The opinion(s) in this article do not express the opinion(s) of the reporter. All information is gathered and reported objectively.
‘Engage the Times’ is a series of events that take place throughout the academic semester. Every Friday, UT Martin hosts a specific speaker, professor or student to talk about hotly debated issues and topics, asking questions and creating an inclusive environment for communication for students who have differing or similar views. The event on Friday was hosted by Dr. Chris Baxter, a political science professor in the business administration building. Dr. Baxter allowed fellow political science major Noah Smith to speak on behalf of the topic: Political Extremism during this session of Engage the Times talks.
‘Political Extremism’ is defined as, “the quality or state of being extreme” or, “the advocacy of extreme measures or views”. The term is primarily used in a political or religious sense to refer to an ideology that is considered to be far outside the mainstream attitudes of society.
Noah Smith then introduced himself and began his debate on the topic of ‘Political Extremism in the United States.’ “Specifically,” he said, “I would like to focus on the use of dog whistles and propaganda, gaslighting and prepaid arguments, and how they can negate negative stereotypes.”
Smith started the session by explaining, “…I’ve decided to talk about the [alt-right side] as that is something I am more familiar with going to a southern middle school…”
Smith began to explain the elements behind gaslighting and conspiracy. “These groups want to be the ‘out group’,” He stated. “They want to feel like they’re more powerful than [others], very similar to that of what the Nazis did to Jews. How [the Nazi’s] act so much better than them, so much more powerful, but then claim that the Jewish people are the ones who control everything.”
“Examples of conspiracies where commentators think they know more than you would be things like the Capitol Insurrection, 9/11, and trans rights, which is very different lists.” Smith continued. “When it comes to interactions, groups like the Proud Boys claim to be alt-right, like white nationalists. But other groups don’t claim them per say.”
“Sometimes it’s nothing more than people who are in support of all-white nationalism going to these events simply to be racist.”
Smith explained how people in all-right organizations have an idea of, “… a counter narrative in their head. If you could come from reliable sources, [these groups] then believe that these sources are owned by people that they are very much against.”
“This can lead to very angry organizations that will say or demonstrate [hateful acts] to get you to agree with them; for example they have very much targeted the younger generation, specifically young males.”
Smith explained how this process works, going through social media and listing videos online such as ‘cringe compilations,’ which are people doing embarrassing or harmful to make other people feel disgusted.
“You see people that get very angry defending their rights and people record them while sounding calm and cool. This leads to SJW (Social justice Warrior) cringe comps, where they antagonize a woman or feminist then record the reactions of said woman/women after they had said something incredibly hurtful to them. So, when people watch these videos they see the other side and think they seem unreasonable, while actually these groups are using tactics to rile up their target and then record it so they look shameless.”
Smith explained how this is shown in the modern world, specifically through online media presence. “Modern examples of this behavior include Andrew Tate, who teaches young adult men that they’re lonely because women aren’t good. He teaches about the patriarchy and how it needs a resurgence.” He explained that streamers online will also do this, to engage younger audiences and because it makes money.
“Male loneliness is a big contributor [to this lifestyle.]” Smith concluded.
Smith continued to explained how these all-right groups create exclusionary environments and perpetuate racism in all scepters of politics. He also explained how right-groups tend to use dog whistles, memes and political cartoons to demonstrate their opinions
“You see a big argument coming from this side when there is someone with a differing opinion, but even more so when someone is a different race and a woman.”
Smith concluded the seminar by asking questions for thought, elaborating on why he chose to come from this perspective and answering questions.
“Being from a school towards the south, you hear a lot of racist rhetoric and you really only combat that with hate. I always kind of asked myself, ‘Why?'”
The next ‘Engage the Times’ talk and discussion will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023. ‘Engage the Times’ will continue to be held every Friday through the remainder of the academic semester.
