Masonry in popular culture

Masonry, often depicted as Freemasonry, is a fraternity with historical roots dating back centuries, symbolically connected to stonemasons and their craft. In popular culture, it is frequently portrayed as a secret, influential society with rituals, allegories, and symbols like the square and compass. These portrayals suggest it wields power behind the scenes, inspiring conspiracy theories. However, in reality, Freemasonry is a social organization focused on moral development, charity, and brotherhood, with members from diverse backgrounds. Its depiction in media often emphasizes secrecy and mystique, blending fact, myth, and popular imagination.