The imagery of conspiracy
Uscinski refers to typical assumptions or stereotypes that are often used when talking about conspiracy theories. For example, he references the ideas of "fake births, alien cover-ups, and false flags," in order to show how surprising and far-fetched conspiracy theories can be. Overall, these kinds of images contribute to the idea that conspiracy theories are elaborate.
Conspira-sea cruise
Uscinski describes the annual "Conspira-sea cruise," where passengers can "enjoy fun in the sun, pristine beaches, and nightly UFO watch parties." This imagery is used to create a humorous juxtaposition between things we would usually associate with a relaxing holiday, like the sun and beaches, and the more absurd idea of having nightly UFO watch parties.
Imagery of Herds
When describing how conspiracy theories might spread, Uscinski refers to the "herd mindset." He asserts that following the opinions of the crowd can often lead to inaccuracy, saying that "the wise crowd you intend to follow might, in fact, be a herd." In the following pages, Uscinski centers his argument around this idea of the herd, an example of imagery that is used to illustrate his point and provide a visual point of reference.
