Prof. Kathryn Olmsted, a history professor at UC Davis and author of 'Real Enemies,' dives into how JFK's assassination sparked a whirlwind of conspiracy theories. She discusses the immediate public reactions and the growing skepticism towards government narratives. Olmsted highlights the evolution of these theories, tracing their roots from targeting marginalized groups to scrutinizing government entities. The conversation uncovers how this tragic event reshaped American political culture, leading to lasting impacts on trust and inquiry in democracy.
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insights INSIGHT
History of Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories in the US date back even before its founding.
Early theories often targeted marginalized groups.
insights INSIGHT
American Paranoia
Hofstadter suggests that American conspiracy theories reflect anxieties stemming from immigration and social mobility.
Uncertainty about status and identity fuels distrust.
question_answer ANECDOTE
JFK Assassination and Conspiracy Theories
The assassination of JFK spawned numerous conspiracy theories.
These theories were fueled by inconsistencies and the subsequent murder of Lee Harvey Oswald.
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In this book, Clint Hill provides a detailed and personal account of the events surrounding President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The narrative includes Hill’s firsthand experiences as the Secret Service agent who jumped onto the presidential limousine to protect the President and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The book features more than 150 photos and offers a unique blend of historical context, personal reflection, and photographic evidence, making it a compelling commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the tragedy.
Real enemies
Kathryn S. Olmsted
Kathryn Olmsted's "Real Enemies" meticulously traces the evolution of conspiracy theories in American politics, from World War I to 9/11. The book examines how these theories have shaped public discourse and influenced political events. Olmsted analyzes the underlying anxieties and societal factors that fuel conspiracy thinking, highlighting the role of immigration, economic uncertainty, and distrust of authority. The work explores key historical events, such as the Kennedy assassination and the Watergate scandal, demonstrating how conspiracy theories have been used to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic institutions. Olmsted's insightful analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the enduring power of conspiracy theories in American society.
The Paranoid Style in American Politics
Richard Hofstadter
In this seminal work, Richard Hofstadter explores the concept of the 'paranoid style' in American politics, which he defines as a way of seeing and doing politics characterized by heated exaggeration, suspiciousness, and conspiratorial fantasy. The book, which includes the titular essay first published in Harper's Magazine in 1964, delves into historical examples such as the Anti-Masonic Movement, Father Coughlin's antisemitic conspiracies, and the post-McCarthy Right. Hofstadter argues that this style is not exclusive to any one side of the political spectrum and has been a recurring theme throughout American history, influencing political discourse and the behavior of individuals and groups. The book also includes other essays on topics like 'Free Silver and the Mind of 'Coin' Harvey' and 'What Happened to the Antitrust Movement?'[2][4][5]
Jonathan Freedland speaks to Prof Kathryn Olmsted, author of Real Enemies: Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy, World War I to 9/11 about why the assassination of JFK spawned dozens of conspiracy theories that have persisted for decades? Because of industrial action taking place by members of the National Union of Journalists at the Guardian and Observer this week, we are re-running an episode from the archive.
Politics Weekly America 
