Why we follow myths when institutions feel hollow.
In the early days of the Trump administration, a peculiar social media presence emerged; several social media accounts claiming to represent “rogue” factions within various federal agencies began appearing, wrapped in anonymity and defiance.
Among the first and most widely celebrated was the Alt National Park Service. Anonymous, iconoclastic, and allegedly run by rogue National Park employees, the account exploded in popularity after the official NPS was temporarily barred from sharing climate data. To many, it felt like a minor rebellion from within the federal government. But to others, it became something more; a sort of symbol of integrity under siege, of resistance wrapped in civil disobedience. However, appearances are not always what they may seem to be.