Extreme-Lit Review

About Extreme-Lit Review

Dive into the underbelly of the extreme elements of the political and cultural domains with Kieran White, a seasoned journalist with nearly 20 years of experience. Explore the covert operations of militants and agitators shaping our world from the shadows. www.extremelitreview.com (https://www.extremelitreview.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

WOKESCREEN™

Category

education · news

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

13 Jan 2025

Latest episode

21 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Feb 2025

   Nazis, Pedophiles, and Collectivists

   What is your child doing online? This question might stir concern in many parents. The truth is, as much as you think you know, there is always more you do not. We have heard numerous accounts of how various political groups on the left attempt to influence the minds of our youth, leading them further and further away from the natural healthy and nurturing influence of their parents. Similarly, the tactics of alt-right groups in influencing young minds are equally important to understand. The truth may or may not shock you, but they are doing the same thing, just in reverse. Why have you not heard about this, you may wonder? Well, to acknowledge this predatory behaviour would require the admission that the right also has its problems. You may have noticed yourself that so much political capital has been placed into looking externally, however, to look internally into one’s political backyard is seen as a betrayal, to acknowledge White Supremacy, Neo-Nazis, and identitarianism, is to be branded a leftist and thus there is no incentive to call out the bad on their ‘team’. There is a very simple and logical answer to why this is the case, and we can approach it from a few broken-down avenues below: Influencer Class — It is well known that the way in which you maximise the earning potential of your audience is to share content that has the following ingredient; Fear of the ‘other’, helplessness, the feeling that the influencer holds the solution to all these orchestrated woes. Outside of the ‘influencer’ realm, this is otherwise known as the Dialectic—a tactic in which an individual (the influencer in this case) requires a self-serving outcome (financial gain and notoriety in this case) and thus proposes a problem (fear tactics evoking feelings of dread) to a group (the audience in this case). At this point, the group are feeling helpless and seeking a leader to solve the newly introduced problem. The individual will now swoop in knowing of the unspoken power he/she now holds over the group and will propose a solution (give financial support, consume more content, proliferate self-serving messages/content of the powerful individual). Feeling helpless, they accept the solution set-forth by the individual — this is crucially constructed to make it feel like it was the autonomous decision of the group or the individuals. This then achieves the goal set out by the individual and thus manipulates the group into doing what he or she wants. Political Class — A fearful group is a group that can be more easily controlled; the real skill that is required is how to become the trusted voice when all others are framed as the enemy. Propaganda is a very powerful tool that has been around as long as man would tell stories. Its utility in capturing and massaging the narrative for self-serving effects is immeasurably high. Therefore there are many reasons why the political class sees utility in denying the extremes within its own side of the political fence. One of the most obvious is to do so would provide ammunition to their political counterparts in a way that they would not do themselves. Another reason is the crux of politics as a whole, it is about neo-tribalistic interests. Politics is a performance art, it is there to bamboozle and capture your mind, it is there to reinforce the in-group and out-group dynamics of the tribe in which the ‘other’ is treated with suspicion until proven safe. As we will explore further on, nothing short of a full conversion deems them safe within the eyes of the tribe. All this said the act of tribalistic thinking is a natural response to an otherwise unnatural stimulus. It has been pointed out that the collectivist mindset is of a lower intelligence level than the individualistic one as it inherently lacks dexterity and is weighed down by generalised analysis of a problem. All of this comes together as a perfect solution to the disaffected, confused, and undeveloped mind. The one-size-fits-all approach offered by the tribal worldview does well to define clear—albeit artificial—boundaries, rules, and expectations. It essentially outsources the logic, reason, and analysis that humans do so well, to the collective and thus removes a layer of responsibility. However, it's crucial to understand that the influencer class and the political class, while distinctly different in their motives and methods, are not isolated in their operations. They simultaneously feed off the actions of each other, creating a symbiotic relationship where one cannot thrive without the assistance of the other. This dynamic ensures that fear, propaganda, and the narrative of control are perpetuated across different platforms, enhancing the reach and impact of radical ideologies on our youth. We hope you enjoyed that free preview. The Extreme Lit-Review is exclusively funded by our readers. If you would like to listen to the full episode and support our work, then please