Exactly this. And the Klan as the OG pyramid scheme — my god, you’re right. Terrifying.
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It wasn’t the first by any means, but the system of paying dues and creating ridiculous titles and sending tithes to higher ups was all part of the organization. Hate was a key component, but the social circle was another sales point.
aug 31, 2025, 1:14 pm • 1 0 • view
That happened bc they went to uni in a supportive environment where they obtained the tools to see thru pseudo-intellectual right-wing drivel, a vocabulary for understanding themselves, and a creative outlet. Things could have gone very differently had they not.
aug 31, 2025, 1:20 pm • 0 0 • view
I can say as an academic and a Jewish trans woman who underwent an early version of conversion therapy as a kid, I flirted with libertarianism in undergrad, believing in meritocracy, but getting out and seeing different cultures got me to understand the evil of hierarchy and hegemony.
aug 31, 2025, 1:28 pm • 1 0 • view
Oh I can absolutely see this trajectory! I’m glad you got out.
aug 31, 2025, 7:03 pm • 0 0 • view
I keep thinking abt a student I had yrs ago who had severe mental health issues&was a huge fan of Jordan Peterson. They hated (what JP said was) postmodernism. They ended up writing their disso on postmodern fiction, getting into poetry, and coming out as trans. They’re thriving now.
aug 31, 2025, 1:18 pm • 1 0 • view
I remember almost 20 years ago in bookstore in Japan killing time for three hours before getting on a train. They had Maps of Meaning. “Oh, it’s an advice book, let’s see what this guy has to say”. I was infuriated by the complete Gish gallop and absence of actionable advice.
aug 31, 2025, 1:41 pm • 1 0 • view
Like, ok, there is some sort of sociology going on here, the guy cares a lot about mythology, but it doesn’t explain modern material conditions.
aug 31, 2025, 1:43 pm • 1 0 • view
Yeah, come to think of it it’s basically how the Mafia operates, too…!
aug 31, 2025, 1:15 pm • 0 0 • view
His family had connections to the Klan. And yes, Hair Furor has used connections to the mafia in his earlier career doing casino and music promos.
aug 31, 2025, 1:17 pm • 1 0 • view
Wait who is “he” in this post? (Sorry if I’m being slow!)
aug 31, 2025, 1:20 pm • 0 0 • view
Trump.
aug 31, 2025, 1:28 pm • 1 0 • view
Ooooh I see. And yes, I remember reading this. I’d completely forgotten about it.
aug 31, 2025, 7:05 pm • 0 0 • view
I think it was Iggy Pop telling a story of how he got confronted by Trump shaking him down for a percentage of the door, and gesturing to the large and burly men behind him to ensure that he got his taste. And Iggy didn’t play his game or scare.
aug 31, 2025, 7:19 pm • 1 0 • view
Oh my god.
aug 31, 2025, 7:38 pm • 0 0 • view