Conspiracy Theory Defined A conspiracy theory is an explanation for an event or situation that invokes a conspiracy by sinister and powerful groups, often political in motivation usually the fault of the media for leaving so many holes in the official story if it reported on it at all. First, we define the word "conspiracy" as a secret plot by two or more powerful actors. Conspiracies theories on the other hand typically attempt to take by force of argument a political or economic power, a violation of rights, infringements upon established agreements, the withholding of vital secrets, or the altering of the course of bedrock institutions. This definition goes far beyond simple criminal conspiracies, such as conspiring to rob a gas station or bank. Conspiracies such as the Watergate scandal do happen, but because of the difficulties inherent in executing plans and keeping those in the know quiet, they tend to fail. When conspiracies fail or are exposed they are often overlooked by the corporate media, of course. Once again conspiracy theories are attempts to explain the ultimate causes of significant social and political events and circumstances with claims of secret plots by two or more powerful actors. While often thought of as addressing governments, conspiracy theories could accuse any group perceived as powerful and malevolent. Conspiracy theories about the 9/11 terror attacks accuse the Bush administration, the Saudi Government, corporations, the financial industry, and the Jews. While a conspiracy refers to a true causal chain of events, a conspiracy theory refers to an allegation of conspiracy that may or may not be true. From at least the 17th century to the 1950s, conspiracy theories were a widely accepted way of understanding the world and often the official versions of events. They were articulated by elites and usually targeted external enemies or subversives who were allegedly trying to undermine the state. It was only during the late 1950s and early 1960s to the current day that these theories tended to target the elites and the state itself... |
