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American Madness: The Story of the Phantom Patriot and How Conspiracy Theories Hijacked American Consciousness
The mainstream news media struggles to understand the power of social media while conspiracy advocates, malicious political movements, and even foreign governments have long understood how to harness the power of fear and the fear of power into lucrative outlets for outrage and money. But what happens when the harbingers of “inside knowledge” go too far?
Author Tea Krulos tells the story of one man, Richard McCaslin, who’s fractured thinking made him the ideal consumer of even the most arcane of conspiracy theories. Acting on the daily rants of Alex Jones and his ilk, McCaslin takes matters into his own hands to stop the unseen powers behind the world’s disasters who congregate at conspiracy world’s Mecca- The Bohemian Grove. It all goes wrong with terrible consequences for the man who styled himself-The Phantom Patriot.
McCaslin is not alone, as conspiracy-driven political action has bubbled its way up from the margins of society to the White House. It’s no longer a lone deranged kook convinced of getting secret messages from a cereal box, now its slick videos and well-funded outrage campaigns ready to peddle the latest innuendos and lies in hopes of harnessing the chaos for political gain. What is the long term effect on people who believe these barely believable stories? Who benefits, and who pays the price?
Krulos investigates and explains the power of conspiracy and the resulting shared madness on the American psyche.
Author Tea Krulos tells the story of one man, Richard McCaslin, who’s fractured thinking made him the ideal consumer of even the most arcane of conspiracy theories. Acting on the daily rants of Alex Jones and his ilk, McCaslin takes matters into his own hands to stop the unseen powers behind the world’s disasters who congregate at conspiracy world’s Mecca- The Bohemian Grove. It all goes wrong with terrible consequences for the man who styled himself-The Phantom Patriot.
McCaslin is not alone, as conspiracy-driven political action has bubbled its way up from the margins of society to the White House. It’s no longer a lone deranged kook convinced of getting secret messages from a cereal box, now its slick videos and well-funded outrage campaigns ready to peddle the latest innuendos and lies in hopes of harnessing the chaos for political gain. What is the long term effect on people who believe these barely believable stories? Who benefits, and who pays the price?
Krulos investigates and explains the power of conspiracy and the resulting shared madness on the American psyche.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2020
16 people are currently reading
1326 people want to read
About the author
Tea Krulos
14 books86 followersI'm a journalist and author from Milwaukee, WI. I've written for a wide range of publications and have authored 6 non-fiction books: Heroes in the Night (2013), Monster Hunters (2015), Apocalypse Any Day Now (2019), Wisconsin Legends & Lore (2020), American Madness (2020), and Brady Street Pharmacy: Stories and Sketches (2021). I also contributed a chapter to The Supernatural in Society, Culture, and History (2018).
I write a weekly column on my website called "Tea's Weird Week."
I write a weekly column on my website called "Tea's Weird Week."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 13, 2020
Sad but illuminating story of a man who latched on to conspiracy theories during a vulnerable period of his life, and was ultimately destroyed by them.
November 9, 2020
This book could not be more timely, and you must read this if you have any interest in conspiracy theories and the people who believe in them.
Author Tea Krulos focuses on Richard McCaslin, a man who often dressed as a superhero but was more well-known for sneaking into Bohemian Grove and trying to burn it all down. McCaslin is a study in how conspiracy theories can grab someone, ferment in them, spiral out of control, and cause someone to take action. McCaslin's story is equal parts amusing, scary, and tragic. What is scariest about it is that there are thousands of McCaslins out there, and it is getting worse by the day. They operate in echo chambers like 8chan, Parler, and the likes, and yet remain outsiders in the real world.
Krulos' book is an objective lesson in what conspiracies can do to people. The author always respects his subject, which is necessary for this type of book, but he treats him fairly. McCaslin would want that no other way.
Perhaps the most terrifying aspect about this book is the observation that once people start to fall down the rabbit hole of conspiracies it is really hard to bring them back to normalcy. A doctor interviewed in the book has his theories as to why people believe these things and how to spot conspiracy thinking, but there is little in the way of combating it. I have tried to debate with people in the tentacles of conspiracy thinking. It is near impossible, as the playing field keeps changing.
Krulos' book is a must-read. As America is about to enter a new phase and conspiracy theories are once again gripping the nation (voter fraud, Harris trying to ensure Biden dies so she can be president, and so on), we need to know how to deal with them. Krulos' may not offer an easy answer, but it makes identifying the problems a whole lot easier.
