The normalization of far-right ideologies and rhetoric in mainstream politics is alarming to many, as it signals a shift towards extremism becoming accepted and even promoted. The rise of the “great replacement theory” and its echoes in White House rhetoric, as well as the pardoning of violent rioters and the embrace of far-right parties in Europe, are all seen as troubling signs of this trend.
Leaders like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker have spoken out against these developments, warning of the dangers of authoritarianism and the targeting of marginalized groups. The events surrounding the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of allowing extremist ideologies to go unchecked.
It is crucial for society to remain vigilant against the spread of hate and extremism, and to hold political leaders accountable for their words and actions. Only by confronting these dangerous ideologies head-on can we hope to prevent further escalation towards violence and division.
The time to act is now, before it is too late.
6 world, where there’s been a total recalibration of what constitutes acceptable discourse,” she said. “We need to be able to call out extremism wherever it exists, regardless of political affiliation or cause.”
Segal says there’s another factor at play: the normalization of political violence.
“We are seeing a situation where political violence is becoming less and less taboo,” he said. “And that’s incredibly dangerous for a democracy. Because once you start normalizing political violence, it can escalate and spiral out of control very quickly.”
Gadarian echoes that sentiment.
“We need to have a unified response to political violence, regardless of what side it comes from,” she said. “If we don’t, we risk losing the very foundations of our democracy.”
Regenerate 7 spike in antisemitism on campus and in progressive spaces, and not lose sight of the dire, deadly threat of right-wing extremism that directly has directly led to the mass murder of Jews and others in America, and we need the ability to do both,” she said.
Gadarian said the threat of extremism isn’t about any one group, but a worldview that threatens the safety of every group deemed “outsiders.”
“The mainstreaming of these gestures opens up the potential for the next step, which is attacks on communities, both Jewish communities and minority communities more generally,” she said. “Once it is acceptable to make a gesture of Nazi ideology, then it’s acceptable to say some people are less worthy and less deserving and shouldn’t be in politics and shouldn’t exist.”
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