Why is there a stigma for being a conspiracy theorist?

Seriously, I won't be talking for ATS itself but on my behalf I feel like I am definitely a member on this website to figure out what's going on the world and searching for the truth. Most of the crazy things that happen throughout history, time, and place that appear as "surprises" have mostly been predicted by many of us. Can anyone shed some insight why so many people are against conspiracies or conspiracy theorists?

For example, I've been in so many arguments with other people about 9/11 claiming that it was NOT an inside job and that actual terrorists were behind the attack. I mean come on, the reports emerging everyday regarding 9/11 is more than enough to convince us that the government had some foreknowledge. It's not really rocket science to figure this out is?

I would like to hear everyone's thoughts on this.

People are afraid of the truth. Life is nice and easy when you don't know whats going on.

Through out media and society conspiracy theories are labeled as ideas of crazy people so when things like 9/11 do happen and ppl say wait a minute this doesn't add up, tptb can say oh thats just a conspiracy theory and then no one will listen. I think its that simple.

Did you try to talk to them during American Idol? That is a huge NO-NO which can get the sheeple upset with you.
On a more serious note, they have to stigmatize us. If they did not, our views would become more acceptable to the sheeple which would cause major issues for TPTB.

Why is there a stigma for being a conspiracy theorist?

I feel ya on that one... I actually did a rant thread in line with that...

AboveTopSecret.com...

Boom.

It only takes one conspiracy to open Pandora's box and tear down the veil of how wonderful our society is.

If you have noticed. Most films with a conspiracy theorist in them portray the conspiracy theorist as crazy. Lives in a trailer, takes drugs, schizophrenic etc etc. Its the same with anyone who rarely gets to talk about a conspiracy theory on main stream media. They get ridiculed.

Its a conditioning of the population to be scared of anything that is unusual or doesn't sound right. People have been conditioned to think like this because it helps keep the idea of something like 9/11 being an inside job as preposterous and disables the ability of a nation to stand together over an issue and fight for the truth.

Segregation is a word that springs to mind.

reply to post by Leemo


The gov. had sufficient foreknowledge on the current threat but chose to do "nothing" as the upside was war in Iraq and later Afghanistan. It was in a way a long-term strategem concieved by Cheney and Rumsfeldt in co-op with Cato Institute , Brookings Institution, Center for Security Policy and RAND Corporation. The entire affair, especially the al-qaida thread, is in a nice way presented here by one of the best intel experts Richard Miniter (look him up on Google video).

It was in the end all about money (for the industry) and power (for the politicians). It always is buddy.

John

reply to post by Leemo


Perhaps your use of the word "argument" is a minor reveal. I've noticed outspoken (loud, yelling) types in the workplace and in social settings are often loud and seen arguing with others about the same set of subjects repeatedly. People pigeon-hole and stereotype themselves by their actions and the company they keep.

Stimulating conversation is always welcome. Spirited debate may be among the finest things in life, passionately exchanging viewpoints in an effort to inform and educate others makes one feel alive. Maybe I'm splitting hairs over a single word. It's just that it makes me recall others I have seen over the years. A few had some important things to say but they said them so loudly and so often that it was easily seen they repulsed and repelled others instead of engaging and enlightening them.

Thus, a self-induced stigma. I've typed it before, I'll type it again: "You can lead a horse to drink, but you can't make him water". And you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar. My point being, walking softly and gently placing little seeds in others ears can be very beneficial. Often people need to be lead, to think and discover for themselves. Some miss the point, some don't give a hoot. And some others will engage you in further conversation the next times they see you.

People go through an awful lot of social control/conditioning courtesy of the society TPTB have carefully engineered and refined. In turn, helping someone else to be a life-long convert and member of the Eyes Wide Open & Aware Club, 'handle with care' may be more effective than argument.

IMHO it's down to a few things and problems with 'both sides'.

First up there is the 'blind belief' in something. Some CT's believe in something with little or no evidence. Where as any logical thinking person would prefer some sort of proof that actually makes sense.

Next there is the possibility that the CT may actually be close to the truth, so the theory they put forward ends up getting ridiculed to deflect attention away from it.

