Reporter Jeff Sharlet discusses his new book on the role of religion in American culture and politics. They delve into topics such as language appropriation, fringe movements, Christian nationalism, safe spaces, whiteness, mourning, hope in small towns, young organizers, and the power of storytelling.
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Quick takeaways
Maintaining hope and resisting dangerous ideologies is crucial in the face of rising fascism.
Understanding the stages of fascist rhetoric and engaging with far-right groups are essential in combating the threat of fascism.
Deep dives
The Radical Imagination and the Struggle for Hope
The book explores the radical imagination and the struggle for hope in the face of white racism and rising fascism. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of hope and resisting the normalization of dangerous ideologies. The stories of activists like Harry Belafonte and Lee Hayes serve as reminders of the power of collective action and the long-lasting impact of social movements. The book highlights the need to challenge and confront oppressive systems, while also recognizing the complexities and challenges that come with organizing and resisting.
Insights into the rise of fascism in certain regions
The podcast episode discusses the rise of fascism in various parts of the country, such as Florida and Texas, and even in smaller regions like the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The speaker highlights the danger of this global movement and the potential implications for the future, including the need to prepare for potential upheaval and the uncertainty of where to seek refuge.
Exploring the stages of fascist rhetoric
The podcast delves into the different stages of fascist rhetoric, from emphasizing prosperity to promoting conspiracy theories like QAnon to the dangerous stage of martyrdom, as seen during the events of January 6th. The speaker explains how these stages shape the narrative and build support for fascism, drawing examples from the Trump administration and rallies where specific names were mentioned to incite fervor.
Engaging with far-right groups and the importance of mourning
The podcast episode highlights the importance of engaging with far-right groups and understanding their motivations and beliefs. The speaker shares personal experiences of interacting with these groups, including instances of fear and tension. Additionally, the topic of mourning is discussed as a hopeful act, highlighting the need to acknowledge and process the losses associated with changing political landscapes while fostering a sense of resilience and collective action.
Jeff Sharlet is a reporter Marc turned to regularly during his days as a radio host to help explain the role of religion in American culture and politics. Jeff’s decades on the religion beat put him in a unique position to decode our modern social divisions, a journey he chronicled in his new book The Undertow. Now, as Marc increasingly seeks to understand the oncoming threat of fascism, he once again tuns to Jeff, whose vantage point while writing the book revealed the stark, unflinching reality of America’s present and future.