subscribe below. Theoretical Framework In social psychology, there is a theory that I always come back to when discussing topics such as these and it is Terror Management Theory. Back in 2019, I conducted extensive research into the underground clandestine networks of BLM, QAnon, and the anti-lockdown movements. One of the things I discovered was that the way in which these groups recruited, mobilised, and communicated was like nothing I had ever seen before when it came to similar movements. Terror Management Theory (TMT) explains how fear and acknowledgement of one's mortality leads us to seek safety within a like-minded group and, most importantly, find those who share our cultural worldviews. It is important to find those who share one’s own cultural worldviews within this dynamic so that one can counteract mortality with a cultural immortality that outlasts the individual. In some situations, we see the pursuit of literal immortality through spirituality as an antidote to mortality salience. Now, this awareness could have natural or unnatural origins; however, it is that fear that prompts us to find a 'tribe'. As the fear grows, we become wary of others who do not share our strict views, and thus, over time, the in-group out-group dynamic grows with the tribe becoming ever more pure in their homogeneity. Another theory highly relevant here is Compensatory Control Theory (CCT). This theory suggests that when individuals find modern life difficult to navigate or understand, they may seek refuge in conspiracy theories or religion. Both provide a simplified framework that not only explains the workings of the world in comprehensible terms but also shifts the responsibility for life's complexities onto an external force, rather than attributing it to one's actions or decisions. It is crucial to emphasise, however, that this does not imply that those who engage with these belief systems do so for ulterior motives. Here, the term "conspiracy theorist" is not used pejoratively but rather to indicate the tendency to reduce complex situations to simplistic, often fantastical, 'truths.' Moreover, individuals who might be subject to CCT often experience what could be described as a significant moment of awakening or realisation, typically following a period of intense stress or helplessness. This leads to an exploration of whether adopting a new spiritual worldview is a coping mechanism or an organic awakening. When we consider these different psychological theories we start to understand the cognitive operating system of the tribalistic mindset and we can start to understand how it maps on to the world in which we live fraught with uncertainty and the foreboding everpresent messages of almost certain armageddon on all fronts. It is therefore easy to see how, just as gender ideology has found a way to exploit the messy and confusing journey of puberty, tribalistic extremes are able to prey on the power vacuums and the fight-or-flight dynamic informing the decisions of a very large proportion of society. Both Terror Management Theory (TMT) and Compensatory Control Theory (CCT) tackle the phenomena from two distinct angles. CCT deals with the circumstances through which our young find answers within groups like the Groypers, offering a framework to understand why they might turn to such collectives for simplification and control in a complex world. On the other hand, TMT provides a more profound 'why', explaining how the fear of mortality and the anxiety of modern life prompt individuals to seek safety within like-minded groups. This not only addresses their existential fears but also leads to the secondary effect of reinforcing in-group/out-group dynamics. Through emotional grooming via these fears and anxieties, the group ensnares young individuals, deepening their commitment to the collective's worldview. Collectivism vs. Individualism Possibly one of the most controversial elements we must consider is how the preference for collectivist or individualistic ideologies might indirectly reflect cognitive capabilities. A study by Stolarski, Jasielska, and Zajenkowski (2015), titled "Are all smart nations happier? Country aggregate IQ predicts happiness, but the relationship is moderated by individualism-collectivism," provides insight into this topic. According to their research, while collective strategies would have been advantageous for survival in small, ancient tribes, in today's world, such collectivism does not always promote individual happiness or human flourishing in the same way. The paper suggests that in individualistic societies, where personal autonomy and self-development are prioritised, intelligence plays a significant role in achieving higher levels of life satisfaction. Here, individuals are less constrained by communal expectations, allowing for better information processing and decisions that align with personal interests rather than the collective's "greater good." However, this does not mean that collectivism in its pure form is inherently harmful. The study indicates that in collectivist cultures, happiness is derived differently, with social bonds and community integration playing crucial roles. The implication isn't that logic or reason are absent but rather that they are applied towards different ends, focusing on group harmony and shared goals rather than individual optimisation. When observing the in-group/out-group dynamics, which are foundational for identitarian movements on both the far left and far right, it's evident that these dynamics prioritise group cohesion and