Conspirituality

189: Leftists Who Turn Right (w/Jeff Sharlet)

Jan 18, 2024

Journalist and documentarian Jeff Sharlet joins the podcast to discuss the crisis on the left, why some leftists are turning right, and the influence of conspiracy theories. They explore the appeal of feeling transgressive, the value of free speech, the presence of Christian nationalism in right-wing movements, and the concept of whiteness in America. The chapter also emphasizes the need to confront societal troubles, embrace diverse strategies, and take action against fascism.

57:04

Episode guests

Jeff Sharlet

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Quick takeaways

Leftists turning right can be influenced by personal crises, hipster irony, and the appeal of transgression.

The rise of Trump and the fascist movement in the US is characterized by a cult of personality, nationalism, and ecstatic violence.

The dangers of Project 2025 include centralizing power, undermining bureaucracy, and promoting a right-wing agenda, requiring urgent action to resist and counteract the threat of fascism.

Deep dives

The influence of the family on DC politics

The podcast explores the decades-long influence of the family, a cult-like conservative Christian organization, on DC politics, showcasing their collaboration with dictators, anti-abortion and anti-gay initiatives, and potential collaboration with Putin loyalists.

Standing on Principle vs. Picking One Issue

01:15

Recognizing the Persistent Threat of Fascism

01:19

Recognizing the Dystopian Reality and Urgency of Action

01:24

Introduction

3min

Losing the Plot, The Leftists Who Turned Right

23min

Fascism, Ashley Babich, and the Unsettling Church

4min

Whiteness, Racism, and the Construction of Identity

18min

Recognizing and Confronting the Troubles We Face

1min

Embracing Different Approaches and Taking Action Against Fascism

4min

Nothing will stop Republicans from lining up behind Trump. But the left? It's in crisis. Fragmented. Perhaps in times of great flux fascists reflexively double-down while progressives slide into a cloud of self-doubt. There, strange bedfellows are sometimes found in the dark.

To help us understand this territory—what it is and how to navigate it—we're joined by journalist, professor, and documentarian, Jeff Sharlet. His books, The Undertow: Scenes From a Slow Civil War and The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power are field guides for understanding modern America.

Show Notes

Losing the Plot: The “Leftists” Who Turn Right

The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War

The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power

The Family on Netflix

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