In the early days of the Trump administration, I recall casually browsing the politics section at my local bookstore, curious about which left-leaning commentators were getting the spotlight that week.
Then, one day, I stumbled upon a small niche in political science known as the alt-right.
It reminded me a bit of the punk movement—there was something intriguing about being part of it. But everything I had heard about it was mostly negative.
I was a bit taken aback to see a bookstore in my predominantly blue town recognize the “alt-right.” Yet there they were, all these books detailing its alleged wrongdoings.
Every one of those books painted a bleak picture, filled with neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other extreme elements, most of whom were supposedly lurking in isolated corners of the country.
The authors often came off as self-satisfied, as if they were heroically venturing into a sinister realm.
Knowledge Without Insight
In all honesty, those books were often pretty dull. Many were published by academic presses and featured dubious statistics, cherry-picked quotes, and obvious distortions.
The authors were often out of touch, lacking an understanding of the social trends and moods that characterized the moment. They seemed clueless about what a meme even was.
Humor? Completely non-existent. They miss out on the irony and sarcasm that vibrant young bloggers and commentators were embracing.
Unheard Voices
I often wondered if anyone would write a genuine account of the alt-right. It seemed unlikely; avant-garde youth cultures tend to get overlooked or misrepresented.
Again, it felt reminiscent of the early punk scene—exciting, yet much of what I had heard was critical.
So, I was surprised when I encountered Scott Greer’s latest book, “White Pill: Online Rights and the Making of Trump’s America.” It seemed to be the first real historical account of the alt-right, penned by someone who truly understood it, even experiencing its fallout firsthand.
Naturally, I was eager to read it.
Progress Noted
Greer titled his book “White Pill” to highlight the various advancements that conservatives made during Trump’s tenure, celebrating their successes.
For those unfamiliar, “white pilled” usually implies having a positive outlook on something.
In the book’s opening sections, Greer reflects on conservatism’s state during the Clinton, Bush, and Obama years.
He mentions what he terms “Cuck Servantism,” a response from Republicans that prioritized being palatable, which led to catchphrases like “Compassionate Conservatism.”
They endorsed same-sex marriage, offered amnesty to undocumented immigrants, and supported affirmative action along with various left-leaning initiatives.
Many see today’s Republicans as hypocrites for not safeguarding against issues like voter fraud and open borders.
But as Greer succinctly argues, things were even grimmer two decades ago!
A New Wave of Energy
In reaction to the feebleness of establishment Republicans in the 2000s, a fresh wave of rebelliousness emerged among young conservatives.
Greer cites an obscure 2008 piece by historian Paul Gottfried predicting that era’s toothless conservatism would give way to a “younger, less inhibited” brand of right-wing thinkers who would challenge the existing political landscape head-on, giving birth to the alt-right.
While readers of “The White Pill” may have some awareness of what the alt-right evolved into, Greer presents it in a more approachable manner. It was an online phenomenon, a countercultural movement that starkly opposed the typical liberal ideologies shaping modern American society.
Specifically, many young white males felt alienated by neoliberal ideals, which pathologized their racial identity and called for acknowledgment of their privileges. The alt-right articulated to them why and how they could reject this new societal framework.
The Voice of Youth
Greer then delves into the burgeoning alt-right culture, emphasizing that it was a space where younger voices were finally heard!
He does note, however, some inherent flaws—it was predominantly an online, anonymous affair. Growth was often erratic and haphazard, without accountability or limits.
Even if it occasionally resembled a “movement” or a “political party,” it was more of a spontaneous cultural event that thrived within the expansive virtual realm.
Still, an entire generation came to embrace its symbols, jokes, and overall ethos. It inspired hope and offered a sense of relief from an otherwise chaotic situation.
Complex Endings
However, the alt-right’s journey didn’t conclude on a high note. We all remember Charlottesville in the summer of 2017.
The rally, branded as “Unite the Right,” faced doom from the start. As I began to learn about the alt-right, I perceived the risks involved.
I vividly recall one of the bloggers I followed urging people to steer clear. “It’s a trap!” he warned, and he was spot on. Too many got ensnared.
Political Reality
Throughout his narrative, Greer intersperses his own experiences as a writer and editor, which is refreshing. His reflections on his early career in Washington, D.C. paint a picture of the perils of navigating politics.
Picture a young conservative trying to maintain a job while experiencing an ideological awakening. At times, Greer faced job loss and even blacklisting. Yet, he persevered.
This persistence is encouraging for others, as he has crafted a valuable book discussing a significant topic.
Perhaps what stands out most about “White Pill” is that, despite Greer’s clear biases, he manages to deliver a fairly balanced and truthful account of events. He strives to present the facts as openly as possible.
Imagine that—a candid voice in politics. It truly feels like a breath of fresh air.
