March 14th 2024.
According to a recent report by Business Insider, a concerning trend has been on the rise in the United States. A network of white supremacist fitness clubs, known as "active clubs," has emerged, targeting disenfranchised white men and promoting extremist ideologies. These clubs openly mock and criticize former President Donald Trump and his supporters, using fat-shaming tactics as a way to bond over their disdain for his size.
The recruitment tactics for these clubs are deceptively appealing, promising a strong sense of community and offering activities like martial arts or workout regimens. However, behind this facade lies a more sinister agenda - preparing for a race war. Many of these clubs view Trump as a mere puppet, manipulated by Jewish interests, and not a true revolutionary who will enact their nationalist policies. As a result, they have turned on him and now openly criticize him for not being extreme enough.
Videos posted on the messaging app Telegram by clubs like the Alamo Active Club and Nashville movement associates show footage of overweight or non-white individuals at Trump rallies, accompanied by mocking commentary about his weight. This idea of publicly ridiculing those who do not fit their narrow definition of physical perfection was inspired by Robert Rundo, the founder of the white supremacist MMA club "Rise Above Movement." Rundo's ideology of "white nationalism 3.0" advocates for smaller, decentralized groups to improve their online image and evade law enforcement.
The growth of these clubs is alarming, with researchers noting their role in radicalizing individuals towards white supremacy. According to Jon Lewis, a Research Fellow at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, they have become one of the most prominent sources of white terrorist radicalization in recent years. He explains that these clubs are preparing for a "violent clash" in the future, driven by their belief in an inevitable race war.
Once recruited, members are exposed to extremist views and imagery, including neo-Nazi symbols, racist and antisemitic memes, and derogatory articles about people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. A former member shared with Vice News that new members are initially introduced to these ideas through racist jokes and discussions about ethnic-based issues, before eventually being fully immersed in the extremist ideology. This includes the belief that a cultural war will lead to a race war, and thus, they must be prepared to fight.
The growth of these clubs is not limited to the United States. Reports have surfaced of similar groups in countries like Denmark, France, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Canada. What is especially concerning is their ability to recruit and organize white men nationwide, empowering them to start and lead their own clubs. Alexander Ritzmann, author of a report by the Counter Extremism Project, notes that this is an unprecedented growth for a transnational network in right-wing extremism.
These clubs have also begun to make real-life appearances, primarily at anti-LGBTQ protests. Their presence is a cause for concern, as their extremist ideologies and beliefs can lead to violence and harm towards marginalized communities. It is crucial to pay attention to and address the growth of these white supremacist fitness clubs before they cause further harm and division in our society.
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