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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[–] Beers 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I think you guys are talking about extreme stereotypes. You might want to define how you decide someone belongs in the "conspiracy theorist" category.
[–] Sith-Jin 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I have always been a fan of conspiracy theories, but have always taken them with a grain of salt. I have seen the community kind of grow battier these last few years though, with nearly everything becoming a conspiracy. Not to mention there's been this really strong current of anti-semitism that has been coming up as well. I don't think every conspiracy theorist is this way, but the loudest members of a group often come to represent that group. To me at least, it seems like those loudest members have been even further out in left field than it used to be and are the ones willing to put the time forward to speak out, however thier ideas are just fantasy and when confronted with fact they ignore it. See, there is two types of conspiracy theorist, the ones who can be critical of their own beliefs, then the second type which is what most people think of when you say "conspiracy theorist" and they can be called "true believers", they will be right no matter what in thier own mind. Most people have really only interacted with the ladder and it's an unpleasant experience, up there with SJW's and WBC.
[–] Pawn ago
Unfortunately the extreme stereotypes are the most vocal.