White Extremism and Cultural Identity at Work in the Jan 6 Capitol Riot affluence The photos from the riot at the U.S. Capitol reveal the racial polarity of American capitalism at work. The photos depict a mix of violent imagery, Christian-themed nationalism, and whiteness. These elements are not necessarily polar opposites, but they all point toward a common understanding of these events. whiteness The recent riot at the U.S. Capitol was an example of white extremism and cultural identity at work. The violent imagery, Christian-themed nationalism, and masculinity were all used as markers of whiteness. However, focusing on these markers is misleading. It is not necessary to be white in order to be extremist; we can also look at other factors that influence people’s views. power The images from the Jan. 6 riot in Washington, D.C., clearly show a white cultural identity at play. They show violence, masculinity, and Christian-themed nationalism, all markers of whiteness. Rather than identifying the rioters by race or religion, we should consider the social capital they represent. access The photos from the riots in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., clearly highlight the role of whiteness and nationalism in the rioting. While the rioting was not a riot of whites against blacks or Muslims, it is nonetheless a reminder that a whiteness/Nazi divide is not the right way to understand the events. The rioting is rooted in American capitalism and the privilege that comes with it. cultural identity The Jan. 6 Capitol riot is an example of cultural appropriation, and the photos show it. The photos are filled with violent imagery and Christian-themed nationalism. They also demonstrate a heightened sense of whiteness, and they highlight the privileges of white people. |