In today’s digital age, the internet has become a crucial battleground for ideological conflicts, with various groups using symbols, slogans, and slurs to communicate their beliefs and rally like-minded individuals. The radical right, in particular, has developed a complex lexicon of symbols and phrases, some of which are cryptic or coded, making it challenging for outsiders to understand their meanings and implications. This guide aims to shed light on some of these elements, providing insight into the radical right’s online presence and how it spreads its ideology.
Symbols
- Pepe the Frog: Originally a harmless comic character, Pepe the Frog has been co-opted by radical-right groups as a symbol of their movement. While not every use of Pepe is extremist, the character appears in a range of memes and images that promote hate or bigotry.
- The Black Sun (Schwarze Sonne): A symbol that features twelve radial sig runes, originally appropriated by the Nazis. Today, it’s used by various neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups, often appearing in flags, tattoos, and online imagery.
- The Celtic Cross: While the Celtic Cross is a historical symbol with many benign uses, a specific version with a square halo has been adopted by white supremacists worldwide.
Slogans
- “14 Words”: This is a reference to the fourteen-word slogan coined by David Lane, a prominent figure in the white supremacist movement: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.” It is a rallying cry for white supremacist ideology.
- “Blood and Soil” (Blut und Boden): A phrase originally used by the Nazis to emphasize ethnicity based on blood lineage and territory. It has been revived by contemporary far-right groups to promote xenophobic and nationalist sentiments.
- “You Will Not Replace Us”: Chanted during the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, this slogan encapsulates the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, which falsely claims that there is a deliberate plan to replace white Europeans and Americans with non-white immigrants.
Slurs
- Ethno-religious Slurs: The radical right often employs slurs targeting specific religious or ethnic groups, using derogatory terms to dehumanize and demonize these communities. The specific terms are widely recognized as hateful and are part of the groups’ propaganda to spread bigotry.
- “Cuck”: Short for “cuckold,” this term has been appropriated by the radical right to insult those they perceive as being weak or traitorous, particularly men they believe are not standing up for “traditional” values or are overly sympathetic to feminist or progressive causes.
- “Globalist”: While seemingly neutral, the term “globalist” is often used in a pejorative sense to imply a conspiracy theory about a global elite purportedly seeking to undermine national sovereignty and promote multiculturalism, often with anti-Semitic undertones.
Online Presence
The radical right’s use of these symbols, slogans, and slurs is not confined to obscure forums or private communications. Instead, they are increasingly visible on mainstream social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and even in public demonstrations. The internet has allowed these elements to spread more rapidly and has provided a space for radical-right ideologies to flourish.
Combating Hate Online
Understanding the symbols, slogans, and slurs used by the radical right is crucial for identifying and combating their presence online. Social media platforms, communities, and individuals can take action by reporting hateful content, supporting educational initiatives, and promoting positive, inclusive messages. It’s also essential for digital literacy programs to include information on how to recognize and respond to extremist content.
This guide is not exhaustive but provides a starting point for recognizing the signs of radical-right extremism online. By understanding the language and symbols of hate, we can better combat its spread and work towards a more inclusive and tolerant digital space.