America has many problems: from wealth inequality, to a failing housing and healthcare system. That being said, the biggest problem is the growing movement of the far-right. The far-right, or “Radical Right,” are (usually) decentralized groups of ultraconservative and ultranationalist ideologues, whose goals are far and wide. Some advocate for mass deportations of non-whites, while others actively advocate for genocide.
The rise of the American far-right is the most significant and important factor in the rise of racial and religious violence. In 2016-2017, far right terror attacks quadrupled in the United States, pipe bombs in synagogues and rallies targeting minorities, the American far right presents a national security threat in levels beyond ISIS or Antifa. This is proved by the Criminology, Criminal Justice and Law society (CCJLS) study stating the rise in the far right has had many negative effects on police safety and the safety of civilians. It has been a present danger to those living in the south. Echoing the days of KKK activity, far right movements project a terror into the lives of those affected.
Fueled by online radicalization, the far-right has grown large in numbers, going from fringe groups to having almost 59% of the American right saying that they “Strongly agree” with several far-right beliefs. The election of Barack Obama saw a massive shift towards the far right in the American electorate, and after the first Trump presidency, the January 6th Insurrection, and other events, it can be estimated that 20-25% of the American people are considered members of the far-right.
But why? The far right has grown in response to the shift in the political Overton Window, which is the range of subjects and arguments that are acceptable to the population at any given time. With the campaign of Donald J. Trump in 2016, the Overton Window shifted to the right drastically. Previously, taboo concepts such as Muslim Registry became mainstream political talking points.
From there, White Nationalist and Neo-Nazi Rhetoric online became the norm. From podcasters and commentators such as Nick Fuentes and his “Groypers”, to the far-right takeover of 4Chan and online gaming spaces through GamerGate, far right groups surged. Radicalism eventually became known as “The Alt-Right Pipeline”.
But why is this a problem? The fact is that the far right is inherently dangerous. Yes, it is true the far-left also is dangerous as well as the desire for a revolution is powerful; however, the United States does not have a far-left movement in the same way as the far-right. The far-right has been the leading cause for American domestic violence for the last 20 years, outplacing ISIS, ANTIFA, and more.
The Charlottesville Car-Ramming, the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, the Christchurch shooting, the reaction to Black Lives Matter movements such as the Bastardized “White Lives Matter,” movement, the January sixth insurrection, in which the self proclaimed “Right Wing Death Squad” Proud Boys were present armed and active, and dozens of other events.
The rise of the far-right is an ever growing threat to the American people, democracy, and freedom. The best thing we can do is acknowledge and address the existence of this radicalism, and not deny it as so many have in the past.
