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 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Yes they are, they're just not one the general public has to put up with. They're still in denial, though.
I am generally not "for" anyone believing anything that's patently absurd, but if they're not holding the poop on the end of their stick under my nose, I won't generally go out of my way to complain about the smell.
You have to understand that when conspiracy theorists come up in conversation its the visible, annoying ones that are getting referred to, but the parlance is the same. Its like kleenex. Not every tissue is a kleenex, but every kleenex is a tissue, and people will still use kleenex to refer to all tissues.