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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[–] HowAboutShutUp 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago (edited ago)
Because most of them come off as the kind of people who spray vinegar at "chemtrails." I mean really, if conspiracy theorists could manage to stop seeming like the sort who'd manage to cut their own heads off if you asked them to apply Occam's and Hanlon's razors, it might be a bit easier to take them seriously.
And then when you act skeptical instead of trying to make a more well-reasoned argument their tactic is to SAY IT AGAIN LOUDER AS THOUGH YOU DIDN'T HEAR THEM THE FIRST TIME, and when you ask them for facts and sources, they offer you something made by somebody at least as irrational sounding as they do, if not more so. Also, they never, ever, ever shut the fuck up about it even if you're trying to do/talk about something else.
Like seriously, if you sincerely believe you see a problem, figure out a way to present it compellingly to the average person, then maybe people will stop assuming you're a retarded maniac. Nobody wants to hang out with a retarded maniac.