A troubling tour by far-right extremists is making its way through Canada, spreading offensive ideologies in small towns. The group uses humor to mask their racism, particularly targeting South Asian communities. Controversial figures behind these events reveal not just troubling histories, but also a mix of financial motives along with dangerous rhetoric. The podcast delves into community reactions, the media's responsibility in reporting, and the importance of confronting such extremist movements to prevent their normalization.
The Road Rage Terror Tour organized by Diagalon highlights the alarming normalization of hate speech under the guise of humor in Canadian communities.
Local communities are often unprepared for these extremist events, necessitating greater awareness and active denouncement of their harmful ideologies.
Deep dives
Overview of the Road Rage Terror Tour
The Road Rage Terror Tour is an event organized by a far-right extremist group known as Diagalon, which operates across Canada mainly in small towns rather than large cities. Named ironically, the tour mixes humor with hate, allowing the group to deflect criticism while promoting their racist ideologies. Their promotional material often features disturbing imagery, such as a blood-flecked flag, indicating the violent undertones of their beliefs. The events are essentially live interactions that mirror their online content, where they engage in tasteless jokes and racially charged rhetoric.
Diagalon's Ideology and Membership
Diagalon, previously known as the Plaid Army, espouses extremist views that advocate for a racially homogenous Canada, openly expressing anti-immigrant and antisemitic sentiments. The group has gained notoriety for their involvement in past violent incidents, including connections to a conspiracy to harm police during earlier protests. Key members, such as Jeremy McKenzie and Alex Brand, use a mix of charisma and shock to engage their audience, which includes gatherings of 50 to 60 people in small venues. Their approach is largely about normalizing hate speech under the guise of humor, making it difficult for the public to combat their rhetoric.
Community Reactions and Media Responsibility
The tour's presence often catches local communities off guard, as venue operators may be unaware of the group’s extreme views, resulting in public gatherings that raise significant concern. There's a debate about whether media coverage amplifies their message, with some community leaders advocating for transparency regarding the group’s ideologies instead of allowing them to frame themselves positively. Awareness is crucial, yet the media must handle the narrative carefully to prevent inadvertently giving more attention to their hateful agendas. Ultimately, it is essential for communities to actively denounce such gatherings and clarify that their ideologies are unacceptable.
It's not your favourite metal band's summer itinerary. It's a group of far-right extremists who are travelling the country hosting events in venues that range from auditoriums to city parks. The content is about what you'd expect, and has led to several venues closing their doors, but that only leads to claims of censorship.
Why are we telling you about this and possibly raising its profile? Because it can be easy to pretend groups like this don't exist in Canada, or that stuff like Diagolon only exists online. But it's increasingly turning up in our neighbourhoods and communities. So what, exactly, is the purpose of the "terror tour"? Who's hosting it, how did it come to be ... and what do you need to know about it if it comes to your town?