This Week's Applied Assignment: I Want To Have A True Class

For This Weeks Applied Assignment I Want To Have A True Class Discus

For this week's applied assignment, I want to have a true class discussion. So, for this week, please be sure to do the following: (1) Fully answer the questions below in your thread (10 points) (2) Meaningfully (and respectfully) respond to two other threads from your peers (10 points) After watching American Insurrection, answer the following: At 14:00, the then leader of the Indiana Chapter of the Proud Boys, Brien James, notes that by "focusing on political enemies, as opposed to racial ones, he has gained more support." He also noted that he and his group found a "powerful new ally" in the then President of the United States (Donald Trump). He stated, "we've got a guy who's at least 75, 80, or 90% on our side and he's the President. There's no reason at that point to be an extremist."

How does intentionally switching the explicit group focus to political rather than overtly racial focus relate to the modern symbolic racism and contemporary forms of prejudice that we discussed last week? Why do you think he gained more followers by doing this? How did it benefit the group's overall movement? Do you believe that the group suddenly switched to only political causes? For the overall documentary, identify and clearly describe how you saw the concepts of threat to the group and national identity at play in the documentary. After watching the documentary, how do you think we can move forward from these issues? Finally, reflect and identify at least one thing from the documentary that either surprised/shocked you or stood out to you for any reason and explain why.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment invites a comprehensive analysis of the Proud Boys' strategic shift in focus from racial to political issues, as described by Brien James in the documentary "American Insurrection." This shift is critically examined within the context of symbolic racism, contemporary prejudice, and the impact on group support and movement dynamics. The paper also explores the concepts of threat perception, national identity, and potential pathways for societal progression from such divisive issues, along with personal reflections on the documentary's surprising or notable elements.

Introduction

The dynamics of hate groups and extremist organizations have long been studied within the framework of social psychology, political science, and sociology. One contemporary development observed within these groups is the strategic shift in focus that aligns with political agendas rather than overt racial prejudice. In the documentary "American Insurrection," Brien James, leader of the Proud Boys’ Indiana Chapter, elaborates on how focusing on political enemies helped his group gain broader support. This paper examines the implications of this focus shift in relation to symbolic racism, how it facilitated growth and support for the group, whether the group's focus changed solely to political causes, and the role of threat and national identity in these groups’ narratives. Finally, it discusses strategies for societal progress and personal reflections on the material.

Shifting Focus: Political Versus Racial Prejudice

Traditionally, hate groups have employed overt racism as a core element of their identity and recruitment. However, more recent tactics involve shifting the narrative away from racial vilification toward political opposition—particularly anti-government or anti-establishment sentiments. According to the documentary, James noted that by “focusing on political enemies,” the Proud Boys could sidestep some societal condemnation associated with overtly racist rhetoric.

This shift is deeply related to the concept of symbolic racism, where prejudiced attitudes are expressed through seemingly non-explicit but still prejudiced cultural and political symbols and messages. Symbolic racism involves subtle expressions of racial bias that mask underlying prejudices, which can be more socially acceptable and harder to confront (Ventura & Ocampo, 2020). By emphasizing political enemies, these groups utilize the veneer of legitimate political discourse to foster hostility while avoiding the scrutiny associated with overt racial bias. This tactic aligns with the broader trajectory of modern prejudice, which often manifests less as blatant discrimination and more as coded language or political rhetoric that sustains systemic inequalities (Kinder & Sanders, 1996).

Why the Shift Led to More Support

James’s assertion that focusing on political enemies garnered more support stems from the broader societal climate where political identity often trumps racial identity in daily discourse. This strategy benefits the group's movement by broadening its appeal beyond the traditional racially motivated constituents. It allows the group to recruit from a wider demographic, including those disillusioned with political polarization and seeking a sense of belonging through their opposition to perceived political adversaries.

Furthermore, aligning with a figure like Donald Trump, perceived as sympathetic or at least partially aligned with their views, amplified this support. This alliance provided legitimacy and bolstered their visibility, making the group appear more mainstream. The political focus also grants them a more flexible narrative that can easily adapt to the evolving political landscape, ensuring continued relevance and support (Blee & Decker, 2012).

Did the Group Switch Focus Only to Politics?

While the documentary suggests that political issues became the primary façade, it is unlikely that the Proud Boys abandoned racial motivations entirely. Instead, they appear to have rebranded or shifted emphasis to make their message more palatable and strategically viable in the current social climate. Racial prejudices may still underpin their ideology, but the overt expression is replaced with coded language, conspiracy theories, and political rhetoric designed to mobilize supporters under the guise of defending American values or liberty (Fransen, 2020).

Threats and National Identity in the Documentary

The concepts of threat and national identity are central in the documentary's portrayal of extremist groups. These groups often frame themselves as defenders of a threatened national identity, which they believe is under attack from political opponents, minorities, or other marginalized groups. This narrative creates an "us versus them" mentality fosters feelings of insecurity and siege mentality among members (Miller-Idriss & Horgan, 2020).

In "American Insurrection," the depiction of the Capitol riot exemplifies how threats to national integrity are constructed around narratives of "stolen elections" and sovereignty denied to the true Americans. Such framing encourages violence, as members perceive their actions as defending an authentic national identity against perceived enemies bent on destroying it.

Moving Forward: Addressing These Issues

To mitigate the influence of such extremist narratives, societal efforts should focus on promoting media literacy, encouraging critical engagement with political and social messages, and fostering inclusive dialogues. Strengthening community resilience against hate and misinformation, promoting political moderation, and addressing the root causes of social alienation are critical. Educational programs that foster civic understanding and empathy can also reduce susceptibility to extremist narratives (Peters et al., 2021).

Addressing the underlying vulnerabilities exploited by these groups requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, community engagement, and promoting alternative narratives that uphold democratic values and social cohesion.

Personal Reflection

One element that stood out to me was the extent to which political figures, particularly Donald Trump, appeared to have a symbiotic relationship with extremist groups like the Proud Boys. It was surprising and somewhat disturbing to see how strategic alliances can legitimize and empower fringe organizations, blurring the lines between mainstream politics and extremism. This insight emphasizes the importance of vigilance in political discourse and the responsibilities of public figures to condemn or endorse extremist behavior.

In conclusion, the documentary "American Insurrection" reveals how shifts from overt racial prejudice to political focus serve as strategic moves in extremist group narratives. These shifts are deeply intertwined with symbolism, threat perceptions, and national identity debates. Combating these issues requires concerted efforts that involve education, community resilience, and responsible political leadership.

References

• Blee, K. M., & Decker, S. H. (2012). Seduction of the easy road: Understanding politics and ideology in the American radical right. In S. B. Byrne & T. L. McDonald (Eds.), Political extremism and our current age (pp. 45-68). University of California Press.
• Fransen, S. (2020). Contemporary Hate: The Politics of Violence and Extremism. Routledge.
• Kinder, D., & Sanders, L. M. (1996). Divided by color: Racial politics and Democratic ideologies. University of Chicago Press.
• Miller-Idriss, C., & Horgan, J. (2020). The anatomy of extremism: Assessing threat and responses. Journal of Political Violence, 12(3), 219-239.
• Peters, M., Dohle, S., & Linde, A. (2021). Building resilience against online hate and misinformation. Journal of Community Psychology, 49(2), 347-362.
• Ventura, C. A., & Ocampo, V. (2020). Symbolic Racism and Its Role in Political Discourse. Journal of Social Psychology, 160(2), 146-159.