American Cosmic

In American Cosmic, D. W. Pasulka investigates the widespread belief in intelligent extraterrestrial life, which rivals belief in God among Americans. Through a six-year ethnographic study, she interviews influential figures, revealing that the belief extends beyond fringe groups to include scientists and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. Pasulka highlights the role of modern media, such as The X-Files, in shaping perceptions of alien life and argues that media is increasingly taking the place of traditional religion as a source of answers regarding unexplainable experiences.