earth's horizon. Additionally, they may argue that photographs and videos of Earth from space are fabricated or manipulated.
Another line of argument centers around the idea of gravity. Flat Earthers propose alternative explanations for the phenomena usually attributed to gravity, such as objects falling downwards. They may suggest that objects fall due to an unknown force pushing them down or that the Earth is accelerating upwards. These theories often involve complex explanations that contradict widely accepted laws of physics.
It is important to note that the Flat Earth theory contradicts an overwhelming body of scientific evidence. Observations from space, GPS technology, aviation and naval navigation, and a multitude of scientific experiments have all provided robust support for the spherical Earth model. Despite this, the Flat Earth theory persists, with its proponents often dismissing or explaining away contradictory evidence through elaborate conspiracies.
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Australia is a hoax
First of all, let's talk about the so-called "people" of Australia. These are just actors, paid by the government to perpetuate this massive lie. That's right, paid actors. Have you ever met someone who lives in Australia? Have you ever seen a real Australian? Of course not. They are all actors, hired to play a part in this elaborate hoax. And don't even get me started on the kangaroos.
But why would the government go to all this trouble? Well, it's simple. It's a cover-up. A cover-up for the cold-blooded murder of over 100,000 people. You see, Britain needed a place to send their criminals, a remote colony where they could dump their unwanted prisoners. So, they invented Australia, this fake land of opportunity, and sent these people to their deaths. But instead of sending them to a new life, they simply threw them overboard, drowning them before they could see land ever again.
And don't believe for a second that planes can take you there. Pilots are in on it too. They divert flights to nearby islands or even South America, where they've cleared space and hired even more actors to play the part of Australians. It's a massive conspiracy, and it goes all the way to the top.
But don't just take my word for it. Do your own research. Look at maps that can't be found. Question everything. Join me in exposing this hoax and revealing the truth: Australia doesn't exist.
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Australians are hired actors
The idea that Australia doesn't exist has been a topic of discussion and debate for years, with some people firmly believing that the country is a hoax. Among the proponents of this theory are the Flat Earth Believers, a group of people from Birmingham, England, who made their views known through a Facebook post in October 2018. A key component of their belief is that Australians are all hired actors.
The notion that Australians are hired actors is a fascinating aspect of the "Australia doesn't exist" conspiracy theory. Those who hold this belief argue that the people claiming to be Australian are, in fact, secret government agents or crisis actors. These "actors" are employed to perpetuate the illusion of Australia's existence and to enforce false beliefs on the internet. Some even suggest that pilots are involved in the conspiracy, tricking travellers by flying them to nearby islands or other parts of the world and claiming they have arrived in Australia.
The theory that Australians are hired actors gained traction through social media posts, particularly on Facebook and Tumblr, with one Swedish user, Shelley Floryd, gaining over 10,000 followers for her posts about the myth of Australia. Floryd's posts sparked intense reactions, with some Australians responding negatively to her claims. While the original post was eventually taken down, the idea had already spread, with many others continuing to share similar beliefs.
While the majority of people find the theory that Australians are hired actors absurd, it has nonetheless captured the attention and imagination of a small but dedicated group of believers. These individuals argue that Australia was invented as a cover-up for historical crimes, such as the mass murder of prisoners or convicts. They claim that by creating a fictional colony, governments could conceal their actions and control the public through deception.
The impact of this conspiracy theory extends beyond online discussions. Some individuals have shared their personal experiences, revealing that their partners or loved ones hold these beliefs, leading to relationship issues and concerns about mental health. Despite the seemingly humorous nature of the theory, the potential consequences for those directly affected by it are very real.
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Britain used Australia as an excuse to kill prisoners
The idea that Australia doesn't exist was popularised by a Swedish Facebook user, Shelley Floryd, who claimed that Britain invented the country as an excuse to kill tens of thousands of prisoners. This conspiracy theory has been shared over 20,000 times on social media and has sparked a range of reactions, from anger to delight.
