One question that may not ever be successfully answered is "Do ghosts exist?" Often called urban legends, ghosts and other paranormal beings have managed to captivate nearly all of humanity for hundreds (if not thousands) of years. These "urban legends" have captivated people to such an extent that they have spread extensively throughout society and media. Every year major studio and independent movies, books, TV shows (reality and fictional), magazines, and music (to name a few things) examine the concept of spirits. In addition to that, amusement parks, stores, restaurants, and even a holiday immortalize our spectral fascination. This could be a result of the intense interest humans have with what may happen to our souls following our death, but it could also deal with the great divide that exists on the subject of ghosts.
According to a Harris poll, 42 percent of Americans believe in ghosts. That's nearly half the population. In the UK, the same poll came back at 52 percent. Now these statistics do not seem all that ridiculous but it makes one question why that many people believe in ghosts. According to a Pew Research poll, only 18 percent of Americans claim that they have encountered ghost first hand. Does that mean that 24 percent of Americans believe in ghosts just because? Ignoring problems that may arise combining results from two unrelated polls, we run into an interesting situation and the primary reason why we will never answer the question "Do ghosts exist?" The reason is that people often get a belief in their head and will then view the results of an experiment or study to fit that belief.
A very popular paranormal TV show is "Ghost Adventures," which follows three men as they lock themselves into supposedly haunted places for the night and record their results. Naturally, all three of the men on the show claim to believe in ghosts and the way they respond to what they find supports that (or shows their desire to keep getting paid). Often on the show, a creak, bump, or other ambient noise is heard. Whenever this happens, you can bet that that noise will be replayed with increased volume and the men will discuss it and hypothesize what it may be. "Those were footsteps," "Someone or something just opened a door," and "That sounded like someone saying 'Get out'" are common responses from the men. But what else do you expect from someone who believes in ghosts? If a skeptic heard it, it would be likely that they would say "That's just old wood bending," "A car probably just drove by," or "I think that came from the camera." Both groups would assume that it was something to support their beliefs when neither of them have any proof of what it was.
Stubbornness can cause a lot of problems, maybe not in ghost hunting, but in politics and life. One who is unwilling to think outside the box or humor another idea will end up stagnant. This may be a common statement made today but it is rarely listened to. Ironically, the worst offenders are often the ones who make it in the first place.