cultural purity over individual rational decision-making — as explained by the Terror Management Theory. This can lead to narratives that might not always align with logical or reasoned approaches but are instead designed to protect and perpetuate the group's cultural worldview. Thus, according to Stolarski et al.'s research, Individualistic environments leverage intelligence directly for personal satisfaction. Collectivist settings, however, channel it towards communal benefits at the cost of individual autonomy in decision-making. The social ostracisation of the white male archetype through media and political messaging has led individuals with a natural proclivity towards individualism to feel marginalised. In this context, they seek safety and kinship within a tribe. The prevailing societal messaging, especially around identity politics concerning race and gender, with institutions promoting black-only spaces, provides no deterrent for young minds to lean into group identities. Through the lens of CCT and TMT, we see how these paths naturally guide individuals into the grip of a tribe that enforces collective expectations, leading to group-based interests. When applied to groups like the Groypers and White Wellbeing, this becomes ethnocentric through white identitarian ideology. This shift often occurs during a rebellious phase, which in previous generations might have manifested in different forms of anti-establishment rebellion. Today, for some, joining the Groyper movement is less about ideological commitment and more an immature rebellion against perceived societal constraints on their speech, thoughts, and actions. Do you know someone who would benefit from reading this article? The Groypers You may have either heard the names, seen the mascot, or heard the rhetoric, but do you really know who the Groypers are and what they stand for? We have to go back to around 2019 to see the emergence of this fledgling white nationalist movement. Founded by Mexican/American Nick Fuentes, who came to prominence as a result of a weakened alt-right sphere, while not directly attributing the title of ‘Nazi’ or ‘Neo-Nazi’ to his world views, has been quoted as having a deep admiration of both Adolf Hitler and larger Nationalist Socialist world views and policies. As we have touched on before in our exclusive investigation into the White Lives Matter Activist Manual and the Go Free movement headed up by Jason Köhne, these are no longer your wife-beater-wearing tatted obese men in rural Kentucky, this is a much more digitally attuned movement that — just like the left — has its tentacles in every aspect of society, including your child’s Roblox game. Our report uncovered white-only art websites, ‘anti-white’ trauma therapists, as well as white-only dating platforms. The Groypers’ belief system can be more neatly—yet not exclusively—placed into the box of White identitarian/Supremacist movements with more of an emphasis on the Supremacy elements due to the strong rhetoric of racial superiority. When confronted with this, many point to the addition of a few non-white groupers, however, this fact does not invalidate the Supremacy claims. Additionally, there has been quite a lot of controversy surrounding this movement outside of the rhetoric of its figurehead or supporters. The controversy includes semi-influential individuals who have decided to become internally associated with the movement and its causes that seem to run contrary to the stated beliefs of the movement. Ali Alexander, for example, issued an apology (https://www.thedailybeast.com/stop-the-steal-organizer-ali-alexander-apologizes-after-being-accused-of-asking-teen-boys-for-sexual-pics/) after initially denying allegations of sending inappropriate messages to minors. Later, Milo Yiannopoulos reported on a situation involving Alexander where serious misconduct was alleged with an individual who was 18 at the time in 2016, leading to significant legal claims regarding the individual's health. Yiannopoulos referenced legal documents to support his report, though the details are too sensitive to reproduce here. For those interested, the documents can be reviewed at this link (https://x.com/Nero/status/1816938748355182615). The allegations surrounding Ali Alexander are particularly significant because he was a key figure in the Groyper movement and a close confidant of Nick Fuentes. His alleged misconduct in grooming young individuals not only highlights the predatory nature of some within this group but also serves as a physical manifestation of how these groups psychologically manipulate and ensnare young minds. This behaviour mirrors the emotional grooming discussed under TMT, where the fear and anxiety of the young are exploited to reinforce group loyalty and control. It is important to clarify that we are not in a position to confirm the accuracy of these allegations against Mr. Alexander. Additionally, there has been a fascinating phenomenon of females latching onto the movement seemingly for financial gain rather than a long-lasting commitment to the movement as a whole. The Groyper movement is inherently male chauvinistic in its view of women and their role in society with some saying that it is misogynistic. Therefore the presence of women within the movement is akin to a Jew working with the Nazis; it may have its mutually beneficial logic, to begin with, but ultimately is destined for failure. One such woman who is antithetical to the group’s values: she is in an open marriage, was a porn actress during her college days, and was engaged