The Conspiracists
Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging
Noelle Cook’s The Conspiracists is an in-depth, empathetic study of conspiracism, filtered through the outlook of two women involved in storming the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Cook ponders what draws middle-aged women, in particular, to “conspirituality,” a philosophy that blends conspiracy theories and New Age beliefs. This companion to Cook’s 2024 documentary of the same title takes as its subjects two “J6ers” who served time: Yvonne St. Cyr and Tammy Butry. Their ideologies are coping mechanisms that provide a sense of belonging, Cook posits. Both endured traumatic upbringings marked by neglect, sexual molestation, and teenage pregnancy. Indeed, their backgrounds are a veritable “ACE [adverse childhood experiences] spreadsheet.”
The book also asserts that COVID-19 was a motivating force for future extremists, fueling anti-vaccination and white supremacist conspiracy theories. The parallel “social pandemic” of conspirituality had inevitable political implications, linking some MAGA supporters and evangelical Christians.
The book’s presentation of fringe beliefs is matter-of-fact. Certain of the women’s views are more tolerant than expected because of their New Age influences. Their stated opinions sometimes contradict their behavior, however. For instance, Butry was dubious about transgender rights yet supported her trans daughter, who later died by suicide.
Four years of research translates into a valuable historical context that stretches back to Helena Blavatsky’s theosophy in the 1870s. Direct quotes from the main players flesh out their personalities. A road trip in St. Cyr’s car en route to her prison sentence occasions a meeting between her and Butry. They hit it off right away, finishing each other’s sentences. Cook admires her subjects’ sincerity despite fundamental disagreements with them. Thus far, there are few surefire strategies for freeing people from conspiracism, she laments. “Disillusionment has to happen naturally,” reinforced by compassionate, real-world communities.
The Conspiracists is an immersive, nuanced work of biographical journalism that illuminates a worrying cultural trend.
Reviewed by
Rebecca Foster
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
