This past Monday I joined many others for a presentation by Dr. Larry Brown on White Supremacy movements. His doctoral dissertation was in exactly this and he conducted direct participant observer research in several Christian identity movements in Missouri. Through the years he has watched the old racist phenomenon morph and change into the present forms we recognize today.
One of the most notable trends - beyond the electronic domain distributing vast amounts of online material - is "mainstreaming." Movements that formerly operated in the shadows have slowly and surely moved onto the public stage, often clothed with the outer trappings of respectability. The KKK is notable in this regard with their leader David Duke running for office, appearing on public panels and forums, involved in political action. The "Alt Right" movement emerged from exactly this as disparate decentralized groups gathered under its umbrella. Though the emphasis of any one group might vary, the central ideology comes from the same well - white supremacy, anti-immigrant, us-against-them, resort to violence to accomplish ends.
We have numerous groups scattered throughout Missouri. Some wear religious clothing while others are pure cottage industries of hate. Their ideology is exported online and they hold conferences to spread their worldview. "Lone Wolf" perpetrators are often influenced by a network of groups. When the trail is followed you find these terrorists not acting alone at all - the Oklahoma City bombing of the Federal building, Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC - but fulfilling the hopes and dreams of movements with highly radicalized ideologies.
Of special interest to everyone present was the question of how to counter hate movements. When they assemble in public places it is important to not counter their hate in kind; they love to be attacked because it confirms their "under siege" mentality. Rather, extend First Amendment rights, listen, debate, but often surround any demonstrations with larger loving counter demonstrations. Their gatherings often die for lack of a second. Nevertheless we must speak against hate movements, denouncing what they stand for and stating the alternative view of how a democracy that includes all people really flourishes.