to a convicted paedophile, whom she defends to this day. Additionally, her spiritual views are completely at odds with the strict Catholic sensibilities of the Groypers. When analysing the interaction and interplay between these 'satellites' and the main group, it becomes clear that this association is a facade. Although not ignored, it is tolerated because it allows the Groypers to expand their outreach. These 'satellites' serve as vectors for the group's message, mirroring the antisemitic, racist, and provocative rhetoric to exploit the typical Groyper adherent for monetary gain. It is a relationship of convenience. There is a common misconception that the Groypers are conservative in origin, however, this could not be further from the truth. Their underlying ideology is fundamentally at odds with Conservatism. One Dimensional Thinking As we previously touched upon, the reductionist view of the world such as the common one in which the Jews are the cause of all worldly ills is indicative of the phenomenon explained in the Terror Management Theory as well as the Compensatory Control Theory. It is clear to an independent thinker that no group is a monolith and that while it may well be true that an individual may happen to be Jewish, as long as there is one other person who deviates from the behaviour of that one individual, it is no longer logically consistent to use the collective attribution of blame. However, when your worldview is informed through the ingroup outgroup dynamic and there is an inherent fear of the other, it becomes clear as to how one would then project this collectivist framework onto others. TMT speaks to this clearly and is extremely accurate in its analysis given the demographic makeup of the Groypers. These are young males who are deeply disillusioned with the world around them and they are not wrong to notice this, however, they become ripe pickings for the snake-oil salesmen such as Fuentes that offer a final solution. How you may ask is it that so many of our young fall into this trap? For this we need to again view the phenomenon through the Compensatory Control Theory. These are young men who have had to face the brunt of messaging asserting that their immutable characteristics are the most important thing about an individual, and on this basis, they have been ranked as the lowest of the low. As with the White Lives Matter movement, we saw how they had appropriated the identitarian race essentialism that was born out of the CRT arena, and used for their own racial means. We had a brewing race war happening in our classrooms, in our entertainment industries, and in our politics. It would take exceptional grit to not succumb to the alluring illusionary safety of a tribe. Therefore we have a system that has failed young males, one that has attacked and demonised their very existence and then leaves these people disillusioned with the world around them feeling as though they do not belong. In other situations, it is the same thing that brings children to believe that they are trans, it is the same playbook, just different vectors of attack. The internet is a dark place and it is one that the alt-right knows well, they are culturally attuned and digitally astute. The Antidote Ultimately, I do not believe that the blame for the rise of figures like Fuentes lies solely with them; they are symptoms of a larger societal problem. For too long, we've focused on the emergence of questionable characters who capture the zeitgeist, yet their success is often a byproduct of the failures in leadership at various levels — from family to societal structures. If there were healthy leaders providing direction, purpose, and a sense of belonging, there would be no power vacuum for these charlatans to fill. The success of figures like Jordan Peterson, who, while not perfect, offers guidance to young men feeling lost and emasculated, underscores this point, showing that better alternatives can mitigate the influence of radical figures. We must ask why there's a newfound admiration for historical despots like Adolf Hitler or current leaders like Putin; it's because they present a stark contrast to the weak leadership and influence in these young men's lives, fostering distrust in traditional sources of information. A logical mind recognises the complexity of historical figures, understanding that even the most controversial have their nuances. However, the warped perspective driven by CCT leads some to reject objective truths, resulting in extreme beliefs like holocaust denial. Dismissing individuals associated with groups like the Groypers or ANTIFA as merely fringe or foolish overlooks the root causes of their rise. We're witnessing a significant mainstreaming of identitarian ideologies, not due to superior PR, but because of a parasitic strategy that exploits societal leadership vacuums. Promoting individualism, critical thinking, and strong, healthy leadership is crucial. We all share the responsibility to provide alternatives, filling these vacuums before they become breeding grounds for radical groups. Only by fostering environments that encourage personal growth and autonomy can we counteract the allure of collective tribalism that groups like the Groypers exploit. We hope you enjoyed that free preview. The Extreme Lit-Review is exclusively funded by our readers. If you would like to listen to the full episode and support our work, then please subscribe below. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe (https://www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

