Novara FM: How MAGA Went Mainstream w/ Joshua Citarella
Nov 15, 2024
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Joshua Citarella, an artist and political theorist who explores online political cultures, dives deep into the transformation of the alt-right from niche internet groups to a mainstream force. He discusses the psychological aspects of youth political engagement, revealing how social media shapes beliefs and self-image. Citarella critiques the current state of Trumpism, emphasizing the cultural shifts towards Christian nationalism, and explores the implications of nihilism in political discourse. The conversation is a thought-provoking analysis of the intertwining of politics and the digital age.
The podcast discusses the convergence of online politics and mainstream discourse, highlighting how fringe ideologies influence contemporary electoral dynamics.
It emphasizes the impact of social media on personal identities, revealing a trend of self-optimization that prioritizes appearance over authenticity.
The conversation addresses the shifting political beliefs among youth, shaped by online subcultures and the growing disillusionment with traditional parties.
Deep dives
The Blending of Online and Offline Politics
The discussion highlights how online politics, once seen as marginal, have now fully integrated into mainstream political discourse. The rise of clicktivism has transformed fringe ideologies into potent political movements, with significant implications for contemporary elections. The dynamics of the American political landscape shifted, evidenced by the prominence of ideas that feel more like online content than traditional political ideologies. This blend of online influence and politics is exemplified by Donald Trump's presidency, which was arguably bolstered by these trends.
The Role of Self-Presentation and Optimization
The episode delves into how self-presentation and optimization, particularly on social media, have reshaped personal identities and societal norms. Many individuals now tailor their appearances and behaviors to appeal to the online gaze, often prioritizing social media aesthetics over authentic self-representation. This phenomenon extends to various interest groups, revealing a spectrum of motivations from narcissism to social engagement. The cultural preoccupation with looks and identity reflects a larger trend of individual optimization that is incentivized by the attention economy.
Youth Politics and Ideological Fluidity
Young people's political beliefs are portrayed as increasingly fluid and influenced by online subcultures. The podcast discusses various anecdotes of individuals shifting their political perspectives across the ideological spectrum, from libertarianism to far-right reactions and even depoliticization. The narrative emphasizes how engagement with political thought online can lead to radical transformations in belief systems, often affected by social connections and community involvement. As many young adults transit through these fluctuating ideologies, the long-term impacts on their political engagement and overall worldview become apparent.
The Challenge of Acknowledging Class Dynamics
The content critically examines how class dynamics are shaping voter behavior, especially among young men and women in the American electorate. Research indicates that many voters are increasingly detached from the traditional Democratic Party, driven instead by economic anxieties and frustrations. The narrative suggests that the Democratic Party's inability to connect with working-class concerns has contributed to a growing disillusionment, pushing these demographics toward more populist or right-wing alternatives. This shift highlights the need for the party to reassess its approach and reconnect with the realities faced by a downwardly mobile youth.
Navigating the Future of Leftist Politics
The dialogue explores the potential for revitalizing leftist politics in an increasingly fragmented political landscape. It posits that building grassroots organizations, fostering solidarity among workers, and developing coherent narratives are essential for a sustainable leftist movement. While the current political environment may seem bleak, the emphasis is on seizing opportunities to construct a vision for the future, drawing from lessons learned in recent political defeats. The call is for relentless political education, union-building, and amplifying messages that resonate with the broader electorate's struggles.
In 2016, the alt-right seemed to come from the internet and infest politics. In 2024, the internet and politics have become identical. Are we swimming in the world the alt-right built for us? Perhaps no one knows the world of online politics better than Joshua Citarella, an artist and political theorist whose 2018 book Politigram and […]
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