Reply #8: Why I post in this forum [View All]

[salvorhardin]

Because I find conspiracism harmful.

Conspiracism denotes a worldview defined by the belief that the primary force moving history is that of the secret machinations of improbably powerful organizations, religions or ethnic groups. It places the legal doctrine of "Cui bono?" on a tall pedestal as the preferred method of analysis over all others. It is a narrative form of scapegoating, where what its' adherents believe, or the factual accuracy of those beliefs, are not nearly so important as how they believe. Conspiracism at its' best diverts attention from systemic, structural and institutional realities that harm people every day and prevent the dream of true democracy from being achieved. Conspiracism at its' worst serves as a promotional vehicle for the most egregious racial or ethnic hatred and antisemitism, flowing from the extreme right. In short, conspiracism is illiberal and regressive.

Some reading...
The Paranoid Style In American Politics, Richard Hofstadter
http://www.neuralgourmet.com/theparanoidstyle

Conspiracism As A Flawed Worldview, Chip Berlet
http://www.publiceye.org/conspire/conspiracism.html

Right Woos Left, Chip Berlet
http://www.publiceye.org/rightwoo/rwooz9_TOC.html

Conspriacy Theories and Far-Right Disinformation, Dr. Laniac's Laboratory
http://drlaniac.com/articles/view.asp?file=ConspiracyDisinfo.htm

Continuing investigations into far-right disinformation, Dr. Laniac's Laboratory
http://www.drlaniac.com/Articles/View.asp?file=moreondisinfo.htm

That's what they want you to believe, The Economist
http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=1489200

A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic Visions in Contemporary America, Michael Barkun
http://www.amazon.com/A-Culture-Conspiracy/dp/0520248120