Exploring the myth-making and religious fervor that fueled the Capitol attack, the possibility of Trump's return, and the normalization of violence. Delving into the concept of civil war triggered by conspiracy theories and the debate surrounding Ashley Babbitt's classification as a martyr or a terrorist.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast discusses the dangerous influence of conspiracy theories and the need for a multi-faceted response to protect democracy.
The role of myth and symbolism in the right-wing movement, particularly in relation to January 6th, is explored, emphasizing the power of narratives and the importance of developing a compelling counter-narrative.
Deep dives
The Rise of Conspiracy Theories and the Myth of January 6th
The podcast episode discusses the growing influence of conspiracy theories and the belief in the myth surrounding the events of January 6th. It explores how these narratives have become a central part of right-wing politics and how they are shifting the way people perceive and engage with democracy. The episode highlights the danger of these beliefs, which are fueled by a mixture of religious fervor, mistrust in institutions, and a rejection of facts. It emphasizes the need for a strong response from those who value democracy and the rule of law, and calls for a multi-faceted approach that includes legal action, media literacy, and grassroots organizing.
The Power of Myth and Symbolism in the Right-Wing Movement
The podcast delves into the role of myth and symbolism in the right-wing movement, particularly in relation to January 6th. It explores how charismatic leaders, such as Donald Trump, manipulate narratives and create myths that resonate with their followers. The episode discusses the case of Ashley Babbitt, who was shot during the Capitol attack and has become a martyr figure for the movement. It analyzes the way these myths and symbols are used to rally support, create a sense of belonging, and feed into a larger narrative of persecution and resistance. The episode warns against underestimating the allure and power of these myths and urges the left to develop its own compelling narrative.
Challenges in Fact-Checking and Litigating Against Conspiracy Theories
The podcast episode examines the challenges of fact-checking and litigation in the face of conspiracy theories. It acknowledges the limitations of debunking false claims and highlights the difficulty of combating myths with facts, particularly within the realm of religious belief and fervor. The episode emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the spread of conspiracy theories, which includes fact-checking, education, and grassroots efforts. It calls for a comprehensive strategy that tackles the underlying factors driving the growth of these narratives while acknowledging the power of emotions and beliefs in influencing people's perceptions and actions.
The Urgency to Protect Democracy and the Role of Rule of Law
The podcast episode underscores the urgency of protecting democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism. It discusses the importance of upholding the rule of law and the role that legal action can play in pushing back against the erosion of democratic norms. However, it also acknowledges the limitations of relying solely on litigation and explores the need for diverse approaches, including grassroots movements, media engagement, and public education. The episode recognizes the challenges ahead but encourages listeners to take action and work towards a future where democracy and the rule of law prevail.
On January 6, 2021, supporters of Donald J Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building hoping to stop Joe Biden from becoming president. Three years later, a quarter of Americans believe the FBI instigated the events of that day.
This week on Amicus, we’re trying to understand the myth-making that helped foment the riot, and the religious fervor that binds and buoys Trump’s supporters today. Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Jeff Sharlet, author of “The Undertow: Scenes From a Slow Civil War” to explore the stories and symbols that are shaping Trump’s march toward fascism, and to figure out what place the rule of law has in this struggle.
In this week’s Amicus Plus segment, Slate’s dynamic legal duo of Mark Joseph Stern and Jeremy Stahl break down the latest in Trump’s cascading court cases, and the Texas abortion case that’s on a fast track to the Supreme Court.