Trump’s TikTok Edge and Why Birds May or May Not Be Real
Jun 2, 2024
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Peter McIndoe, Birds Aren’t Real founder, discusses the allure of conspiracy theories and the impact of false realities. They also explore TikTok's influence on the election, Google's comical search results, and the 'Birds Aren't Real' movement's growth. The conversation delves into the power of social media activism and mobilizing young people for advocacy.
The Birds Aren't Real Movement blends anti-surveillance and animal rights activism to showcase birds as innocent victims of government poisoning.
The accidental start of the movement as a joke post-Trump's election sparked curiosity and inquiries, evolving into a satirical yet captivating movement.
Through clever marketing, storytelling, and blending fiction with reality, the movement engaged audiences, creating fervor around the conspiracy.
Deep dives
The Birds Aren't Real Movement: A Blend of Anti-Surveillance and Animal Rights Advocacy
The Birds Aren't Real Movement originated from a blend of anti-surveillance and animal rights activism. Believing that the US government systematically killed over 12 billion birds from 1959 to 2001 using a poisonous toxin, the movement aims to showcase the plight of birds as innocent victims. Starting in 1976, the movement unites activists who oppose surveillance and animal cruelty, aiming to highlight the hidden agendas within the government.
The Start of the Movement: An Accidental Creation Born from Absurdity
The Birds Aren't Real Movement had an accidental start in early 2017, coinciding with the politically charged atmosphere post-Trump's election. The founder, a young provocateur, crafted the movement out of humor and randomness, holding a sign stating 'Birds Are Real' as a satirical element. Initially intended as a joke, the movement gained traction during a women's march, sparking curiosity and inquiries about its meaning.
The Humorous Origin: Transforming a Nonsensical Sign into a Movement
Originating from an impromptu and nonsensical sign, the Birds Aren't Real Movement evolved from a mere joke to a satirical movement promising to 'deactivate' and 'repopulate' non-existent birds. By embracing the absurdity and fake news culture of the time, the founder inadvertently led to the creation of a whimsical yet thought-provoking movement that challenged perceptions and entertained followers.
Influencing Media Outlets: Crafting a Fictitious Narrative with Real Impact
Through clever marketing and narrative crafting, the Birds Aren't Real Movement managed to deceive various media outlets, garnering attention and creating fervor around the conspiracy. The founder's adept storytelling and commitment to the character of the movement leader blurred the lines between fiction and reality, engaging audiences and media personalities alike in the captivating tale of non-existent birds and hidden governmental agendas.
Creating a Myth: The Birth of a Movement
The podcast explores the journey of how a simple idea about birds not being real transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Starting as an improvised concept with viral potential, the protagonist inadvertently sparked a nationwide movement. By intertwining elements of fantasy and reality, the character evolved into a multifaceted persona that resonated differently with various demographics. This transformative journey reflected the societal trends and responses to unconventional narratives, highlighting the character's ability to engage and captivate audiences across the nation.
Mobilizing through Play: Turning Belief into Action
The podcast delves into how playful engagement and strategic messaging can mobilize communities for social and political causes. Drawing parallels between organizing youth around a whimsical conspiracy theory and rallying them for genuine activism, the narrative emphasizes the power of creating inclusive and empowering spaces. By utilizing innovative tactics, such as gamification and storytelling, the protagonist successfully leveraged young people's desire for agency and belonging to drive meaningful change and participation in real-world events.
Birds Aren’t Real founder, Peter McIndoe, joins to talk about the impact of the satirical conspiracy that captured the imagination of Gen Z and what he learned about the appeal of false realities after spending years in character as one of the nation’s leading conspiracy theorists. But first: Is TikTok helping Trump win? Why is Google telling people to eat rocks? And what’s the story behind the “All Eyes on Rafah” image going viral across Instagram? Jon and Max break it down.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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