Appendix K: The "Reptilian" or "Lizard People" Conspiracy Theory

 Overview

The reptilian conspiracy theory posits that shape-shifting reptilian humanoids (also called reptoids, lizard people, or draconians) control Earth by taking on human form and gaining political power to manipulate human societies (Barkun, 2003). The idea was popularized by British conspiracy theorist David Icke, who claims these beings come from the Alpha Draconis star system and now hide in underground bases (Barkun, 2003). Icke has stated that many world leaders are, or are possessed by, so-called reptilians, including members of the British Royal Family and various political dynasties.

Origins

According to Michael Barkun, Professor of Political Science at Syracuse University, the idea of a reptilian conspiracy originated in fiction. The first appearance of "serpent men" in literature was in Robert E. Howard's story "The Shadow Kingdom," published in Weird Tales in August 1929 (Barkun, 2003). Howard's serpent men were humanoids with human bodies but snake heads, able to imitate humans at will and use mind control to infiltrate humanity (Barkun, 2003). This story drew on Theosophical ideas of "lost worlds" from Helena Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine (1888), which referenced ''dragon-men' who once had a mighty civilization on a Lemurian continent" (Blavatsky, 1888).

In the 1940s, occultist Maurice Doreal wrote a pamphlet describing a "serpent race" with ability to take human form, which later influenced David Icke's work (Barkun, 2003).

Immortality Themes

The reptilian conspiracy is often linked to themes of immortality and transhumanism. Adherents claim these beings seek to prolong their existence through advanced technology, genetic manipulation, or harvesting of human vitality (Lewis & Kahn, 2005). This connects to broader conspiracy narratives about elites pursuing eternal life through unethical means.

Prevalence

A 2013 poll by Public Policy Polling found that 4% of registered U.S. voters (±2.8%) believed in David Icke's reptilian ideas, representing approximately 12 million people (Public Policy Polling, 2013). The theory has supporters in up to 47 countries (Public Policy Polling, 2013).

Psychological Perspectives

Research suggests that belief in such theories may serve psychological functions. Psychoanalytic perspectives propose that belief in reptilian conspiracies can activate unresolved memories of trauma and serve as a mediator between the psyche and intrusive content, functioning as a "psychic retreat" (Dixon, 2023). Other research indicates that belief in conspiracy theories may satisfy a need for uniqueness, allowing believers to feel they possess exclusive knowledge that sets them apart from "ignorant masses" (Imhoff, 2018).

Cultural References

The reptilian concept has entered popular culture and political discourse. In the 2008 U.S. Senate election in Minnesota, a voter wrote in "Lizard People" as a candidate (Barkun, 2003). In 2011, comedian Louis C.K. jokingly asked former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld if he and Dick Cheney were lizard people. The theory has been analyzed academically as a construction of "enmity" in American political discourse, reflecting changes in national identity and real political contexts (Lewis & Kahn, 2005).

Important Clarification

I include this information not to endorse the reptilian conspiracy theory, but to provide context for statements my abusers have made about themselves. I do not believe these individuals are actually reptiles. However, their sarcastic self-identification with this mythology, combined with their eerie appearance and talk of immortality, reveals something about their reflexive mindset and the subcultures they may be connected to.

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