How a single internet meme became a tool for political disruption
In short: Using irony and humor, the Groyper movement attempts to infiltrate mainstream conservatism. By adopting anodyne personas and leveraging 'edgelord' culture, this network of far-right activists uses provocative trolling to challenge established political figures and shift the American political landscape.
The Groyper movement, led by American white supremacist Nick Fuentes, operates through a network of followers known as the 'Groyper Army.' Named after a variant of the Pepe the Frog meme, the group utilizes a strategy of 'trolling' to confront mainstream conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump. This tactic often involves attending college campus talks to ask provocative questions regarding immigration, Israel, and LGBTQ+ rights, a practice that fueled the first 'Groyper War' in 2019.
A key mechanism of the movement is the use of irony to maintain a 'sheen of deniability.' By framing outrageous or extremist statements as 'just a joke,' the group can dismiss criticism. This digital strategy extends to their online presence, where members often use 'deceptively anodyne' Twitter biographies, describing themselves simply as 'Christian conservatives' to downplay their extremist views. This approach has been used to target figures they label 'Conservative Inc.,' attempting to push the political platform further to the right.
The movement's history is marked by significant internal and external friction. While Fuentes has been a central figure since his prominence at the 2017 'Unite the Right' rally, the movement has faced splintering, such as the 2021 split between Fuentes and Patrick Casey over fears of federal informants. Despite his involvement in the 'Stop the Steal' movement following the 2020 election, Fuentes has faced condemnation from mainstream leaders like Mitch McConnell and Mike Pence, even after attending a 2022 dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Donald Trump and Kanye West.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Groyper | political movement | Britannica
- Also: Groypers
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-groypers.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in US culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
