This chapter explores the radicalization of parents in South Lake, Texas, who vehemently oppose Critical Race Theory and diversity initiatives in schools. It examines the connections between local activist groups and broader national conservative movements, revealing how fears surrounding changes in education drive passionate reactions. The discussion highlights the complex interplay of gender dynamics and personal motivations that fuel these cultural conflicts, emphasizing the transformation of school board meetings into platforms for anti-DEI sentiments.
At first blush, the successful, suburban moms in Southlake, Texas who helped kick off the anti-CRT/anti-DEI movement animating school board fights across the country have little in common with the young, self-described losers and incels who make up much of the alt-right. In fact, both are far-right extremist groups that are obsessed with race, trans people, and not surprisingly, Donald Trump — and they occasionally collaborate.
Kara talks to Elle Reeve, author of “Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics” and a CNN correspondent, and Mike Hixenbaugh, author of “They Came For the Schools” and senior reporter for NBC News, to break down the parallels and contrasts between the two groups.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher
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