David A. Neiwert

Neiwert covers his topic of alt-right terror organizations and conspiracy theories with his usual scholarship and flair. This book feels like something of a continuation of his other work "Alt-America", this time focusing in on the conspiracy theories that radicalize the furthest and most hateful fringes of the Right. Something that sets this apart from other books chronicling the history of these hate groups is a section towards the end with advice and suggestions about how we as a society and as individuals can stop the spread of these dangerous "theories". I enjoy the way Neiwert writes, I just wish his topics of research weren't so distressingly prevalent.… (mehr)

Utterly horrifying, shocking and disgusting this book is as necessary to read as it is difficult to stomach. David Neiwert, a journalist who has had the unenviable task of researching and reporting on American racist and right wing extremist groups for decades, brings his vast experience and knowledge to bear on the dangerous phenomenon of the “Alt-Right”. As exhausting and infuriating as it is to read about the numerous hate groups that have formed in America it is also crucial to understanding the apparently spontaneous mobs of Tiki Torch wielding racists we all witnessed in Charlottesville in August of 2017. What seemed like an out of the blue explosion of hate and vitriol really had its roots in various right wing, anti-government minded organizations from the 80’s and 90’s. These groups, long exiled to the fringes of society and awareness have shown a disturbing resurgence and shift to the mainstream in the wake of innovations like the internet and social media and, of course, the incendiary, hateful presidential campaign of Donald Trump. While I do disagree with one claim the author makes in his conclusion, that empathy and understanding are our most potent and essential tools to stand against the rising tide of MAGA hatted, pepe idolizing young neo Nazis (and I only disagree because I think it downplays the imminent physical danger these groups pose, especially to minorities and women), this book is an indispensable history of and treatise on this terrifying and newest wave of hate plaguing our country.
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