2. 

   6 Feb 2025

   What are QUEER Stick and Poke Tattoos?

   As with the very purpose of this podcast, we believe it is of utmost importance to avoid generalisations or conflating groups as being synonymous simply because they may share some overlapping tendencies, grievances, beliefs, or tactics. We have emphasised the significance of prefixes within the terms used in these circles. Communism, for example, is not a monolith. It is an umbrella term that, while carrying a singular meaning on its own, encapsulates a rich tapestry of rival beliefs. Among these is the anarchist faction often referred to as anarcho-communism or, in some contexts, ANTIFA. What, then, are the aims, ambitions, and beliefs of groups that further fracture and find context within the trans movement? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe (https://www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

3. 

   5 Feb 2025

   What Are 'Affinity Groups'?

   This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.extremelitreview.com (https://www.extremelitreview.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7) There is a common misconception that the militant tactics of the far left operate in the same way their ideologies do. This is not the case. One of the key techniques that has made these groups successful in militant uprisings is the use of 'Affinity Groups.' While the term might suggest a simple gathering of like-minded friends, it functions more like a quasi-paramilitary sleeper cell or a small battalion in this context. As we will explore in this operations manual, 'Affinity Groups' serve not only as an integral support network adhering to anarcho-communist values but also as precision tools in the revolutionary arsenal.

4. 

   24 Jan 2025

   What Is Trans Anarcho-Communism?

   As with the very purpose of this podcast, we believe it is of utmost importance to avoid generalisations or conflating groups as being synonymous simply because they may share some overlapping tendencies, grievances, beliefs, or tactics. We have emphasised the significance of prefixes within the terms used in these circles. Communism, for example, is not a monolith. It is an umbrella term that, while carrying a singular meaning on its own, encapsulates a rich tapestry of rival beliefs. Among these is the anarchist faction often referred to as anarcho-communism or, in some contexts, ANTIFA. What, then, are the aims, ambitions, and beliefs of groups that further fracture and find context within the trans movement? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe (https://www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

5. 

