Award-winning journalist David Neiwert traces the rise of extremist groups from the 1970s to the Capitol insurrection, highlighting their dangerous ideologies and tactics. The discussion explores the intersection of Christian nationalism and fascism, the manipulation of symbols for political agendas, and the threats posed by right-wing extremist groups post-election.
Far-right groups manipulate American symbols to justify extremist ideologies and actions.
Antifa's defensive actions are distorted in media, contributing to false equivalency with far-right groups.
Deep dives
Danger of Fascism and Far-Right Extremism in American Politics
Fascism, characterized by nostalgia, victimhood, readiness for violence, blame on others, and the desire for dominance, emerges as a concerning force in American politics. The book explores the convergence of far-right groups like white nationalists, Proud Boys, and Christian nationalists, reflecting a path towards an American form of fascism. The militias and Patriot movement exhibit fascist undercurrents, with a historical context highlighting the evolving alliances and narratives that culminate in fascist ideologies.
Manipulation Through Patriotism and Constitutionalism
Far-right groups like the Proud Boys present themselves as patriotic constitutionalists, using American symbols to cloak extremist ideologies and actions. The book reveals their manipulation of constitutional interpretations to evade accountability while promoting violence and supremacist views. By co-opting mainstream symbols, such as the American flag and Constitution, these groups obscure their extremist agendas and rationalize their radical behaviors.
Reactive Nature of Antifa and Media Manipulation
Antifa emerges reactively against neo-Nazis, yet media narratives, particularly on Fox News, demonize Antifa as a threat to America. The book traces the origins of Antifa as a conspiracy theory, utilized after Trump's inauguration to vilify leftist movements and justify far-right violence. Antifa's defensive actions are distorted in media portrayals, contributing to a false equivalency between far-right groups and their reactionary counterparts.
Localized Focus of Proud Boys and Implications for Future Violence
Post-J6, the Proud Boys pivot to hyper-local strategies, aligning with Christian nationalists and targeting schools, anti-vax movements, and public meetings. The book delves into the Proud Boys' shift towards a street-level presence, fostering alliances with extremist ideologies and escalating tensions through localized activism. These actions culminate in a trajectory towards increased violence, indicating a potentially volatile environment leading up to the 2024 elections.
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From a smattering of ominous right-wing compounds in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s, to the shocking January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, America has seen the culmination of a long-building war on democracy being waged by a fundamentally violent and antidemocratic far-right movement that unironically calls itself the “Patriot” movement.
So how did we get here? Award-winning journalist David Neiwert — who been following the rise of these extremist groups since the late 1970s, when he was a young reporter in Idaho — explores how the movement was built over decades, how it was set aflame by Donald Trump and his cohorts, and how it will continue to attack American democracy for the foreseeable future.