Conspirituality Podcast Episode 246: "Shock Doctrine of Discovery"

Release Date: February 27, 2025

In Episode 246 of the Conspirituality Podcast, hosts Derek Barris, Matthew Remsky, and Julian Walker delve deep into the intricate web of conspiracy theories intertwined with spiritual movements, examining how these intersections give rise to modern cults, extremist ideologies, and pseudoscientific beliefs. This episode, titled "Shock Doctrine of Discovery," explores the historical underpinnings of the Doctrine of Discovery, its contemporary manifestations, and its implications on current political and social landscapes.

1. The Zizians Cult: A Modern-Day Conspiritual Movement

The episode opens with an intense discussion about the Zizians, a cult-like group emerging from the Bay Area, recently implicated in a series of murders across three states.

• Background and Formation:

  • Leader: Ziz Lesotho, a 34-year-old transgender woman with a strong academic background in computer engineering, including internships at NASA and Oracle.
  • Ideology: The group espouses radical veganism, anarchism, and a blend of technological paranoia centered around artificial intelligence (AI) threats.
  • Recruitment: Originating from intellectually charged online forums like Less Wrong and the Center for Applied Rationality, the Zizians attracted individuals concerned about AI's existential risks.

• Notable Incidents:

  • Arrest of Ziz Lesotho: On February 16th, Ziz and two associates were arrested in Maryland, marking a significant escalation in the group's activities.
  • Violent Acts: The group has been linked to violent confrontations, including a 2022 incident in Vallejo, California, where a landlord was attacked, and subsequent murders tied to their operations.

• Notable Quote:

  Derek Barris [06:27]: "It's very Scientology, like the Sea Org. I guess it's her own version of it."

2. Project 2025 and the Doctrine of Discovery: Historical Foundations and Modern Implications

The conversation shifts to Project 2025, a policy agenda spearheaded during the Trump administration, and its roots in the Doctrine of Discovery.

• Doctrine of Discovery Explained:

  • Historical Context: Originating from 1434 Papal Bulls, the doctrine empowered European colonizers to claim sovereignty over "newly discovered" lands inhabited by non-Christians.
  • Legal Codification: The U.S. Supreme Court's 1823 decision in Johnson vs. McIntosh cemented these principles, allowing the government to seize indigenous lands without consent.

• Modern-Day Usage:

  • Legal Cases: The doctrine remains influential, as seen in cases like City of Shirelle vs Oneida Indian Nation of New York, where indigenous sovereignty claims were thwarted using Discovery principles.
  • Legislative Goals: Project 2025 aims to further entrench these doctrines, impacting various federal agencies' objectives and policies.

• Notable Quotes:

  Julian Walker [33:02]: "The Secretary of Interior has made that the official designation in the Geographical Identification Name server."

  Derek Barris [34:36]: "The colonial laws around Discover supported colonizers four main benefits..."

3. Declarative Speech Acts and Political Power: Trump's Linguistic Strategies

A significant portion of the episode examines how Declarative Speech Acts—statements that bring about change by their very utterance—are employed in political rhetoric, particularly by former President Trump.

• Trump's Use of Language:

  • Naming Sovereignty: Efforts to rename geographical entities, such as calling the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America," are seen as attempts to redefine reality through authoritative declarations.
  • Magical Realism in Politics: The hosts liken Trump's proclamations to magical spells, asserting control over perceptions and legal standings without substantive changes.

• Implications for Governance:

  • Legal Shifts: Repeated declarations can influence public perception and, subsequently, legislative actions, blurring the lines between rhetoric and reality.
  • Technology's Role: Tech companies' acquiescence to these linguistic changes can legitimize them, potentially affecting international maritime laws and territorial claims.

• Notable Quotes:

  Matthew Remsky [52:34]: "So what exactly is the difference between a declarative speech act... and a magical spell..."

  Julian Walker [53:17]: "It's... a smokescreen, as a sort of hypnotic misdirection..."

4. Historical and Cultural Examination of Colonization

The hosts provide an in-depth historical analysis of colonization practices, drawing parallels between past imperialist doctrines and present-day policies.

• Burnham's Satire and Indigenous Resistance:

  • Burnham's Declaration: A fictional character, Burnham, symbolizes indigenous resistance by mocking the Doctrine of Discovery, highlighting the absurdity of colonial claims based on declarative acts.
  • Cultural Preservation: Emphasis on indigenous communities reclaiming their heritage and asserting sovereignty through cultural practices and storytelling.

• Impact of Colonization:

  • Oregon's History: Oregon's founding laws explicitly excluded Black individuals, a legacy of racial exclusion that persists in certain legal frameworks.
  • Global Perspectives: Comparisons to other empires like the British, Mongols, and Ottomans showcase the widespread application and enduring influence of discovery doctrines.

• Notable Quotes:

  Matthew Remsky [28:52]: "At the heart of it, he's saying that the colonial impulse is built on an absurd narcissism..."

  Derek Barris [39:56]: "So he writes, the doctrine provided under established international law..."

