I don’t think anyone “falls” for them except the MSM.
And the reason is easy: they have an agenda and these stories fit the agenda. It’s the same reason they ignore Polar Bear hunting, NASA findings that disprove man made global warming, the booming economy, and anything good Israel does or bad that the Arabs do.
They “fall” for it because they want them to be true.
There is also a fear of being seen as racist, or oppressive - casting doubt on the sufferings of someone. Lots of people doubted Jussie Smollett, but did not dare say so, until his story fell apart.
They fabricate them as excuses for underperformance, then push them to ensure victimhood status.
As this country fills with foreigners, the indifference - or outright hatred - is palpable (both ways).
Having lived within a 10 mile radius of Harvard Square (the "belly of the beast") for my entire life (except time in the Armed Forces) I can guarantee you that there are people outside of the MSM who truly believe things like that.And more than a few of them can be considered to be quite well educated.
Bush's National Guard records? Of course the document that Dan Blather released was...well,"inaccurate"...but they're *convinced* that he was AWOL the entire time.
Ditto Jessie Smolette.
Etc,etc...