Why Many Racist People Display Such Quotes Online

When discussing the motivations behind racist displays, one often emphasizes the psychological and social aspects. While there's merit to this perspective, a unique angle worth exploring highlights the concept of cost signaling and how racists strategically choose quotes to emphasize their allegiance.

The Costly Display Hypothesis

Paul Mainwood is correct: the origin of the quote in question is Kevin Strom, a convicted pedophile and neo-Nazi. However, the misuse of this quote on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter isn't solely a matter of ignorance. Instead, it serves as a costly display that signals a deep-seated commitment to extremist ideologies.

Understanding Cost Signaling

Cost signaling is a strategic behavior where individuals undertake actions that are costly in the short term but demonstrate their commitment and resolve. This concept, as studied by economists and evolutionary biologists, helps explain why some people prefer to publicly display their support for ideologies that are widely viewed as repulsive.

A Cycle of Cognitive Dissonance

The cycle goes as follows:

Individuals discussing racist ideas in more conservative online spaces such as 4Chan. They spread their teachings on less conservative platforms like Facebook and Twitter. When confronted with criticism, they claim they are being "silenced," intentionally or otherwise. They seek out affirmations of their beliefs, often employing misattributed quotes or statements that highlight their commitment to a far-right cause.

Take, for instance, the quote from Kevin Strom, which highlights his anti-Semitic views:

ldquo;All America Must Know the Terror That is Upon Usrdquo; (1993). Strom is known for his openly anti-Semitic diatribes, emphasizing the perceived threat of Jewish influence over American life.

The Motivation Behind the Display

The question remains: why choose this specific quote, knowing its negative connotations? Racists often gravitate towards statements that signal their commitment despite the accompanying stigma. This is not because they are dabbling or half-hearted about their beliefs but rather because they want to be seen as unequivocally committed.

ldquo;No one would publicly and obviously display their admiration of an openly anti-Semitic user of child pornography without an overwhelming reason to do so.rdquo;

Thus, they are signaling that their commitment to their far-right cause is stronger than their aversion to the sampled subject matter. This behavior creates a clear distinction between knee-jerk supporters and those deeply and irrevocably committed to the cause.

Signals for Supporters and Critics

For fellow supporters of the far-right, such displays serve as a strong affirmation that an individual is not merely pointing fingers or jumping on trends. It signifies total dedication to the cause, making them reliable members of the group.

For the broader community, these displays raise red flags. Observing individuals who prefer to commit such blatant acts of signaling can often guide us towards more proactive measures, such as blocking, muting, or moving on from harmful content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of statements that reference individuals like Kevin Strom is more than a misattribution or a simple mistake. It's a strategic move in the costly signaling game, designed to cement one's reputation within the far-right community and serve as a stark warning to others of deep-seated convictions.

By understanding this dynamic, we can better navigate the spaces where such displays occur, fostering safer and more inclusive digital environments.