This research explores the development of alt-right microcelebrities within the digital mainstream to highlight the emerging new repertoire of far-right radicalization in a fast-evolving digital...Show moreThis research explores the development of alt-right microcelebrities within the digital mainstream to highlight the emerging new repertoire of far-right radicalization in a fast-evolving digital ecosystem. This paper takes an ethnographic approach to analyzing a single established alt-right microcelebrity, Tim Gionet, known by his internet handle @BakedAlaska. This paper utilizes Senft’s theory of microcelebrity to explore 'How has Tim Gionet, a far-right personality established himself in the digital mainstream through the cultivation of a microcelebrity persona?'. Gionet cultivates unique identity markers to attract a broad audience, through methods of self-branding and marketing strategies. Furthermore, Gionet uses trolling, a digital, performative mocking technique, in his streams to attract attention from his audience, which is maintained through mechanisms of strategic intimacy. Therefore, Gionet is able to develop a para-social relationship with his audience using mechanisms of microcelebrity to establish himself as an influencer within the mainstream community of the Alt-Right.Show less
This study seeks to find out how far-right groups influence the radicalization trajectories of individuals, by analyzing six autobiographies of violent right wing extremists. This study uses...Show moreThis study seeks to find out how far-right groups influence the radicalization trajectories of individuals, by analyzing six autobiographies of violent right wing extremists. This study uses thematic analysis guided by Kruglanki and colleagues’ Significance Quest Theory (2009; 2014). It has uncovered themes regarding problematic childhoods, violent ideologies, and violence as means to gain significance within these groups. This study shows that a traumatic childhood makes individuals more vulnerable to far-right group recruitment, as they want to belong somewhere. These far-right groups promoted ideologies driven by violence, and therefore has led the individuals down a path of violence in order to belong. Eventually the studied individuals found out that their violent actions increased their status within these far-right groups and the white supremacist network, that they missed out on in their childhoods.Show less