this post was submitted on 13 Oct 2026
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I genuinely think X-files and specifically Fox Mulder was a huge factor bringing a lot of that conspiracy mindset into the mainstream. It was already there as an undercurrent, but having a hit show on the air weekly for so many years — that was tinfoil hat normalisation spelled large.
So having people of colour in the leads and as a show runner? Yeah, I think/hope it will get some wingnut viewers' panties in a knot 😄
I hate this because I agree. Before the X-Files nearly all conspiracy culture had some racist undertones and if you trace nearly any "classic" conspiracy theory back far enough you inevitably get to something involving the Jews.
Basically the whole point of Conspiracy Theory culture was a means of recruiting non-racists into unwittingly advancing racist goals and The X-Files absolutely took that particular bait despite absolutely not actively promoting a racist message.