5. The Intersection of Free Speech, Responsibility, and Modern Discourse

The discussion transitions to the complexities surrounding free speech, responsibility, and the evolving nature of public discourse in the age of social media.

• Free Speech Absolutism vs. Responsible Speech:

  • Priming for Speech Acts: The MAGA movement's emphasis on "free speech" has inadvertently promoted a form of speech that demands recognition and acceptance without consequence, blurring ethical boundaries.
  • Social Media Dynamics: Platforms exacerbate divisive discourse, diminishing constructive conversation and fostering environments where harmful rhetoric can thrive unchecked.

• Technological Influence:

  • Tech Companies as Gatekeepers: The role of platforms like Google and Apple in legitimizing or dismissing certain narratives impacts public perception and policy implementation.
  • Legal and Ethical Implications: The manipulation of language and declarations by those in power can lead to significant legal repercussions and shifts in societal norms.

• Notable Quotes:

  Julian Walker [56:27]: "There's been this bizarre inversion... that is, that somehow got lost in the shuffle."

  Derek Barris [56:27]: "It's entangled with this question of free speech absolutism is also the question of just simple morality."

6. Contemporary Political Tensions and International Relations

Exploring the broader geopolitical tensions, the hosts discuss the potential ramifications of unilateral policy changes and the delicate balance of international relations.

• Canada's Response to U.S. Policies:

  • Economic and Resource Concerns: Discussions around Trump's tariffs targeting Canada's mineral resources, including cobalt, potash, and rare earth elements, and Canada's apprehensions about ecological and indigenous treaty protections.
  • Historical Context: Reference to past U.S. war plans against Canada and the modern implications of such animosities on bilateral relations.

• Global Leadership and Influence:

  • Elon Musk and Technological Hegemony: Speculation on how influential figures like Elon Musk could interact with or counteract political maneuvers rooted in conspiratorial doctrines.
  • Media and Public Perception: The impact of media narratives in shaping public opinion and international policies, often influenced by charismatic leaders and their proclamations.

• Notable Quotes:

  Julian Walker [61:54]: "I think Canada would be much better off being a 51st state."

  Matthew Remsky [61:46]: "Canada is broken. It's not the Americans' fault. It's our fault."

7. Preserving Indigenous Identity and Resilience

The episode concludes with an inspiring reflection on indigenous resilience and the importance of cultural preservation in the face of systemic oppression.

• Reclaiming Heritage:

  • Cultural Practices: Highlighting activities like language classes, powwows, and the integration of traditional regalia as means of preserving and celebrating indigenous identity.
  • Adaptive Strategies: Emphasizing the balance between defending cultural heritage and adapting to contemporary challenges, ensuring survival and dignity.

• Inspirational Figures:

  • Burnham's Legacy: Serving as a symbol of resistance and cultural affirmation, advocating for sovereignty and respectful coexistence.

• Notable Quotes:

  Matthew Remsky [66:22]: "We pledge not to sterilize your women, nor to separate your children from their families."

  Julian Walker [66:21]: "And we vow never to destroy three quarters of your trees, but to encourage Earth repair action."

Conclusion

Episode 246 of Conspirituality offers a profound exploration of how historical doctrines like the Doctrine of Discovery continue to influence modern political agendas and cult-like movements. Through meticulous research and engaging dialogue, the hosts shed light on the mechanisms through which language and ideology intertwine to shape societal structures and individual beliefs. By examining both historical contexts and current events, the episode underscores the necessity of understanding these deep-rooted influences to foster informed discourse and resilient communities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Derek Barris [06:27]: "It's very Scientology, like the Sea Org. I guess it's her own version of it."
2. Julian Walker [33:02]: "The Secretary of Interior has made that the official designation in the Geographical Identification Name server."
3. Derek Barris [34:36]: "The colonial laws around Discover supported colonizers four main benefits..."
4. Julian Walker [53:17]: "It's... a smokescreen, as a sort of hypnotic misdirection..."
5. Matthew Remsky [28:52]: "At the heart of it, he's saying that the colonial impulse is built on an absurd narcissism..."
6. Derek Barris [39:56]: "So he writes, the doctrine provided under established international law..."
7. Julian Walker [56:27]: "There's been this bizarre inversion... that is, that somehow got lost in the shuffle."
8. Derek Barris [56:27]: "It's entangled with this question of free speech absolutism is also the question of just simple morality."
9. Julian Walker [61:54]: "I think Canada would be much better off being a 51st state."
10. Matthew Remsky [61:46]: "Canada is broken. It's not the Americans' fault. It's our fault."
11. Matthew Remsky [66:22]: "We pledge not to sterilize your women, nor to separate your children from their families."
12. Julian Walker [66:21]: "And we vow never to destroy three quarters of your trees, but to encourage Earth repair action."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 246, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the discussions surrounding conspiratorial spirituality, historical doctrines, and their modern-day implications. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps enhances the summary's depth, offering direct insights from the podcast for those seeking a deeper understanding of the topics covered.