Author Tea Krulos focuses on Richard McCaslin, a man who often dressed as a superhero but was more well-known for sneaking into Bohemian Grove and trying to burn it all down. McCaslin is a study in how conspiracy theories can grab someone, ferment in them, spiral out of control, and cause someone to take action. McCaslin's story is equal parts amusing, scary, and tragic. What is scariest about it is that there are thousands of McCaslins out there, and it is getting worse by the day. They operate in echo chambers like 8chan, Parler, and the likes, and yet remain outsiders in the real world.
Krulos' book is an objective lesson in what conspiracies can do to people. The author always respects his subject, which is necessary for this type of book, but he treats him fairly. McCaslin would want that no other way.
Perhaps the most terrifying aspect about this book is the observation that once people start to fall down the rabbit hole of conspiracies it is really hard to bring them back to normalcy. A doctor interviewed in the book has his theories as to why people believe these things and how to spot conspiracy thinking, but there is little in the way of combating it. I have tried to debate with people in the tentacles of conspiracy thinking. It is near impossible, as the playing field keeps changing.
Krulos' book is a must-read. As America is about to enter a new phase and conspiracy theories are once again gripping the nation (voter fraud, Harris trying to ensure Biden dies so she can be president, and so on), we need to know how to deal with them. Krulos' may not offer an easy answer, but it makes identifying the problems a whole lot easier.
November 6, 2020
While I wish it had more research and authoritative sources, the book is a great primer for the various conspiracy theories floating around, from the moon landing and JFK assassination to Pizzagate and QAnon. But ultimately, it’s a sympathetic look at a lonely and troubled man who loses himself down the rabbit hole. The question that propelled me through the book was will Richard find his way back out of that world?
January 11, 2021
My first read of the year turns out to be extremely relevant. I’ll be writing more about it for Religion News Service.
January 28, 2021
American Madness was a fascinating and disturbing deep dive into the strange world of one Richard McCaslin aka the Phantom Patriot. Krulos remains objective as possible about his subject, which he met while writing about another book about Real Life Super Heroes. The subject crawls pretty far down the “rabbit hole” of conspiracy theory. It’s both an empathetic look into a man’s life and also how this happens not just to the subject to how it has gripped so many Americans. He covers other branches of conspiracy as well as giving an overview of the heavy hitters in the Conspiracy scene.
Krulos takes a difficult subject matter and makes it interesting and highly engaging. The chapters flow well and easily, weaving together both the culture of conspiracy and the subject of this book. He consults and interviews an array of people from psychologists who break down the personality type that get drawn into this scene, to conspiracy theorists, to Les Claypool, who had written a song about the subject after seeing a news bit about his infamous raid on Bohemian Grove. Krulos always writes about people on the fringe with great care and consideration. His work is always a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book. It’s particularly insightful,
Especially right now when so many have been lured into the world of conspiracy thinking, with heightened senses of fear and paranoia with our current state of affairs.
Krulos takes a difficult subject matter and makes it interesting and highly engaging. The chapters flow well and easily, weaving together both the culture of conspiracy and the subject of this book. He consults and interviews an array of people from psychologists who break down the personality type that get drawn into this scene, to conspiracy theorists, to Les Claypool, who had written a song about the subject after seeing a news bit about his infamous raid on Bohemian Grove. Krulos always writes about people on the fringe with great care and consideration. His work is always a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book. It’s particularly insightful,
Especially right now when so many have been lured into the world of conspiracy thinking, with heightened senses of fear and paranoia with our current state of affairs.
August 19, 2020
Deeply engaging from start to finish. Interesting and engaging. Finishing this book brought about the emptiness of losing a good companion that all excellent reads are prone to do. I laughed, I cried, and I marveled. Must read!
December 18, 2020
I teach Deviance at a community college and for the last four years, my class has read Tea Krulos's book. This one is no different. When I received a copy in the early fall, I was intrigued and captivated by the notion of conspiracy theorists and the ways in which conspiracy theories have captured American culture.
This is a fantastic piece of work. I encourage to you check it out. My students will be in the coming months.
This is a fantastic piece of work. I encourage to you check it out. My students will be in the coming months.
May 11, 2021
This is a very timely book. By following one man's descent down the rabbit hole it gives a better understanding of how conspiracy thinking works, and how it can consume someone so entirely.
