Denying Ignorance Doesn't Mean Blind Acceptance of Every Crackpot Theory!

I think the problem comes from the negative term "ignorance" and its predisposition to being used as an insult. Funny how those who use it the most are both the hard-line concrete-for-brains skeptics and the need-to-get-off-the-drugs conspiracy theorists, who will both slander each other as being ignorant at the slightest annoyance.

It's a shame when folks use the site slogan in such a manner. It's a cheap, no-brainer shot and insulting. As soon as I read anyone's post where they say, "...and I thought this site was supposed to be about denying ignorance, not perpetuating it" I immediately lose respect for them.

Maybe if the slogan were a positive one, such as Seek the Truth (sorry that doesn't sound cool), it wouldn't be used in that fashion so freely, but who knows. I guess the point is that with ATS being the melting pot of ideology that it is, folks need to remind themselves to be tolerant of others' viewpoints and to express their opposition in a polite manner. Calling someone ignorant doesn't fit into this category.

If you don't believe in Planet X, skip the thread, or if you feel you must, present your view politely and respectfully. If someone doesn't believe in your reptoid theory, respect them for their viewpoint. It's really not that hard, it's just we get lazy due to the anonymous and consequence-free nature of the Internet. Just remember that you're communicating with a real person, not just a bunch of words and an avatar on a page.

Just my 2 cents.


edit:spelling



[edit on 2005/3/6 by wecomeinpeace]

I think the real issue here is when people use the "deny ignorance" line because they no longer have any other argument. There's been plenty of times that someone has posted a theory on the board, thought out in its own way, only to have someone that is more knowledgable in that area present a counter argument that pretty much shreds the theory. I'm pretty sure this has happened to me. The thing is, when this happens you thank the person for enlightening you and you move on. Thats one less theory you have to fill your mind with unless some more evidence comes up. It allows you to move on and find real conspiracy theories. Instead, a lot of people get so caught up in their theories it becomes a belief structure to them and therefore the other side is not only attacking the theory its a personal attack. Thats when you see the "well I'm just denying ignorance" line used, when thats all that they have left to cling to.

Originally posted by HowardRoark
One instance where the belief in conspiracy theories can be hazardous to your health:

Bolstering years of reports that many black Americans believe AIDS is a plot against them, the most extensive survey of its kind suggests that the men most likely to believe such a conspiracy theory are the least likely to use condoms.

health.ivillage.com...

What is interesting about this, is that it is totally illogical. Even if you believe that AIDS is a plot, you would still want to protect yourself from it anyway.

Exactly. Most of these guys can't even put a sentence together to support or disprove anything and want to set themselves as the official standard of science and truth.

[edit on 6-3-2005 by Asia Minor]

de-bunking is always an option-
therefore 'bring it on' crackpots and all is my philosophy

Is there something about crackpots that could potentially scare millions into acting upon the 'false' information? I guess that would be the danger- another 'War of the Worlds' only - today the TV media can make up false clips- pass them off as real- and YOU would never know it-

The thing about exposing a conspiracy is that it doesn't really bring about the change that you might expect- although transparency can be 'a good thing'

------------
ahhhh the wonderful world of media editing- just buy your favorite DVD editing software and play around with it- or play with your porn and photoshop

i mean that all the basics theroys like, theres once was life on mars,man did'nt walk on the moon,area 51

there all pretty or atleast have some sort of belive but theroys like

apples and bannas killlers?

i mean come on!!!1 dammit

Originally posted by djohnsto77
We read and understand your theories yet some of us reject them! That's not ignorance but a careful review of facts on both sides and making an informed decision on what to believe. I think people are taking the noble goal of this site to deny ignorance and twisting it to attack anyone who doesn't believe in their far-out theories.

This is True Grasshoppa....wise of you to notice!
I am not one to just think "Wow! this MUST be true for I read it on ATS!".............many thoughtfull people do a GOOD job at debunking the impossible/improbable. There are alot of VERY SMART people on this site, but also alot of crackpots. Here, as in life one must sift the wheat from the chaff....with a grain of salt even
Just take deep breaths and follow your OWN heart, wich will always help you to see the truth from the fiction.......

While I can certainly see the validity in debating controversial topics or seeking evidence for unusual theories, I disagree with the way some people take their own opinions as fact. For example, I saw a post several months ago that claimed it is a 'well known fact' that there are 218 alien species visiting our world right now. I have seen other similar posts in which outlandish claims and opinions are presented as fact without any evidence whatsoever. It's not quite breaking the ATS rules about not intentionally lying, but it's really close to it.