On the fringes of scientific research on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) are a range of topics. One of these is the subjects of "the black eyed children."
A friend recently lent me a book devoted to the subject. It is "The Black Eyed Children" by David Weatherly, published in 2012 by Leprechaun Press. Arizona. ISBN 978-1-4675-1993-9.
The author:
David Weatherley is an individual who has had a long term interest in the paranormal, UAP, and other Fortean topics. He writes that "I'd heard stories about the black eyed children from time to time in the late 1990's and into the early 2000's." (p.15.)
What are the stories?
They recount encounters with unfamiliar children who appear at the front door of your home, or at the window of your car. The children ask such questions as "Can we come in?" or "Will you take us for a ride?"
Their outstanding features are that both the whites and the irises of their eyes are black in colour.
"The children appear to believe that they can will people into following their directions as long as they keep repeating the request." (p.14.)
Their whole appearance, clothing and behaviour is odd. Sometimes they seem to move around or vanish in situations which seem impossible. Their behaviour unsettles people who encounter them.
Accounts:
Weatherley presents a number of first hand interviews with individuals who have encountered these children. He quickly found that today, the Internet is full of such stories, many posted anonymously. He set out to locate individuals he could personally interview.
Possible explanations:
Weatherley explores hoaxes;urban legends; possible medical causes for such totally black eyes. He then looks at the subject of alien hybrids as discussed in UAP literature; demonic possession; tricksters and tulpas.
Data:
Specific data points that Weatherley found from his interviews included "I have found an unusual number of them happen to people in some type of service-oriented role. Nurses, firefighters, government employees and members of the military account for a good percentage of BEK encounters." (p.59.)
"One of the most common aftereffects reported by those who encounter the black eyed children is the disruption of their sleeping habits and unusual and troubling dreams." (p.141.)
"Without a doubt, the most fascinating aspect of tales involving the black eyed children is the potential that they are omens of misfortune, accidents and even death." (p.161.)
The UAP connection:
"Its obvious to anyone looking at artistic depictions of the black eyed kids that they bear a stroking resemblance to another denizen of the paranormal world, the so called gray aliens." (p.71.)
Weatherley neatly capsulates the literature on the "grays" and provided input by way of interviews with a number of abductees, and also provides an overview of the classic "Men in Black."
Comparisions:
"While the accounts are unusual, the children share traits with a number of other supernatural beings from around the world...From the evil eye of the Jettatone of Italy, to tales of black eyed angels in the Middle East. From energy draining succubi to Europe's tales of changelings. Many of these creatures have reached mythic proportions and they all may help us solve the puzzle of the black eyed children." (p.175.)
Weatherley's views:
"After conducting countless interviews with people who have had direct experience with these weirs children, I'm convinced that they are real.
But, are there hoaxes involving people with black eyes? Most certainly...Are the black eyed children merely an urban legend? No. There are simply too many direct encounters with the kids to fit the mould of urban myth." (p.42.)
"Perhaps the classic image of the MIB became too tame for some situations and a higher force created the black eyed children in order to grab the attention of a jaded, overwhelmed public that is tired of old stereotypes." (p.91.)
Final thoughts:
Chapter 26 presents Weatherley's final thoughts on the subject.
"The black eyed children are now solidly rooted in the realm of the paranormal. Reports will continue to come in and people will continue to encounter these odd children (p.223.)
Waverley's final piece of advice is:
"If at the end of a long day, just as you are getting comfortable, you hear a gentle rap on the door, it may be safer to simply not answer." (p.224.)
