The Myth of Luigi Mangione: Hero Worship and Extremism

This chapter examines the troubling rise of Luigi Mangione as an online icon following his violent act against a CEO, highlighting how social media shapes narratives around hero worship. It discusses the normalization of violence in left-wing rhetoric and the creation of 'saints' through meme culture, illustrating the consequences of this phenomenon. Additionally, the chapter explores the feelings of powerlessness among the American left and how these sentiments can drive individuals toward radical ideologies.