A Few Thoughts on ‘Conspiracy Theories’

It’s very obvious that they have done no research (and thus are happy to let others do their thinking for them) because all you have to do is ask, as I did with my friend, “What is your evidence that these claims are untrue?”  On the other hand If a person has actually done their own research and has the capacity to think critically, they have no need to use such a lame label for the screamingly obvious reason that all they have to do is say “I think your theory or evidence is inaccurate here and here and here and here and this is why. Here is my evidence.”  (And, by the way ‘because Bill Gates says so’ does not qualify as evidence.)

Third, the label suggests a type of emotionally blunted response to the world. If something can be labeled a ‘conspiracy theory’ there is no need to acknowledge or attend to the suffering the label covers up. Thereby, one is absolved of moral responsibility. So, for example, the children who have sustained severe and irreparable harm from vaccines should just shut up because ‘vaccines are safe and effective’ and to think otherwise is a ‘conspiracy theory’. 

Newsflash: no ‘conspiracy theory’ is necessary to explain much of what we see happening in the world today. All that is required is curiosity, a willingness to question, a moderate amount of intelligence, a basic knowledge of how systems work and power dynamics operate and an ability to connect the dots.

In short, if someone comes at you with the ‘conspiracy theory’ nonsense, do not fall for it, do not get hooked by their lazy labeling: demand their evidence, demand that they think for themselves. And don’t be surprised if they hang up the phone on you.