It is an entertaining read, but even if it wasn't it would be required reading. Thankfully though, it is an engaging, well written book.
It is an entertaining read, but even if it wasn't it would be required reading. Thankfully though, it is an engaging, well written book.
January 9, 2021
American Madness is extremely timely and important reading that many conspiracy-minded Americans could benefit from. It is the story of a self-described superhero, Richard McCaslin, who donned a self-made costume to become the Phantom Patriot. Believing a conspiracy fed to him by Alex Jones, McCaslin, dressed as the Phantom Patriot, took various weapons and snuck into the Bohemian Grove, an all-male private retreat in Northern California with ties to the top levels of American politics. He believed that the grove members were partaking in satanic rituals and sacrificing children, along with planning a new world order.
Aside from being McCaslin's story, the book is also a thorough look at conspiracy theory in America, from JFK to Sandy Hook, to Qanon and beyond. Tied into the web of McCaslin's story are such varied characters as Alex Jones, country singer Chely Wright, Primus frontman Les Claypool, and Krulos himself.
American Madness is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read. Thankfully, most of us are not prone to believing in conspiracy. But, even if we are levelheaded, we cannot help but inundated by a great deal of media that is tinged with conspiracy. Krulos' book acts almost like a good pair of spectacles: it helps us to clearly distinguish fact from fiction.
Unfortunately, McCaslin was not an isolated case. Increasingly, we see violence perpetrated by people who believe in some form of conspiracy, the most recent being Anthony Quinn Warner's bombing in Nashville on Christmas, 2020. It turns out that McCaslin and Warner both shared many of the same bizarre beliefs, which are promoted by a number of different conservative talking heads.
Aside from being McCaslin's story, the book is also a thorough look at conspiracy theory in America, from JFK to Sandy Hook, to Qanon and beyond. Tied into the web of McCaslin's story are such varied characters as Alex Jones, country singer Chely Wright, Primus frontman Les Claypool, and Krulos himself.
American Madness is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read. Thankfully, most of us are not prone to believing in conspiracy. But, even if we are levelheaded, we cannot help but inundated by a great deal of media that is tinged with conspiracy. Krulos' book acts almost like a good pair of spectacles: it helps us to clearly distinguish fact from fiction.
Unfortunately, McCaslin was not an isolated case. Increasingly, we see violence perpetrated by people who believe in some form of conspiracy, the most recent being Anthony Quinn Warner's bombing in Nashville on Christmas, 2020. It turns out that McCaslin and Warner both shared many of the same bizarre beliefs, which are promoted by a number of different conservative talking heads.
September 30, 2020
This book has a unique perspective on all the conspiracy theories you've heard for the past 20ish years. Its main focus is on Richard McCaslin who I hadn't heard anything about before reading this book. The author frames McCaslin's story within the context of a nation beginning to succumb to the isolation and anxiety that results from illogical and paranoid thinking. I like that the author doesn't try to analyze McCaslin and speculate on potential personality or mood disorders. It forces readers to admit that most of us have family members and friends who subscribe to one or more of the same ideas and beliefs that got McCaslin in prison. It forces us to consider the poverty of our McDonalds-like media diet and the long term consequences for the most vulnerable in our communities. Although it sounds like McCaslin was self-involved and annoyingly righteous, the author had the patience and determination to get a rich character study along with the unique context that created McCaslin. I would highly recommend this book even if you are well-versed in all things conspiracy.
December 19, 2020
American Madness is a gripping story of the Phantom Patriot, a man who attempted to fight back against the evil he saw in the world. Tea's research led to a long term friendship with the protagonist, so the insight is real. Their relationship is set against the backdrop of the growing acceptance of fringe belief across our society. If you are curious to understand what some of the more popular conspiracy theories are all about, this is a great start! Overall, a superbly researched, fun, empathetic, and accessible read.
November 1, 2021
3.75 - too much padding there at the end - the Q, Anti-Vax, Flat Earth survey felt like a strategic overview to get him to a certain page count. Overall, well written and tragic, a book ultimately 8+ years in the making. I appreciated Krulos's sympathetic approach covering a man trapped in a prison of his own making. Good, sad read.
February 18, 2022
A tour of America’s conspiracy theory subculture valuable mainly for its focus on the tragic descent of one man. That personal connection allows Krulos to paint a detailed picture of the personality deficits that can make a person prime fodder for the conspiracy mill, and it’s more sad than scary. You’re left with an image of a man desperate for any foundation to build a personality and sense of self-worth on, and gibberish about child sacrifice and mind control is what he happened to latch onto.
