From Gamergate to political punditry: the evolution of Sargon of Akkad
In short: Once a critic of video game research groups, Carl Benjamin has become a prominent figure in British right-wing politics. Known online as Sargon of Akkad, his journey from digital conspiracy theories to running for the European Parliament highlights the shifting boundaries of online influence and political identity.
Carl Charles Benjamin, born in 1979 in Swindon, gained significant online notoriety during the 2014 Gamergate harassment campaign. During this period, he promoted a conspiracy theory suggesting that the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) was being co-opted by feminists to influence game development. This era marked his transition into a political commentator, often using his YouTube channel to criticize feminism, Islam, and what he terms 'political correctness.'
Benjamin's political trajectory has seen him move from identifying as a classical liberal to rejecting liberalism in favor of right-wing populist and Trumpian views. He was a member of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and stood as an unsuccessful candidate for the South West England constituency in the 2019 European Parliament election. This election saw UKIP's vote in that region drop by 29.1% compared to 2014.
His career has been marked by significant friction with major platforms and political figures. In December 2018, Patreon banned him for violating hate speech rules regarding racial and homophobic slurs, despite his claims that his comments were taken out of context. This ban led several high-profile figures, including Sam Harris and Jordan Peterson, to leave the platform. In 2019, both his YouTube channel and Twitter account faced suspensions, though his Twitter account was reinstated in late 2022 following Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform.
Beyond digital media, Benjamin has been involved in direct political activism, including the launch of the group Hearts of Oak in 2020 alongside Tommy Robinson. He has also been a vocal critic of various social movements, describing social justice feminism as a 'disease of the modern age.' Despite various controversies and investigations, Benjamin continues to operate through platforms like Lotus Eaters.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Carl Benjamin
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