It seems like you see phrases like this all over the internet: "I don't mean to sound like a crazy conspiracy theorist, but..." "Sorry to put on my tinfoil hat for a second, but...."
And so on. Not to mention the absurd levels of vitriol, personal attacks, and name calling that invariably pops up in actual conspiracy forums, and the widespread ridicule of "conspiritards" on reddit and elsewhere.
Of course there are some conspiracy theories that are less believable than others, but my main question is: what exactly is so abhorred about conspiracy theorists? Why is it an insult to call someone a conspiracy theorist? Is it not common sense that people can act in concert for illicit means, i.e., in conspiracy? Has it not been proven over and over again that conspiracies do occur?
Are anti-conspiracy theorists acting out of fear for the status quo, or is there something legitimately despicable about these people?
I might also suggest that professional shills have something to do with the ridiculous levels of hate that show up in conspiracy communities, and I will also mention that the term "conspiracy theorist" was weaponized by the CIA in the wake of the JFK assassination to discredit individuals who criticized, or doubted the official narrative.
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[–] 2039627? 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago
There are different levels of conspiracy theory. Many people have doubts about the official version of JFK or 9/11, but very few doubt that the earth is round, or that NASA went to the moon.
In-between you have people who believe that we're being visited by aliens or that God has done something, e.g. God opened a parking space for them, or is punishing people with a tornado.
When someone is acting sheepish about expressing their openness to a conspiracy theory, it's because they know that it's not mainstream and it's just a way of saying "I know this isn't the official viewpoint, but..." It's a way of pre-emptively deflecting the immediate criticism that their view is considered a conspiracy theory. If someone came straight out and said JFK was killed by the Mafia (or Johnson, or whoever) without that caveat, would it be any better?