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. -- To comment on this episode or sign up for our newsletter, click here.https://spectacles-insight.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to written articles from Spectacles read aloud, click here.)Further Reading"https://www.propublica.org/article/heeding-steve-bannons-call-election-deniers-organize-to-seize-control-of-the-gop-and-reshape-americas-elections (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. "https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/06/qanon-nothing-can-stop-what-is-coming/610567/ (Qanon Is More Important Than You Think)," by Adrienne LaFrance in The Atlantic. "https://harpers.org/archive/1964/11/the-paranoid-style-in-american-politics/ (The Paranoid Style in American Politics)," by Richard Hofstadter in Harper's Magazine.

Table of Contents00:00 - 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