   24 Jan 2025

   ANTIFA Militants Account Of The First Trump Inauguration Uprising

   In this episode, we have an unparalleled glimpse into the inner thoughts of an individual who participated in the first uprising on the day of Trump’s inauguration of his first term. Much of our understanding of ANTIFA is often shaped by the media or critics, and we seldom gain direct insight into the perspectives of individual members. Below, you will find an exceptional moment of candid vulnerability. This provides us with a unique glimpse into a day of action, free from the usual propaganda often found in communications aimed at an external audience. Disclaimer 'The Extreme Lit-Review' is a professional journalistic endeavour that engages with various documents for critical analysis and educational purposes. The views expressed in these documents are not those of the host or the show; they are presented for academic scrutiny to foster an understanding of diverse ideologies. This analysis is conducted under the principles of fair dealing for criticism, review, or reporting, with all content properly acknowledged. The materials discussed may include controversial, offensive, or harmful ideologies, but the intent is always to critique, contextualize, and challenge these views, not to endorse or promote them. Listeners are encouraged to approach this material critically, recognizing that the aim is to educate and inform, not to propagate the ideas presented. If any content is found distressing or appears to promote harmful stereotypes or discrimination, we respectfully suggest you prefer not to continue listening to those particular discussions. This show does not aim to incite hatred or discrimination but rather to analyze and discuss the implications and origins of various ideologies in society from a professional journalistic perspective. The following is an anonymous personal diary entry first published within the pages of an internal ANTIFA zine in 2021 to mark the start of the Biden era. January 20, 2017 On the morning of January 20, 2017, I stood at the intersection of 12th Street and L Street in downtown Washington, DC. Before me, a double line of riot police separated me from the people surrounded in the kettle (https://crimethinc.com/2017/01/30/making-the-best-of-mass-arrests-12-lessons-from-the-kettle-during-the-j20-protests) targeting participants in the massive black bloc march (https://crimethinc.com/2019/01/22/analysis-anarchist-resistance-to-the-trump-inauguration-learning-from-the-events-of-january-20-2017) that had just torn through the city opposing the inauguration of Donald Trump. The narrow strip of no man’s land that separated us from the front line of armoured mercenaries was strewn with abandoned black apparel—sweatshirts, windbreakers, masks, gloves, scarves, bags. Not knowing what was in store for the arrestees—as it turned out, practically all of them were charged with eight or more felonies apiece (https://crimethinc.com/2019/01/30/weve-got-your-back-the-story-of-the-j20-defense-an-epic-tale-of-repression-and-solidarity), though none of those charges ultimately stuck—I figured it might be better if the street were not littered with things that might be misconstrued as evidence. I began to gather up the debris. Plucking these items from right in front of the line of officers was a risky proposition. What if the police grabbed me and pulled me into the kettle, too? Trying to look nonchalant, I managed to snatch up a scarf, then a pair of sunglasses. One of the bigger items appeared to be a full backpack. It was lying right at the foot of a glowering cop. Someone braver than me darted forward and seized it, swinging it up and withdrawing swiftly into the crowd on our side of the police line. I could see by the way the pack swung that it was heavy. I ended up with that backpack along with an armload of black clothing. There was something in the pack, that was for sure. Something heavy and solid. The crowd along the police line was outnumbered; the best I could do for my comrades was to get that stuff out of there. I stepped back from the standoff and made my way south along 12th Street. I passed the mouth of an alley, also strewn with clothing. The straps of the backpack were cutting into my shoulders. I needed to go somewhere private so I could open it up and take a look. It wouldn’t do to open it in the middle of a crowded street in full view of police officers and National Guardsmen without any idea what might be inside. I walked down to Franklin Square and found a coffee shop that was open. A dozen fresh-faced college protesters were waiting in line for the bathroom. I waited for fifteen minutes, but the line hardly moved. Eventually, I gave up and started looking for another establishment. Most of the other places were closed; some of them had lost their windows to the hammers of the black bloc. The streets in this part of DC had been desolate earlier in the day, but now they were filling up with protesters, journalists, curious locals, and the occasional Trump supporter. I walked a block west to McPherson Square. There was some protest infrastructure there, including a tent and Food Not Bombs preparing to serve a meal, but no privacy I could take advantage of to inspect my cargo. The longer I carried the backpack, the heavier it got, and the more ominous its weight became. What was inside it? What if I was walking around Washington, DC with a bomb on my back? I was starting to fear that I was a character in a story by William S. Burroughs. Looking back on that scene from the vantage point of 2021, four years later, it seems like a heavy-handed allegory. The backpack was Pandora’s box, containing all the trials and tribulations of the dawning Trump era. Its weight signified all the unthinkable things that would soon become normalized—travel bans on entire countries, fascists shooting people at demonstrations. It held the grief of all the children lost inside the detention system, separated from their parents by Border Patrol. It held the corpses of the 400,000 people who died of COVID-19 during Trump’s administration. And it held the weight of our responsibility—of our capacity to respond to these tragedies. It wasn’t until I got home that night after a full day of further adventures and narrow escapes that I was finally able to set the backpack down and look inside it. I pulled the zipper open, revealing a red metal canister—a fire extinguisher. The serial numbers had been scraped off the labels so that it, too, might participate in the anonymous collective force of the black bloc. At the bottom of Pandora’s box, hope—in the form of the actions that we can take and the courage necessary to rise to the occasion. To whoever chose to arrive thus equipped at the departure point for the J20 black blo—thank you. Your secret is safe with me. We hope you enjoyed that free preview. The Extreme Lit-Review is exclusively funded by our readers. If you would like to listen to the full episode and support our work, then please subscribe below. We hope you find value in the Extreme Lit-Review and believe in our mission. We are exclusively funded by you, the reader. If you believe more people need to hear this information, then you can gift a subscription today. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe (https://www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

6. 

