The term "conspiracy theory" has evolved over the last few years into a tool to criticize people who think too far outside the box. It plays on the dynamics of

The term "conspiracy theory" has evolved over the last few years into a tool to criticize people who think too far outside the box. It plays on the dynamics of social group theory, and is being used by the left to ostracize any person who brings up topics they don't want to discuss. It's also an easy unconscious fallback when cognitive dissonance kicks in. Keep in mind Christopher Columbus was labeled the equivalent of a conspiracy theorist when he stated the Earth was actually round.