December 1, 2020
I have been following Tea Krulos writing for some time now and this has been by far one of his best works yet. He delves deep into the world of Conspiracy theories with such vivid imagery and narrative that you finish the book feeling that you truly have experience the world that the individuals depicted within inhabit. He does an excellent job of humanising the characters he documents, providing a entertaining yet balanced view of their lives without harsh judgement but with an understanding that comes from someone who has truely attempted and succeeded in documenting their experiences.
A worthwhile read for anyone with even a passing interest in this area.
A worthwhile read for anyone with even a passing interest in this area.
November 24, 2020
The book’s subject, Richard McCaslin, is on a journey to occupy the space and mission of an anti-government superhero while weaving through various toxic conspiracy theories. It goes to some dark, fringe American places.
September 15, 2020
Really great read. The book walks through a myriad of American conspiracy stories through the lens of Richard McCaslin, a "real life superhero" who considered almost every facet of his life to be manipulated by the government, supreme leaders, lizard people, the Clintons, etc etc and has dedicated himself to liberating the public. Really great juxtaposition of one man's seemingly bizarre beliefs with the rise of similar beliefs being championed in the American consciousness. Great storytelling and a perfect read for this modern American cultural climate.
September 8, 2020
A fascinating glimpse into the world of conspiracy theorists. Krulos provides a compassionate profile of one man’s journey to bring the”truth” to light.
August 31, 2020
The story of real life Rorschach from Watchmen.
This book is the intersection of where real-life superheroes meet conspiracy theories meet. It's a journey into the heart of a seemingly good person whose belief system gets hijacked to the point of obssession. If you really thought that Hollywood and Washington D.C. were full of pedophiles, don't you have a moral imperative to do something about it? If you think that the world's elite ritually sacrifice a child at the Bohemian Grove annually, don't you have to stop them? The Phantom Patriot had been paying attention to all the conspiracies from Alex Jones to David Icke and the difference between him and others is that he believed enough to do something about it. This is his story and it's fascinating, tragic, and a thoroughly modern descent into American Madness.
This book is the intersection of where real-life superheroes meet conspiracy theories meet. It's a journey into the heart of a seemingly good person whose belief system gets hijacked to the point of obssession. If you really thought that Hollywood and Washington D.C. were full of pedophiles, don't you have a moral imperative to do something about it? If you think that the world's elite ritually sacrifice a child at the Bohemian Grove annually, don't you have to stop them? The Phantom Patriot had been paying attention to all the conspiracies from Alex Jones to David Icke and the difference between him and others is that he believed enough to do something about it. This is his story and it's fascinating, tragic, and a thoroughly modern descent into American Madness.
August 31, 2020
In turns, hilarious and sad, Krulos documents the conspiracy theories and theorists that run rampant today, all through the lens of a man who fell into madness via an inescapable rabbit hole.
December 10, 2020
Flat-Earthers. Anti-vaxxers. People who doubt the validity of President Obama’s birth. So-called “truthers” concerning the tragedies of 9/11 and the shootings at Sandy Hook. And now there is QAnon. We think we’re far too educated and sophisticated to fall for conspiracy theories.
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But are we really?
Richard McCaslin may have thought he was not the kind of person to get wrapped up conspiracy theories. But he did, and his tale is expertly conveyed in the book American Madness: The Story of the Phantom Patriot and How Conspiracy Theories Hijacked American Consciousness by Milwaukee-based writer Tea Krulos.
Krulos was busy writing another book about people who call themselves “Real Life Super Heroes” (RLSH) when he received an email from Richard McCaslin, an RLSH who went by the name Phantom Patriot. In his email, McCaslin he was responsible for trying to burn down the Bohemian Grove and to check out his claim on Wikipedia.
At first Krulos wanted to ignore McCaslin as some type of kook. Yet something compelled him to check out McCaslin’s claim on Wikipedia. Krulos read about the Bohemian Grove, a men’s only resort attracting the rich and powerful, which shunned the media and practiced mysterious rituals.
Intrigued, Krulos needed to know more so he acquainted himself with McCaslin and fell into a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. He managed to escape. But would McCaslin?
