Introduction

A few years ago, the idea of the Locke and Demosthenes subplot from Ender's Game seemed highly improbable. Would mere internet posters rise to global political influence? Then came QAnon. Now, Locke and Demosthenes no longer seem entirely implausible.

QAnon and Anonymous Influencers

One anonymous figure calling themselves 'Q' gained significant influence on QAnon and affected right-wing politics in the United States. More than 10 representatives in Congress now believe in QAnon, something that wouldn't be a laughing matter if it were any other fringe belief.

Could the Locke and Demosthenes subplot happen in the real world today? It's happening right now. Social media influencers, bloggers, and anonymous figures are indeed gaining substantial online influence, affecting public conversations and even politics.

Winston Churchill's Warning and Influential Voices

Winston Churchill's warnings about German rearmament were often dismissed until events proved him right. He was already one of the most famous and popular figures in the world. In the context of Ender's Game, can we dismiss the idea of two influential online figures like Locke and Demosthenes?

Many online bloggers are indeed getting rich and famous. By networking and engaging in direct email conversations with influential figures, activists and other figures can extend their reach and raise their profile. This is not an impossible scenario in the real world.

Silencing and Co-opting Influential Figures

The only significant flaw in the subplot is that two popular online figures would attract the wrong kind of attention from powerful entities who would try to silence or co-opt them. This is exactly what happens to Peter Wiggin, who seeks allies to protect himself.

However, the idea that Peter Wiggin's identities could be uncovered by someone like Hyrum Graff and used to manipulate Ender is a stretch. While the author may have addressed this in later works, it's also possible that such an approach was discussed in The Shadow series.

The Internet's Evolution and Future

The reverence and prestige that online forums hold in the world of Ender's Game differ significantly from our own. However, such differences aren't as extreme as one might think. Given the evolution of the internet, it's plausible that future changes could make a Locke and Demosthenes a reality.

While the author may have written Ender's Game in a previous era, the underlying themes of online influence and political subversion are still relevant today. The internet's changing landscape, coupled with the rise of social media influencers and anonymous figures, makes the Locke and Demosthenes subplot more plausible in the present.

Conclusion

The Locke and Demosthenes subplot from Ender's Game may seem far-fetched, but given the current reality of internet influence and political subversion, it's a plausible narrative. The rise of QAnon and other online influencers demonstrates that anonymous individuals can indeed gain significant political influence. As the internet continues to evolve, the idea of two influential online figures grappling with powerful entities seeking to silence or co-opt them becomes less of a stretch.