**** Conspiracy Thinking: The Misplaced Blame of 'Otherness'. Lizard People & Jews**

Conspiracy theories such as the idea of lizard people reflect a deeper societal distrust in the elite, suggesting that these leaders possess different allegiances that are self-serving and disconnected from the public good. This distrust arises from modern technology and societal structures that isolate elites from the populace, rendering them unaccountable. Unlike in ancient times when aristocrats were compelled to contribute to the common good, contemporary elites can wield power without direct connection to or responsibility towards the people. When things go awry, people often project their frustrations onto perceived 'others'—those outside their immediate community—leading to scapegoating behaviors, such as the historical targeting of Jewish individuals. This pattern of conspiracy thinking illustrates a need to comprehend how perceived 'otherness' contributes to social anxieties and blames, highlighting the importance of fostering community ties and understanding in combatting these harmful narratives.