McCaslin was born in 1964 in Zanesville, Ohio. McCaslin had an unhappy childhood and said high school sucked mostly because he couldn’t get a date. After high school McCaslin joined the military leaving in 1988.
After being honorably discharged McCaslin got involved in the world of real life super heroes. He also attended stunt school and moved to California hoping to become a stunt man. He didn’t find much success, which caused him a great deal of grief and he ended up moving from place to place and job to job.
McCaslin did find some achievement and pride playing Batman at Six Flags Astroworld in Houston, Texas. He even went on a “date” with his country star crush Chely Wright before she came out as a lesbian.
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Sadly, this happiness wouldn’t last.
Feeling defeated and dejected, McCaslin, who had a lifelong fandom of comic books, brushed off his own comic book writing and artistic skills (he initially had a series starting in 1985). He created a new series based on various conspiracy series and characters who come to save the day.
This could have lead to some amount of accomplishment and success for McCaslin, who showed some talent for the genre. But he was too caught up in the world of conspiracy theories and was eventually arrested after he tried to burn down the Bohemian Grove and spent some time in prison.
Unfortunately McCaslin’s stint in prison didn’t knock some sense into him, and after his release he fell further into the twisted world on conspiracy theories, alienating various friends, yet finding solace and belonging with his fellow believers. He even brought Krulos along for the bumpy ride of various conspiracy theories that both appalled Krulos and had him riveted. And he kept in touch with McCaslin both in person and in emails to a very tragic, yet not necessarily surprising end.
Richard McCaslin and his story in American Madness is enthralling from beginning to end. It is also very infuriating, and at times, quite sad. Krulos is an expert weaver of interesting tales. He writes in excruciating detail on how one person can be taken in by conspiracy theories and how they define and destroy a life. I found myself aghast and scared by McCaslin’s mindset and actions. And at times I had to put American Madness down to keep myself somewhat sane, yet I was desperate to know more and more about McCaslin’s eccentric and maddening journey and in conspiracy theories as a whole.
Not only does Krulos tell McCaslin’s story he also goes into depth about various conspiracy theories like President Kennedy’s assassination to those who spread conspiracy theories like Alex Jones and his InfoWars program. Krulos also provides the sources to these various theories.
But what I really appreciated was Krulos’s compassion and empathy towards his subject, Richard McCaslin. Though at times, Krulos was gobsmacked by McCaslin’s ideas and behavior, he is never condescending in American Madness. And he makes the reader wonder what could have become of McCaslin if he hadn’t fallen into the conspiracy theory trap.
Originally published at The Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
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But are we really?
Richard McCaslin may have thought he was not the kind of person to get wrapped up conspiracy theories. But he did, and his tale is expertly conveyed in the book American Madness: The Story of the Phantom Patriot and How Conspiracy Theories Hijacked American Consciousness by Milwaukee-based writer Tea Krulos.
Krulos was busy writing another book about people who call themselves “Real Life Super Heroes” (RLSH) when he received an email from Richard McCaslin, an RLSH who went by the name Phantom Patriot. In his email, McCaslin he was responsible for trying to burn down the Bohemian Grove and to check out his claim on Wikipedia.
At first Krulos wanted to ignore McCaslin as some type of kook. Yet something compelled him to check out McCaslin’s claim on Wikipedia. Krulos read about the Bohemian Grove, a men’s only resort attracting the rich and powerful, which shunned the media and practiced mysterious rituals.
Intrigued, Krulos needed to know more so he acquainted himself with McCaslin and fell into a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. He managed to escape. But would McCaslin?
McCaslin was born in 1964 in Zanesville, Ohio. McCaslin had an unhappy childhood and said high school sucked mostly because he couldn’t get a date. After high school McCaslin joined the military leaving in 1988.
After being honorably discharged McCaslin got involved in the world of real life super heroes. He also attended stunt school and moved to California hoping to become a stunt man. He didn’t find much success, which caused him a great deal of grief and he ended up moving from place to place and job to job.
McCaslin did find some achievement and pride playing Batman at Six Flags Astroworld in Houston, Texas. He even went on a “date” with his country star crush Chely Wright before she came out as a lesbian.
REPORT THIS AD
Sadly, this happiness wouldn’t last.
Feeling defeated and dejected, McCaslin, who had a lifelong fandom of comic books, brushed off his own comic book writing and artistic skills (he initially had a series starting in 1985). He created a new series based on various conspiracy series and characters who come to save the day.
