In recent years, a peculiar movement has taken flight, capturing the attention of Gen Z and the media alike. Known as “Birds Aren’t Real,” this satirical conspiracy theory posits that birds are not living creatures but surveillance drones operated by the deep state. The movement was started by Peter McIndoe, who spent several years traveling across the U.S., playacting as a radicalized cult leader propagating this absurd theory.
The “Birds Aren’t Real” movement began as a commentary on the proliferation of eccentric and convoluted conspiracy theories in the aftermath of Trump’s election and the dawn of the QAnon age. Despite its obvious absurdity, the movement attracted thousands of Gen Z followers who were delighted to be in on the joke, leading to the establishment of autonomous local chapters that held rallies and posted flyers in their communities.
Interestingly, the movement’s satirical nature did not prevent many people, including members of the media, from taking it at face value. Some news stations reported “Birds Aren’t Real” as a genuine conspiracy theory that had been circulating among believers for decades. This misunderstanding led to hostile encounters with people attempting to convince McIndoe that birds are, in fact, real, causing him to sympathize with the conspiracy theorists he initially set out to parody.
McIndoe’s unique perspective on the minds and experiences of modern conspiracy theorists has inspired his next project: political action. He aims to use his profile to combat misinformation and rethink how we approach friends and relatives who have fallen for conspiracies. His book about the movement, written entirely in character, is set to be published by Macmillan in June.
Read more at: slate.com