See Jesse Walker Discuss Conspiracy Theories at the Bethesda Regional Library

I’ll be giving a talk this Saturday at the Bethesda Regional
Library. Here’s
the topic:

Conspiracy theories aren’t just a feature
of the fringe. They’ve been a potent force across the political
spectrum, at the center as well as the extremes, from the colonial
era to the present. In The United States of Paranoia, Jesse Walker
explores this rich history, arguing that conspiracy stories should
be read not just as claims to be believed or debunked but as
folklore. When a tale takes hold, it reveals something true about
the anxieties and experiences of those who embrace it, even if the
story says nothing true about the objects of the theory itself. In
his talk, Walker will lay out five conspiracy narratives that keep
recurring in American politics and popular culture.

The event, which is being sponsored by the National Capital Area
Skeptics, begins at 1:30 p.m.; admission is free. The library is
located at 7400 Arlington Road, which means this will be the first
time I give a talk about my conspiracy book at a place whose very
address includes the title of a conspiracy movie.
There will be about 45 minutes of me yammering, another 45 minutes
of questions and answers, and then a more informal meet’n’greet
where people can buy books, chat with one another, or pigeonhole me
to discuss their favorite JFK theories. Join us!