According to Floryd, Britain used the pretext of sending prisoners to a remote area to kill 162,000 people. While it is true that Britain transported convicts to Australia, the notion that this was a cover for mass murder is unfounded. The transportation of convicts to Australia occurred during a period of social and economic upheaval in Britain, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, which saw a surge in petty crime due to economic hardship and unemployment. Prisons became overcrowded, and the government sought alternatives, such as sending convicts to British colonies in North America. However, this practice ended with the American War of Independence, leading Britain to explore other options, including Australia.
The first fleet that landed in Botany Bay included not only prisoners but also military personnel, families, tradespeople, and various levels of authority. The prisoners were intended to serve as labourers to build the colony, but they often lacked motivation, leading to project delays and failures due to shoddy workmanship. While some prisoners were punished with lashings and solitary confinement, the notion that the colony was a pretext for mass murder is unsupported by historical evidence.
The treatment of transported convicts was indeed poor, with excessive punishment and harsh conditions during transportation, which led to the deaths of nearly 2,000 convicts from illnesses like cholera. However, the majority of convicts spent little time in prison upon arrival in Western Australia, and only those who misbehaved were punished with stints in the colony's convict prison. The idea that Australia was a "criminal colony" used as an excuse to kill prisoners is a conspiracy theory that lacks historical substantiation.
While it is understandable that some may question the existence of Australia due to its remote location and unique fauna, the idea that it is a hoax perpetuated by actors is unfounded. This conspiracy theory ignores the historical context of the British penal system and the very real experiences of the convicts transported to Australia, many of whom contributed to the development of the colony despite facing harsh conditions and punishment.
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People who believe this may have mental health issues
The idea that Australia doesn't exist has been a topic of discussion and debate for years, with some people firmly believing that the country is a hoax. This belief has been associated with the Flat Earth Theory and has gained traction on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Proponents of this theory have even provided "proof" to support their claims.
While it may seem absurd to deny the existence of a country inhabited by millions of people, some individuals genuinely hold this belief. It is important to recognize that such extreme denial of reality could be indicative of underlying mental health issues.
Firstly, it is worth noting that conspiracy theories can attract individuals with mental health concerns. Conspiracy theories often provide a sense of belonging and community, which may be appealing to those struggling with mental health issues. Additionally, these theories can offer a sense of control and understanding over a complex world, which might be comforting to those experiencing mental distress.
Secondly, the belief that Australia doesn't exist could be a manifestation of a more pervasive condition, such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Schizophrenia is characterized by distorted thinking, hallucinations, and delusions, which could lead an individual to deny the existence of a country, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. It is also possible that individuals espousing such beliefs have experienced a traumatic event, triggering the onset of mental health issues.
Finally, the denial of Australia's existence could be a form of cognitive distortion, where an individual selectively interprets information to fit their preconceived notions. This type of thinking is often seen in conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or anxiety disorders, where individuals may fixate on certain ideas or beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence.
It is important to recognize that mental health issues can manifest in various ways, and extreme beliefs such as the non-existence of Australia could be a symptom of a deeper problem. If an individual is unable to accept reality and exhibits other concerning behaviors, it may be advisable for them to seek professional help.
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Frequently asked questions
Some people believe that Australia doesn't exist because they think it is a hoax created by the British as an excuse to kill prisoners. Others believe that Australians are all hired actors and that the country is run by "real secret government agents".
In 2006, the Flat Earth Association claimed that Australia was a "fantasy land". In 2018, a Facebook post by a group of Flat Earth Believers from Birmingham, England, went viral as they shared their belief that Australia and Australians were not real.
There is proof of Australia's existence in the form of people who live there, landmarks like Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, and Australian celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth and Isaac Butterfield. Additionally, people can fly to Australia and see it on maps and Google Maps.
Some people may be genuinely convinced by the arguments presented by Flat Earth Believers or other conspiracy theorists. Others may be seeking attention or trying to start a trend on social media.
Australians have generally reacted with disbelief and humor to the claim that their country doesn't exist. Some have invited non-believers to visit Australia and experience it for themselves. Others have suggested that those who don't believe in Australia may have mental health issues or low cognitive function.
