Join the editors as they continue their discussion of the role of myth in political life, examining the "Qanon" conspiracy theory. What does Q tell us about myth and its role in politics? Is there precedent for conspiracy theories like Q in the American past? How is Q different from past conspiracy theories?

Next week, we will conclude our discussion of the role of myth in political life by discussing the possibility of a global myth, whether myths are ultimately natural or socially constructed, and what policies might make American myths more believable.

Further Reading

• "Heeding Steve Bannon’s Call, Election Deniers Organize to Seize Control of the GOP — and Reshape America’s Elections," by Isaac Arnsdorf, Doug Bock Clark, Alexandra Berzon and Anjeanette Damon, for ProPublica.
• "Qanon Is More Important Than You Think," by Adrienne LaFrance in The Atlantic.
• "The Paranoid Style in American Politics," by Richard Hofstadter in Harper's Magazine.

Table of Contents

00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - Q Excerpts
02:57 - Recap of Last Week
04:39 - Today's Topic
05:50 - What is Q, basically?
09:33 - Connection to Election Fraud Conspiracy
12:34 - Q As Myth, Religion
17:48 - Q As Reactionary Myth, Fantasy
21:26 - Q's Roots in American Covenantal Myth
23:53 - History of American Paranoia
31:15 - American Tension b/t Universality, Particularity
35:20 - The Power of The Internet
42:39 - The Balkanization of American Narratives
43:13 - Next Week's Topic
43:54 - Signing Off

Bird’s Eye - 1619, 1776, and The History and Prospects of American Myth

Join Harry and Philip as they continue an exploration of the political role of myth by looking more closely at the myths that have underpinned American politics.

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