3. The Fable of the Pikesville Clip: ‘I’ve been burnt by the fire once, so I’ll think twice before posting.’

Marianna in Conspiracyland

A headteacher at a school in small American suburb of Baltimore was a prominent member of the local community. But many in the neighbourhood turned on Principal Eric Eiswert, after an audio clip emerged of him appearing to make racist and antisemitic remarks. Except, what no one knew then was that another bombshell would transform what they thought of the headteacher – and of themselves. In this episode of Why Do You Hate Me? USA, Marianna investigates the network of posts and people that can make it so hard to know what’s really going on, even down the street. She explores a new tool at the disposal of conspiracy theorists, trolls, and bad actors at the 2024 presidential election, and interrogates the damage it can cause to tightly-knit communities. Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Daniel Wittenberg & Emma Close Story Editor: Matt Willis Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Design: Tony Churnside Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge