Elle Reeve, a reporter known for her deep dive into online extremism, discusses her book, shedding light on the disturbing rise of alt-right groups. She explores the unsettling recognition she faces from these extremists and how online hate has twisted political landscapes. Reeve delves into the Charlottesville rally, revealing how isolation can lead individuals to radical ideologies. She also investigates the impact of de-platforming extremists and shares hopeful reflections on creating a better society, even amidst darkness.
The manipulation of Microsoft's Tay chatbot by alt-right users exemplifies how online communities have transformed extremist ideologies into a formidable political force.
The events surrounding the Charlottesville rally reveal how mob mentality and community cohesion among extremists have dangerous real-world implications for society.
Deep dives
The Rise of Online White Nationalism
The podcast discusses the emergence of a younger, internet-savvy form of white nationalism, described as being middle-class and cleverly manipulative. This new variant was particularly evident during the 2016 launch of Microsoft's chatbot, Tay, which was manipulated by members of the alt-right to express hateful and sexist remarks. Observing this phenomenon highlighted the numbers and organization of these individuals, who thrived on trolling and fostering a sense of community online. This online cohesion translated into real-world connections, where individuals with shared extremist views found comfort and camaraderie, effectively normalizing their ideologies.
Charlottesville and Its Aftermath
The events of the Charlottesville rally are examined, focusing on how the atmosphere became charged with mob mentality and overt anti-Semitism. Organizers initially sought to convey a message of preservation regarding Confederate statues but ended up exposing extreme hate during their torch march. The subsequent backlash significantly impacted the alt-right movement, as many participants faced repercussions, including job loss and de-platforming from social media and financial services. This resulted in a critical reflection on their actions, leading to legal consequences and a reevaluation of the group dynamics that had facilitated such radical behavior.
The Evolution of Extremism in the Digital Age
The podcast highlights the ongoing transformation of extremist ideologies as online platforms have shifted how such views manifest in society. With figures like Tucker Carlson echoing alt-right sentiments under a more palatable guise, the distinction between internet trolling and mainstream politics has become increasingly blurred. The discussion underscores a sense of pessimism—while some perceive a decline in organized alt-right movements, the underlying ideologies persist and adapt to new media landscapes. Survivors of the culture, like those involved in Charlottesville, have experienced shifts in perspective, leading to a greater recognition of the dangers posed by these ideologies within both digital forums and real life.
When reporter Elle Reeve is recognized at the airport, it's often by members of the alt-right: the online white-nationalists who organized the violent Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville in 2017, and who originated much of today's political rhetoric. How did a bunch of 4chan users feeding Microsoft's Tay chatbot hateful language become such a potent political force?
Elle Reeve joins Endless Thread to discuss her book Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics.
Show notes:
Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics. (Amazon)
Credits: This episode was produced by Grace Tatter. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. It was hosted by Ben Brock Johnson. Our managing producer is Samata Joshi.
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