1A 'If You Can Keep It': The Shadow Of Political Violence
Sep 15, 2025
Garrett Graff, an author and historian, teams up with Cynthia Miller-Idris, director of the Polarization and Extremism Research Lab, to delve into the troubling rise of political violence in the U.S. They explore how online youth culture contributes to this phenomenon, fueled by dark humor and nihilism. Discussing the complexities of political narratives, they emphasize the need for education and community initiatives to combat extremism. The duo advocates for robust civic education and leadership to guide youth away from violence and towards constructive dialogue.
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Online Subcultures Drive Murky Motives
- Many recent attackers come from murky online subcultures that mix irony, nihilism, and fragments of politics.
- These communities often defy simple left-right labels and incubate violent tendencies.
Outrage Is Monetized Fast
- Outrage-driven influencers and opportunists quickly weaponize events for profit and political gain.
- That rush distorts understanding and fuels polarized narratives before facts emerge.
Not All Political Violence Is Partisan
- High-profile political attacks now often trace to manosphere and gaming-adjacent networks rather than clear partisan groups.
- These actors are anti-institutional and seek notoriety beyond traditional ideology.