   21 Jan 2025

   Queer – An Anarchist Deconstruction

   The following is an article published in 2009 by the Anarchist Federation (http://afed.org.uk/queer-an-anarchist-deconstruction/) that provides a comprehensive overview of the term ‘Queer’, its etymology, and its current definition. So to be queer by its original meaning isn’t something necessarily offensive. Yet, still, the term evokes a great reaction from both supporters, who view the word as self-empowering and those who view the word as somehow offensive. But there is an overt and positive movement that seeks to reclaim what it is to be queer; removing from it, its old meanings of peculiarity and its homophobic connotations and replacing them with a coherent socio-political and intellectual theory that has shaped the politics of gender and sexuality immeasurably. Growing out of the sexual-radicalism of the 1990s (in the USA namely) the word queer has come to adopt more contemporary, positive and radical meanings. It is these definitions of queer that have come to stir gender and sexual politics. Queer has come to embrace two notable meanings, firstly it has come to be used as an umbrella term encompassing all those who define outside of exclusive heterosexuality. Secondly the term has come to refer more specifically to those individuals who divorce themselves from distinct gender and sexual identities (gay, male, female, trans etc.) – it is this definition that this article will concentrate on. Queer theory stems from attempts to deconstruct concepts of both gender and sexuality. Rigid concepts of sexuality such as gay and lesbian for example don’t have much bearing on many of our lives, similarly, many of us come outside of the false dualism offered by the binaries of male and female. It is becoming painfully obvious that such ‘closed’ definitions that these labels carry don’t accommodate everyone and indeed many people can be more than one at a time, can be between two or three different labels and even change their preference regarding sexuality and/or gender as their life continues. Those who buy into essentialism however would have us believe that for any specific kind of entity (in this case gays, women, trans people etc.) there is a distinct set of properties or characteristics which they must possess. But as queer people we recognise that sexual orientation and gender are not naturally binding and essential, but fluid concepts. In that vein, queer is less an identity, than a critique of identity; recognising that for those labelled with terms of gender and/or sexuality, there are no specific or general traits even if there are stereotypes. If the word queer has come to denote the exploration of categories of gender and sexuality that is rapidly shaping 21st Century gender politics, then this brings into question how far concepts of male and female are applicable. Whether gender is innate, and how reclaiming queer identity is consistent with an anarchist-communist understanding of gender, sexual identity and capitalist distortions of reality. Ann Oakley stated that ‘Gender is a matter of culture. It refers to the social classifications “masculine” and “feminine”‘ if this is true, then it would imply that gender is a social construct, relative and applicable only to a given culture. If this is taken as correct then it validates queer identity, which suggests that binaries of male and female offer a false dichotomy insofar as the norms, values and traits identified with these labels are perpetually passing into one another. There are a variety of examples to illustrate gender then, as a social construct Stereotypes of males and females would have us believe one cannot be gender-blind, and that everyone is born into a gender. This however would imply that the mind is gendered, that the brain is an organ of sex. This we know not to be true. So what would define gender? Clothes perhaps, or genitalia? Where does one shave or maybe one’s feelings on the colour pink? Gender is meant to represent both physical and psychological attributes which is expected by a given culture. This manifests itself most notably in modern stereotypes of males as strong, honourable and having integrity and females as caring, vulnerable and shy. But just as anarchism is a philosophy that rejects the confines of capitalist society, queer theory questions the validity of gendered roles and stereotypes. Such stereotypes of gender show that the concepts of male and female exist only in their differentiation from the other and are therefore open to critical analysis. This is not to suggest that gender is irrelevant in the here and now, on the contrary, gender is indeed relevant to many people and the belief that gender and sexuality are fluid concepts in no way invalidates the identity of those who define contently with binaries of gender and sexual orientation. But as anarchists, we want a society where differentiation between people based solely on who they sleep with, the genitalia they were born with or how well they fit stereotypes isn’t a concern. We view queer theory as a contemporary understanding of what the society we envisage will look like. If gender and sexuality are a social construction then, we as anarchist communists can offer an explanation as to why this is so, who seeks to benefit from the gender binary and provide a radical critique of rigid sexuality. Queer-anarchism is a happy marriage of two philosophies that break down barriers in pursuit of freedom and liberation. As both anarchist-communists and as individuals oppressed by the larger heteronormative culture we believe that coming outside of sexual and gender binaries is inherently political; we recognise that the confines of sex, sexuality and gender are mere labels that treat individuals as nothing more than part of as easily defined homogeneous grouping; without an identity of their own. This is just not the reality. Moreover, we realise that our rulers seek to gain from the enforcement of gender and sexual binaries upon us and that our fight against sexual restriction is a fight against the very people who maintain it. Anarchist-Communists view the existing society then as conservative, patriarchal and heteronormative not as an incidental occurrence, but shaped as such by those who wish to maintain power for the few not the many. We know that sexual liberation cannot and will not be fulfilled under capitalist society, the bourgeoisie can not meet this demand, we therefore view the logical consequence of gender and sexual liberation as anti-capitalism. Capitalism constantly teaches us that our affairs must be regulated, that we must be ruled wisely and accept authority. To accept authority however and to be accepting of the ruling class’s rule requires a docile workforce exhausted of class-consciousness, one way in which this is achieved involves the labelling of our genders and even sexual preferences, dividing us into set groups. Furthermore, we believe that the market (the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold) isn’t, as some Marxists assume, an abstract and amoral mechanism – insofar as it consciously needs to target particular sections of society to purchase the goods made to produce the lifeblood of the market – capital. Gender enforcement (and sometimes segregation) then isn’t just a way to fragment society further, but also a necessary market-driven phenomenon that needs to sell products and ideas to ‘men’ and ‘women’ differently. The consequence of this is a society where gender expression and experimentation are frowned upon unless it is consistent with the gender assigned at birth; a society where those who are not attracted exclusively to others who are differently gender-assigned are thought of as deviant. Why then is it in the interests of our bosses and the state to enforce gender roles when they are so evidently not applicable to all, are incorrect in their generalisations, and cause division? To ask that question is to answer it… Imagine the political potential of a unified working class; united in their exploitation and desire to end the monotony of work and life under capitalism, this is not an easy task in a society fragmented along so many different lines. But in our division, lies our weakness and it is no accident! A united working class consisting of workers united in pursuit of freedom from the confines of a homophobic, violent and exploitative society is of course capitalism’s greatest threat. The response of the capitalist class then, is to divide and rule; setting male against female, heterosexual against homosexual etc. Anarchists envisage a different society, where social and personal identity are individual concerns and artistic and sexual expression are not regulated. We don’t want a society where you have to choose to be consciously masculine or feminine, we don’t appreciate a society that fetishises ‘male’ dominance and presumes a norm of violence and aggression. Whatever your self-defined gender identity, we all seek a world where how you dress, the people you sleep with and the genitalia you possess do not embody who you are, we feel that the fight for a better world necessitates the overthrow of the very system that perpetuates gender myths and heterosexual supremacy. Sexual freedom will only be achieved in the pursuit of freedom for all, and not just freedom for our rulers and our bosses! So queer identity is compatible with our understanding of a better world in that queer theory is the adoption of the attitudes of what we hope a post-revolutionary society will manifest itself as in the here and now. Our job as revolutionaries is to embrace this but to bring that argument of gender and sexual identity as fluid to the conclusion of anti-capitalism and anti-statism. First published in 2009 by the Anarchist Federation (http://afed.org.uk/queer-an-anarchist-deconstruction/) We hope you enjoyed that free preview. The Extreme Lit-Review is exclusively funded by our readers. If you would like to listen to the full episode and support our work, then please subscribe below. We hope you find value in the Extreme Lit-Review and believe in our mission. We are exclusively funded by you, the reader. If you believe more people need to hear this information, then you can gift a subscription today. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe (https://www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