This could have lead to some amount of accomplishment and success for McCaslin, who showed some talent for the genre. But he was too caught up in the world of conspiracy theories and was eventually arrested after he tried to burn down the Bohemian Grove and spent some time in prison.
Unfortunately McCaslin’s stint in prison didn’t knock some sense into him, and after his release he fell further into the twisted world on conspiracy theories, alienating various friends, yet finding solace and belonging with his fellow believers. He even brought Krulos along for the bumpy ride of various conspiracy theories that both appalled Krulos and had him riveted. And he kept in touch with McCaslin both in person and in emails to a very tragic, yet not necessarily surprising end.
Richard McCaslin and his story in American Madness is enthralling from beginning to end. It is also very infuriating, and at times, quite sad. Krulos is an expert weaver of interesting tales. He writes in excruciating detail on how one person can be taken in by conspiracy theories and how they define and destroy a life. I found myself aghast and scared by McCaslin’s mindset and actions. And at times I had to put American Madness down to keep myself somewhat sane, yet I was desperate to know more and more about McCaslin’s eccentric and maddening journey and in conspiracy theories as a whole.
Not only does Krulos tell McCaslin’s story he also goes into depth about various conspiracy theories like President Kennedy’s assassination to those who spread conspiracy theories like Alex Jones and his InfoWars program. Krulos also provides the sources to these various theories.
But what I really appreciated was Krulos’s compassion and empathy towards his subject, Richard McCaslin. Though at times, Krulos was gobsmacked by McCaslin’s ideas and behavior, he is never condescending in American Madness. And he makes the reader wonder what could have become of McCaslin if he hadn’t fallen into the conspiracy theory trap.
Originally published at The Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
January 1, 2021
(Way) Before Pizzagate there was the Phantom Patriot's raid on Bohemian Grove. I had never heard of this before I read this book and completely missed any news coverage of the story, if there was any. So I'm glad I read this alternately hilarious and saddening story of one man's obsession with conspiracies and his attempt to do something about it.
On the whole, the story is well told. Krulos does an excellent job of humazing McCaslin and helping us understand how and why someone could get from just being interested in comics and superheroes as a child to actually breaking into private property to prevent imagined horrors. Krulos also does a pretty good job of trying to be objective, not just about McCaslin's actions but about the kinds of things that McCaslin and others like him believe. He bends over backwards trying to present most of the conspiracy theories discussed in the book as "beliefs these people have" rather than "stupid things these people fall for" and he trusts the reader to know that these things aren't real. I appreciate the effort on his part even though sometimes I think he might be overly kind.
My biggest issue with the book is the attempt to place McCaslin's actions in context. I agree he was clearly a trail-blazer of a sort, in terms of people trying to take justice into their own hands with conspiratorial beliefs. And his decision to do so as a "Real Life Super Hero" also seems to make him an important figure in understanding this stuff. But much of Krulos' accounting of the contemporary conspiracy scene is in so many other books about this stuff. Whole sections of the last third of the book could easily have been excised or condensed, as they are not directly about McCaslin - sometimes they aren't even about Alex Jones or the others who inspired McCaslin near the end - and they are covered ad nauseum in discussions about the popularity of conspiracy theories in 21st century America, whether that's in books or online. To me, this book is about McCaslin and that's what makes it unique from the other books trying to understand the popularity of conspiracy theories. Every time it leaves him it starts to lose me.
But it's very much worth your time if you're interested in understanding people like this. And it's pretty funny at times as well as pretty insightful about why people do the things they do.
On the whole, the story is well told. Krulos does an excellent job of humazing McCaslin and helping us understand how and why someone could get from just being interested in comics and superheroes as a child to actually breaking into private property to prevent imagined horrors. Krulos also does a pretty good job of trying to be objective, not just about McCaslin's actions but about the kinds of things that McCaslin and others like him believe. He bends over backwards trying to present most of the conspiracy theories discussed in the book as "beliefs these people have" rather than "stupid things these people fall for" and he trusts the reader to know that these things aren't real. I appreciate the effort on his part even though sometimes I think he might be overly kind.
