Death Knell–How the CIA infected Conspiracy Theory with Paranoia - a podcast by Nav. C with Co-Host Nav.M

For decades, conspiracy theories (CTs) have featured prominently in the social climate of the United States, providing insightful solutions to complex questions; But despite their prevalence in the media, they continue to be shrouded by a veil of misrepresentation. Vast swathes of people have misinterpreted the sheer volume of CTs in circulation as evidence, pointing to a phenomenon known as the “age of conspiracism.” Consequently, people who propose or believe in CTs are stereotyped as members of a fringe minority, characterized by irrationality and extreme paranoia. These misguided assumptions convey a skewed image to the general population, regarding the nature and function of CTs. Hence, if supporters of CTs are linked to chaotic and delusional thinking; Why then, do so many people believe in them?
The main focus for today’s episode will be highlighting the role of power in the creation of a denigrating label to cast CT’s in a negative light. The underlying concept behind this thinking is that, those holding power have clear motives to marginalize or even silence anyone who challenges the pillars of authority. This is especially pertinent where official interpretations of policy agenda are questioned, such as the rationale of unjust wars. Hence, proponents of CT’s that reject the official version of major events, are in direct competition with powerful groups to control the authority and flow of knowledge.
We show how influential authors, along with the CIA played a critical role in developing and propagating the conspiracy theory meme, by manipulating the semantics of the word “conspiracy” This was achieved by imbuing it with pathological deviancy using words such as “paranoid.” Consequently, the term conspiracy theory becomes a pejorative (or negative label) which serves to negate and shut down any form of critical thinking or open discussion.By labeling anyone that rejects the official accounts of major events as “Conspiracy Theorists”, they are marginalized to the periphery of social and political discourse and branded as the negative “other.”
We begin with a theoretical foundation of how the “Conspiracy Theory Model” was constructed and developed and provide a working definition of CTs by asking; Who are conspiracy theorists? We provide a historical perspective of CTs, whilst challenging the prevailing view among media sources that conspiracy beliefs are “on the rise” in the digital era. We examine the two forms of academic debate which help explain; Why people are drawn to CTs and the pervasive nature of their appeal.
Finally, we focus on the evolution of the negative CT label, by asking two key questions; How did CTs develop such powerful negative connotations? and What influence did powerful people and institutions play in their development? Finally we reveal the ultimate irony, which is that, CTs (as a hegemonic construction) encapsulate the viewpoints of the powerful by suppressing the ideas of the powerless.

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