7. 

   16 Jan 2025

   Child Explains How She Became A ‘Queer Liberationist’ Communist At 11 Years Old

   Molly Torinus offers a defiant narrative of her transformation into a ‘Middle School Anarchist.’ Yet, underneath its triumphant tone, lies a deeply troubling and profoundly sad cautionary tale, revealing how easily a child can be groomed from a young age into extremely radical ideologies. This unfiltered account provides an unprecedented glimpse into the steps children as young as eleven take to cope with the common trials and tribulations of youth. It highlights how moments of isolation make children like Molly prime targets for radicalisation. The content below is for paid members only. If you want to unlock the full document from the episode and dive into more exclusive content, subscribe today. We hope you find value in the Extreme Lit-Review and believe in our mission. We are exclusively funded by you, the reader. If you believe more people need to hear this information, then you can gift a subscription today. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe (https://www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

8. 

   13 Jan 2025

   ANTIFA Meeting Shocks Outsider!

   Out of respect for the original poster who has come under a lot of scrutiny for this post, we have omitted the name of the account, however, thank them for personally conforming that we could use their tweet in our reporting. An individual wrote on Twitter about how a friend of theirs recently attended an ANTIFA meeting and was shocked by their whiteness. In this episode, we explore the underlying phenomena here of how remembers of the public respond when they are exposed to just how much they have been misled about these groups. More often than not there are two prevailing narratives about mysterious groups such as ANTIFA. One is that they are radical Dems and the other is that they are just thugs. Neither of those are remotely close to the truth. As a member of the Extreme Lit-Review, you will know that no group is a monolith and thus groups such as ANTIFA are at odds with many of the others often placed in the same box. Prefixes are important and as we have discussed previously, ANTIFA operates on a fundamentally different philosophical level than their counterparts. To truly understand what is going on you first need to understand what they want, who they are, and most importantly, who they are not. We hope you find value in the Extreme Lit-Review and believe in our mission. We are exclusively funded by you, the reader. If you believe more people need to hear this information, then you can gift a subscription today. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wokescreen.substack.com/subscribe (https://wokescreen.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe (https://www.extremelitreview.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

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