Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1739 The Charlie Kirk Assassination and the Plans to Weaponize It
Sep 23, 2025
Robert Draper, a journalist who profiled Charlie Kirk, discusses his controversial rise and the impact of his tactics. Cy Cantrell dives into the dangerous intersection of online subcultures and real-world violence through black-pilled accelerationism. Tad Stoermer draws parallels to 1933's Nazi playbook, warning of institutional compliance with extremist narratives. Chris Hedges critiques how Kirk's assassination might fuel authoritarian violence and explore themes of martyrdom within Christian nationalism. The conversation exposes the complexities of right-wing rhetoric and grassroots mobilization.
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Kirk's Dangerous Political Legacy
- Charlie Kirk's political method combined theatrical debate with deceit and bigotry that helped break American politics.
- His public canonization after his assassination shouldn't silence critical appraisal of his rhetoric and actions.
Two Opposing Far‑Right Currents
- Cy Cantrell distinguishes Christian nationalism's institutional 'builder' aim from black-pilled accelerationists' 'burner' nihilism.
- Memes serve recruitment, deniability, and desensitization in black-pilled subcultures.
Treat Memes As Ideological Signals
- Recognize memes as ideology: decode clusters, not single images, to assess risk and intent.
- Monitor repetition and normalization to spot when shock content becomes recruitment and radicalization.
