Inside The Longhouse: The Right Wing's Latest Meme
Aug 15, 2023
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Robert sits down with Gare and James to talk about Bronze Age Pervert and a surprisingly influential new family of far right memes. They discuss the right-wing reaction to a popular movie, the influence of Bronze Age Pervert's book, and the historical significance of long houses.
Bronze Age Pervert promotes a philosophy centered on strength, beauty, and the dominance of men, critiquing modern society and championing violence as a means of enforcing their will.
BAPists misinterpret the term 'long house' and use it as a symbol of the decline of masculinity and the dominance of women, perpetuating a flawed interpretation of history to criticize contemporary society and progressive values.
Deep dives
The Influence of Bronze Age Pervert
Bronze Age Pervert, an influential ideologue among the insurgent right, promotes a philosophy centered on strength, beauty, and the dominance of men. He criticizes modern society and champions small groups of attractive men enforcing their will through violence. His followers, known as BAPists, misinterpret the term 'long house,' using it as a symbol of the decline of masculinity and the dominance of women. Their narrow understanding of history and obsession with a distorted past contribute to their skewed worldview and criticisms of contemporary society.
The Misguided Interpretation of the Barbie Movie
BAPists have used the Barbie movie as a focal point for their critique of progressive values, claiming it promotes feminism and matriarchy. They interpret the character of Ken as an example of the emasculated modern man. However, their analysis is based on shallow and fringe understandings of societal dynamics. BAPists' fixation on distorted views of history and their nostalgia for an imagined past limit their ability to engage with nuanced cultural transformations.
The Appeal of Bronze Age Pervert's Philosophy
Bronze Age Pervert's philosophy resonates with a subset of young men dissatisfied with perceived societal norms and values. His writings, characterized by excessive language and unconventional ideas, advocate for a return to a mythical ancient Greece and an overthrow of current egalitarian beliefs. His messages attract young men grappling with their identity and seeking a sense of purpose, while offering excitement and a sense of rebellion against societal expectations.
The Longhouse Symbolism
The longhouse, as interpreted by BAPists, symbolizes pre-modern egalitarian societies dominated by women. They argue that contemporary society is regressing towards the misery of ancient times due to women's increasing influence and the erosion of traditional masculine power. However, their understanding of longhouse culture overlooks the diverse historical realities and cultural contexts behind these dwellings. BAPists misapply the longhouse metaphor to criticize the influence of feminism and progressive values in modern society, perpetuating a flawed interpretation of history.