I know people use "conspiracy theorist" as a synonym for gullible, crazy, etc. So I thought I'd ask this question so people might see that digging for truth involves skepticism, not just agreeing with whatever theory gets thrown at you.
So what conspiracy theory, famous or otherwise, do you think is complete bunk?
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pray_the_gay_away ago
Personally, I don't really buy the vaccine conspiracies. Any chemical or virus they can put in there could easily be administered through other means. Plus, must adults don't get vaccines anymore so it's not like that's an effective way to target people. The rise in Autism is directly correlated with the rise in obesity, and numerous studies show a link between obese mothers and autistic children.
Ruston ago
Perfect. we have a basis for conversation.
annual flu shots?
you are definitely on the right track, but the hard core VACCINES CAWS AUTISM nuts will throw that back at you and say that flu shots are the work of the devil too. be prepared for that argument from future nut jobs.
it is even better correlated with better diagnosis on the autism spectrum. the same percentage of kids are receiving special needs help in public schools now as compared with the 1960's. the difference is now that many of the kids that are in those classes have an official diagnosis whereas in past generations they did not have an official diagnosis. THAT is the key to the "increase" in autism. it is mainly an increase in diagnosis.
just as people pretty much no longer die from "consumption" or other mystery illnesses. these days we have better resources to diagnose (and treat) disorders of all types.
Monsantos_Schlong ago
I'm iffy about the vaccine theories, not just autism causing ones. I had a friend who had me research some vaccines she was going to get and I found out Monsanto makes a vaccine for ovarian cancer I think needless to say she decided not to get it
Konran ago
This is the point. Not all vaccines are dangerous. Some might be - I reckon anything made by Monsanto and their subsidiaries probably are. However, we don't know, and can't seem to establish any truth.
I think the bi-partisan arguments of the anti-vaxxers and the pro-vaxxers make it very difficult to discuss the many valid concerns of people in anything approaching a rational manner.
In some cases conspiracy theories can make finding the truth even harder.