Canada's Right Wing Extremists Reading

1. ‘Canada’s Right-Wing Extremists’ Summary of the Reading: The reading explores the diffusion of right-wing extremism in Canada. Using network analysis, it identifies influential RWE individuals and organizations, and maps their inter-relationships across social media. Canadian RWE focuses on opposition to immigration, globalism, and the preservation of 'Canadian values', with less focus on gun rights and survivalist ideologies popular in the US. This framing of multiculturalism and immigration in terms of a threat creates the narrative of white victimhood, where they themselves are defenders of an identity under attack. Appeals to emotions based on the sense of fear, resentment, and loss of identity have become essential elements in RWE movements in Canada. Other than the political arguments, RWE groups in Canada utilize social media to amplify a notion of shared victimhood entailing cultural preservation. This emotional strategy also allows them to connect more meaningfully with supporters and to build a collective identity in strong support of one another, mobilized under the belief that Canadian identity is under threat through globalization and diversity. Discussion Questions: ● Q1: "This reading discusses how Canadian RWE groups use emotional appeals like fear and resentment. Do you think these emotions are more effective than straightforward political arguments for uniting a movement? Why or why not?" Yes, definitely; an appeal to emotion can often do more to mobilize a movement than a dispassionate political argument. The transcript conveys consensus that the realm of the emotions is intimate and linking, often unrestrictedly more effective than abstract discussions of policy. RWE groups tap into insecurities linked to fears and resentments among people who think of themselves as marginalized or threatened by changes in society. The emotional stories make people take them personally, which then infuses into a better sense of urgency and solidarity. It also connects with the wish to belong, drawing people into communities that validate their emotions, even if those communities are filled with harmful ideologies. ● Q2: "In what ways do these emotional appeals—such as the belief that Canadian identity is ‘under attack’—affect public opinion on topics like multiculturalism and immigration?" Emotional appeals, above all the idea of the Canadian identity being 'under attack,' significantly shape the direction of public opinion with regard to multiculturalism and immigration. As the transcript suggests, framing the story over and over that immigrants threaten Canadian values may lead ordinary folks, unwittingly or otherwise, to support even drastic policy targeting immigration reduction or forced assimilation. It would appear that the stigma against multiculturalism is starting to set in, even in a country that boasts of its diversity. The sentiment underlying this belief is that Canadian culture is something that has to be protected from external threats. This might further provoke a backlash against diversity initiatives and greater support for more policies that are exclusionary. This has real-world implications, as political leaders can leverage these sentiments to gain electoral support by promising to 'protect' Canadian values. ● Q3: "Do you think RWE movements would be as influential if they didn’t rely on these emotional tactics? How crucial are these appeals in shaping their overall impact and reach?" Without appeals to emotion, movements such as RWE's would be much less influential. As discussed, through utilizing emotion, these groups are able to establish some sense of collective identity among followers of perceived attacks against them and their cause. Emotions such as fear, anger, and resentment can unite in a manner that purely logical or policy-based issues never could. The argument of emotion instills a sense of urgency and solidarity necessary in the mobilization of action, sustaining engagement over time. Moreover, social media amplifies these emotional connections by offering echo chambers in which persons find validation from others who share their fears and resentments. Without these emotional drivers, movements within RWE would not even come close to having as much influence or reach because they do not have those strong, personal connections that keep one's supporters coming back for more.