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.

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To comment on this episode or sign up for our newsletter, click here.To listen to written articles from Spectacles read aloud, click here.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