My biggest issue with the book is the attempt to place McCaslin's actions in context. I agree he was clearly a trail-blazer of a sort, in terms of people trying to take justice into their own hands with conspiratorial beliefs. And his decision to do so as a "Real Life Super Hero" also seems to make him an important figure in understanding this stuff. But much of Krulos' accounting of the contemporary conspiracy scene is in so many other books about this stuff. Whole sections of the last third of the book could easily have been excised or condensed, as they are not directly about McCaslin - sometimes they aren't even about Alex Jones or the others who inspired McCaslin near the end - and they are covered ad nauseum in discussions about the popularity of conspiracy theories in 21st century America, whether that's in books or online. To me, this book is about McCaslin and that's what makes it unique from the other books trying to understand the popularity of conspiracy theories. Every time it leaves him it starts to lose me.
But it's very much worth your time if you're interested in understanding people like this. And it's pretty funny at times as well as pretty insightful about why people do the things they do.
December 24, 2022
I'll be honest, I have no idea why this book was in the library, where it came from, or how I found it, but with a cover like that you sort of have to check it out.
So, just as an overview, the whole thing is sort of about this Phanton Patriot fellow, his life, how he ended up getting involved with "Real Life Super Heroes," (though only a bit of involvement), and then also some sprinkling over general conspiracy theories thrown in.
I really got a weird enjoyment out of this. By having both topics in there, you don't really feel like it's too heavy on this McCaslin fellow, and it doesn't go so far into the conspiracy theories as to become wildly confusing. (Though, to be honest, anything that goes after conspiracy theories is almost required to be confusing.) I felt like it does a good job of giving you an overview of things like QAnon and the B0hemian Grove and what-not, and the author really stays fairly objective.
The only things that I didn't care for were slight. The writing itself is easy to stumble over now and again, like just the wording of the sentences. Krulos isn't 100% objective in anything, though I don't know if you could really do that considering he hung out with McCaslin and really goes out and gets himself involved in the things he's writing about. It's sort of like a weird Malcolm Gladwell in some ways.
Is it the best book I've ever read? No, but I don't even know what that would be. Is it cool to take a couple days and kind of dive into a world that you maybe don't know much about? I mean, I didn't know much and I enjoyed it, so, I guess take that for what it is. But, when you pick it up, don't just toss it back down bc it's from kind of an "off-broadway" publishing house. It gives you stuff to think about and I feel like that's the main point of any book.
Bonus points: Tea Krulos is not the author's real name, and while he's fine with admitting this in the book, he never tells you what his real name is. Spooookyyy...
So, just as an overview, the whole thing is sort of about this Phanton Patriot fellow, his life, how he ended up getting involved with "Real Life Super Heroes," (though only a bit of involvement), and then also some sprinkling over general conspiracy theories thrown in.
I really got a weird enjoyment out of this. By having both topics in there, you don't really feel like it's too heavy on this McCaslin fellow, and it doesn't go so far into the conspiracy theories as to become wildly confusing. (Though, to be honest, anything that goes after conspiracy theories is almost required to be confusing.) I felt like it does a good job of giving you an overview of things like QAnon and the B0hemian Grove and what-not, and the author really stays fairly objective.
The only things that I didn't care for were slight. The writing itself is easy to stumble over now and again, like just the wording of the sentences. Krulos isn't 100% objective in anything, though I don't know if you could really do that considering he hung out with McCaslin and really goes out and gets himself involved in the things he's writing about. It's sort of like a weird Malcolm Gladwell in some ways.
Is it the best book I've ever read? No, but I don't even know what that would be. Is it cool to take a couple days and kind of dive into a world that you maybe don't know much about? I mean, I didn't know much and I enjoyed it, so, I guess take that for what it is. But, when you pick it up, don't just toss it back down bc it's from kind of an "off-broadway" publishing house. It gives you stuff to think about and I feel like that's the main point of any book.
Bonus points: Tea Krulos is not the author's real name, and while he's fine with admitting this in the book, he never tells you what his real name is. Spooookyyy...
July 2, 2021
The main problem with this book is that the writer has a hard time deciding if he is for or against conspiracy theories. This unwillingness to take sides acts as a safety valve for the writer who wants to hang out with the nutters but not be confused as one of them.
A large section of the book is devoted to the story of the Phantom Patriot while other chapters are about sundry conspiracy theories and their believers. On a number of occasions he has to admit that some of their claims are valid while on others he refuses to mention evidence that may point to that direction. His opinion on several different brands of conspiracy theory do not differ much from that of mainstream media. The writer prefers to attack the easy targets-flatearthers, Alex Jones-and ignore those cases where there is serious scientific data to prove there is something wrong with the official version.