Next you get the CT's who label people 'Sheeple', see above. How would anyone feel about being labelled as part sheep? Would you listen to someone who speaks negative of you?

Another possibility, and borrowing your 911 example, is nationalism/patriotism. The thought that their own government would deliberately do such a thing is a little hard to comprehend to some. Actually this would also apply to non-nationalists/non-patriots also.

Then there is the problem of how the theory is put forward. I have read some CTs that just go on and on and on. They swamp the reader with so much detail/information/data that it gets overwhelming to read/listen to.

Atleast that's how I see some of it, that's some of my opinion.

st.

Regardless if our assumptions and conclusions are delusions or if they are justified, they directly attack the credibility and power of the State.

Subversion is something governments all over the world don't tolerate.The action of the State may be drastic as incarcerations in a mental asylum, but such blatant action is usually not necessary. Usually it is enough to keep the subversive “truth” from spreading. The words “conspiracy” or “conspiracy theorist” are used in a derogatory manner. They work as thoughtstoppers.



The uninformed listener reacts emotionally and dismisses the idea out of hand. He is prevented from weighting the arguments presented on its own merit. He sees no need to investigate the case for himself. But the most important part is, the listener accepts patronizing behaviour against those formulating subversive ideas as the social norm. He copies this behaviour and often repeats even the arguments verbatim. They have become conditioned.

People in authority themselves often create and spread conspiracy theories with the intent to smear opponents.

Here are some examples:

Gaddafi gives Viagra to his soldiers, because he wants them to rape his population
OBL lived in a hollowed out mountain fortress
Saddam has mobile weapons trucks in which he produces biological weapons
Iran is only xx months from an atomic bomb

Authoritative figures don't have to present much evidence to bolster these wild claims. They can count on the fact, that an appeal to authority may be based on fallacious logic, but it nonetheless works.


I highly recommend the following links:

A recent article written by Paul Craig Roberts called 9/11 and the Orwellian Redefinition of “Conspiracy Theory”
globalresearch.ca...

Episode 50 of the Corbett Report. This episode deals with how the word conspiracy is used to suppress information:
www.corbettreport.com...

Recently Laurie Manwell has done some good work on the psychological implications of 9/11
www.youtube.com...

Firstly this is a label I am proud of. The fight of truth and justice is one of eternal vigilance and is a part of our long history. Without the strength of character for people to stand up for what they know is right, we would still be clubbing each other over the heads like cave men living on a flat earth.

The topic of UFO's and aliens is one that goes back 1000's of years, most likely even longer. There are bits and pieces all over the place, some good, some bad and some strange. As for the actual situation it is difficult to say with many unknowns, secrets and misdirections. But it does hit you like a sledgehammer that something is going on. With time and research a picture does start to build, but it is a very difficult subject to study with the question of integrity constantly around.

As for 9/11, look at the reason that always comes up when someone starts to get close - National Security. What would happen if CNN reported that George Bush was just arrested for treason? It would not stop there, 100's in not 1000's of arrests would be made throughout the powerful sectors of government, military and wall street. Admittedly, it would be the best thing for the nation to cut out this cancer but like all operations it is risky and messy. Internationally the USA would be a basket case while the revolution sweeps out the garbage, compensation would have to be made to Afghanistan and Iraq. It would most likely also sort out a lot of the economic problems going on as well.

So the reason about National Security is a lie in the big picture, it is about the National Status Quo. The USA is becoming more and more insecure everyday with the economy, TSA, technology, GMO, civil rights and the standard of living based more and more on BS. Those who seek the truth are treated more like terrorists as all this upside down, double speak lies just make most people apathetic and switch on American Idol. I did not want to believe 9/11 was an inside job when I first heard about it, but after reviewing how WTC7 fell it is the only answer that fits. It hurts, makes you scared and leaves you with no one to trust, perhaps stigmata is a better word than stigma?

reply to post by Leemo


Basically, it is human nature. Anything that suggests answers or a world outside of what you have been told and believe about the sanctity of the tribe is forbidden. To speak or even think otherwise is blasphemous and a threat to the tribe.

The current thread of "witches" being burned alive in Africa at this time is the exact same phenomena at play.