Let's stop calling it Indoctrination Theory.

tl;dr There are two kinds of Indoctrination Theory, but the one most people believe in is just an explanation of the facts, not a conspiracy theory, or denial of reality. Almost no one is arguing that Bioware intended this. I recommend we start calling it Indoctrination Interpretation.

--- If you disagree, read on. If you agree, no need to read anything else.

For those who believe it, and those who don't, I think some clarification is needed. We can't Hold the Line if we don't even understand each others views (and don't have a similar goal).

Indoctrination theory.

I'm tired of the name, because I'm tired of the backlash. The catalyst was that Community video that front-paged on this subreddit, and portrayed ID theorists as crazies.

From the minute I read up about Indoctrination Theory, I felt pretty sure it wasn't something Bioware intended. The main problem, despite how much sense it makes in context of the story, is that it would alienate the millions of gamers EA hoped to appeal to with Chobot-o-tron, Jersey Shore, and Caked Up Ashley. Even if the writers wanted to pull something like this off, they'd have to get passed their bosses, their bosses' bosses, and... their bosses' bosses' bosses.

So let's be clear, there are two kinds of "indoctrination theorists", and they got muddled together because language is inaccurate. The controversial kind are the ones who believe the theory fits so well that it can't be fake. It's understandable that they'd get some criticism. The idea that Zeus shoots lightning bolts also aptly explains thunderstorms, and was fully in accord with religion of ancient Greece.

We no longer think it's likely that Zeus is the cause of thunderstorms.

I like to call these people Player Indoctrination Theorists. In their view, the ending of Mass Effect 3 is Bioware's attempt to make the player understand what it would be like to be indoctrinated. Since the player willingly chooses to Control or Merge with the Reapers, and this is painted as a neutral or Paragon choice, Bioware is tricking you (subtly). You've fallen for the Reapers trap, and your Shepard will possibly be screwed in an upcoming ending DLC.

Not many Indoctrination Theorists are Player Indoctrination Theorists. Even the people who helped push forward this idea were not really convinced by it. A good example is this thread, which is probably the biggest thread about ID theory on the Bioware forums. As you can see, even though Byne is convinced with the plausibility of the theory, he/she doubts it was intended:

Is it likely? No. Am I reaching, insanely? Yes. But is it possible? Yes.

If you've taken the time to read that post, you'll see there are lots of little elements that add up. They form a clear picture of why the art assets make Shepard's state seem dream-like. That's only one aspect of the theory, and the most dubious! Reused assets imply that Bioware was pressed for time, not that Shepard is lucid dreaming. To understand why Bioware's intended ending contradicts Mass Effect lore, and Indoctrination Theory fixes that, watch this video.

As you can see, the theme of ID theory fits in better with the themes of all three games:

• The theme of Mass Effect 1 is that we cannot become tools for the Reapers: their ultimate goal of synthesis, as espoused by Saren, is a dangerous homogenization of life into slavery and utility.

• The themes foreshadowed in Mass Effect 2, and realized in 3, are that we should not try to control and use abominable technology. Granted, the Renegade path might not make this so clear, but by the time you've reached Sanctuary, the point is made that if you try to overcome the enemy by sinking to their lows, you become the enemy. You cannot control evil without becoming evil.

If you have any questions as to why I think this interpretation fits better with the facts, please ask away. If you have any criticisms, share them: I've yet to hear one compelling argument against it.

Otherwise, I hope r/masseffect agrees with me and starts calling indoctrination interpretation/explanation (or something similar). It's the easy way out for Bioware, it's already gotten some press, and it's our best chance at getting them to fix their shitty ending. But we need other fans to stop bashing it, and us. Also, Reddit is the only community I'm part of, but if you feel like rewording or posting any part of this post, be my guest.