Those expecting a serious analysis of the phenomenon may be disappointed. Still there are a few things one can learn from this book. Before reading it I had no idea that Kick Ass was based on true facts! I will definitely be checking Richard McCaslin's YouTube videos.
A large section of the book is devoted to the story of the Phantom Patriot while other chapters are about sundry conspiracy theories and their believers. On a number of occasions he has to admit that some of their claims are valid while on others he refuses to mention evidence that may point to that direction. His opinion on several different brands of conspiracy theory do not differ much from that of mainstream media. The writer prefers to attack the easy targets-flatearthers, Alex Jones-and ignore those cases where there is serious scientific data to prove there is something wrong with the official version.
Those expecting a serious analysis of the phenomenon may be disappointed. Still there are a few things one can learn from this book. Before reading it I had no idea that Kick Ass was based on true facts! I will definitely be checking Richard McCaslin's YouTube videos.
August 7, 2022
Krulos is here writing about one Richard McCaslin, a "Real Life Superhero" who went by the name the Phantom Patriot (and others). He was also a conspiracy theorist who believed in Reptilians posing as world leaders and something like the Satanic Panic going on in the Bohemean Grove, a place he once snuck into with the intention of burning down the owl statue that is kept there. Krulos is using McCaslin to examine why so many Americans might believe in conspiracy theories. The book mostly works, but towards the end, he sidetracks to discuss popular theories today, something he had done early in the book, but this time he spent too much time covering them rather than telling McCaslin's story, a move I would have preferred.
April 28, 2024
I had picked this up a few years ago, but a student asked me if I had ever heard of the Bohemian Grove last week, so it felt like time to read this. I enjoyed. About half way through the book moves away from the story of the Phantom Patriot to become a wider ranging catalogue of major conspiracy theories during the Trump Administration. I was initially turned off by this, and felt like a shorter, more focused narrative about Richard McCaslin would be more effective, but I ended up being impressed with how the author brought things back around at the end. I feel like this book serves as a good primer to help breakdown how conspiracy thinking in the 21st century follows patterns and a logic of its own. This is a sad story. One that will stick with me I think.
September 9, 2020
I received my copy via a Goodreads giveaway.
I have not yet finished the book.
This story was really, really interesting to me. It's frightening to me what's possible (to believe and to do) for a skeptic-turned-conspiracy theorist.
The book is more of a chronology than a psychological study - that surprised me, and was the only disappointment for this reader, but only because of my expectations.
I have not yet finished the book.
This story was really, really interesting to me. It's frightening to me what's possible (to believe and to do) for a skeptic-turned-conspiracy theorist.
The book is more of a chronology than a psychological study - that surprised me, and was the only disappointment for this reader, but only because of my expectations.
August 5, 2024
This book was such an interesting dive into the world of American conspiracy theorists, from the innocently misled (flat earthers) to the malignantly absurd (Sandy Hookers). It’s truly sad to see how much people in low points of their life can be led to such extremes via the messaging of horrific people like Alex Jones.
Stay safe out there. Check in with your friends. Don’t let them go down the lizard, alt-right pipeline.
Stay safe out there. Check in with your friends. Don’t let them go down the lizard, alt-right pipeline.
October 11, 2024
2.5 stars
Have been interested in the story of the Phantom Patriot for quite some time. However I found it hard to get through this book. Maybe his story wasn’t long enough to get a whole book out of; hence all the additional l tangents about other conspiracy theories. Maybe if the Patriot story was in one chunk instead of broken up and spread throughout, it would’ve flowed better.
Have been interested in the story of the Phantom Patriot for quite some time. However I found it hard to get through this book. Maybe his story wasn’t long enough to get a whole book out of; hence all the additional l tangents about other conspiracy theories. Maybe if the Patriot story was in one chunk instead of broken up and spread throughout, it would’ve flowed better.
July 5, 2022
An interesting and personal look at the recent history of conspiracism in America through the eyes of “The Phantom Patriot.”
If it weren’t for the personal narrative, I would say skip this book. As it is, it’s worth a read if you’re interested in the topic.
If it weren’t for the personal narrative, I would say skip this book. As it is, it’s worth a read if you’re interested in the topic.
October 17, 2022
Intertwining a biography of a deeply troubled man with a diagnosis of our current cultural moment, Tea Krulos finds in the "Phantom Patriot" a microcosm of the wider zeitgeist. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/202...
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