Bene Gesserit Witches and the Missionaria Protectiva

Summary

This episode examines the "Missionaria Protectiva", a fictional organization from Frank Herbert's Dune series that spreads religious myths and superstitions to subtly influence and control societies. The article reviewed uses this concept to explore real-world sociological patterns where cultural narratives and religious myths can be used to maintain power structures and perpetuate inequalities, often without conscious intent. The episode draws parallels between the fictional Missionaria Protectiva and real-world phenomena like national myths, racial stereotypes, and the "American Dream" to argue that these narratives shape social reality and contribute to the perpetuation of existing power dynamics.