Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps PREMIUM: "Anti-Immigration, the Far Right & the Christchurch Shooter" with Investigative Journalist Joey Watson
Aug 28, 2025
Joey Watson, an investigative journalist known for his work on far-right extremism, delves into the shocking radicalization process of the Christchurch shooter. He explores how innocuous online spaces turned into breeding grounds for hate, examining the interplay of immigration fears and white supremacist ideologies. Watson sheds light on the online manipulation tactics and the chilling similarities between far-right beliefs and religious extremism. The discussion urges a balanced approach to immigration discourse amidst growing cultural tensions.
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Slippery Slope From Concern To Terror
- Radicalization follows a logical-slippery slope from immigration anxiety to violent white supremacism.
- Online networks deliberately cultivate that chain to recruit vulnerable young men.
Christchurch Attack As Online Theatre
- On 15 March 2019 an Australian man live-streamed himself murdering 51 worshippers in Christchurch.
- Joey Watson says the attack was theatre designed to galvanize online extremist communities.
Amplification Through Online Communities
- The shooter anticipated and relied on online communities to amplify his violence.
- These communities re-shared his manifesto and livestream, inspiring copycat plots worldwide.