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A recent tweet by MSNBC of an article about far-right and white supremacist radicalization in fitness and combat sports like mixed martial arts has drawn substantial attention and controversy to an issue that I have long viewed as imperative to protecting democracy and helping progressive movements gain support from young men in particular. Exposing these issues and the nefarious characters starting white supremacist MMA gyms and online groups is important, but rhetoric should be designed to show that the left does not oppose fitness and combat sports themselves. In fact, the left should be involved in fitness and combat sports, create alternatives for populations vulnerable to bad actors, and can both prevent radicalization and provide much benefit to the fitness community. There is a way to balance both the need for body positivity and the desire of many to become strong athletes and realize their full potential. Leftism and progressivism must not be known as the ideologies of weakness and defeat.
MSNBC article by Cynthia Miller-Idriss about white supremacist and far-right groups recruiting through online fitness communities:
Article about the controversy surrounding the MSNBC article: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12284617/amp/MSNBC-op-ed-slammed-online-claiming-working-linked-far-right-politics.html
If you are interested in preventing radicalization in fitness communities and creating a positive, progressive, leftist approach to fitness, I have more insights in these episodes:
Episode on Liver King, right-wing fitness influencers, and how progressives can contribute to and influence the fitness narrative:
As I discussed, pro wrestling has some amazing examples with progressive and leftist athletes showing a new path for positive masculinity, fitness, and combat sports. Adam Page is one of my favorite exemplars of this and my article “Can A Millennial Cowboy Wrestler’s Ways Help Save Our Social and Political Discourse?” will introduce you to his story and the lessons from his approach: https://podcast.greysonpeltier.com/wp/2021/07/28/can-a-millennial-cowboy-wrestlers-ways-save-our-social-and-political-discourse/
Fighting Toxic Masculinity with Pro Wrestling episode:
Article discussing narratives of “redemptive combat,” a new approach we can take to help young men see their strength in a non-toxic manner:
https://www.prowrestlingmusings.com/post/entering-jon-moxley-s-narrative-of-redemptive-combat
Got questions or comments about this episode? Is there another political or social issue you’d like me to cover? Have you faced oppression, have a story about bad bosses, a corrupt company, or another injustice you want to vent or spread the word about? I’d love to hear from you! Call in and leave a voicemail any time, day or night, toll free at 844-477-PUNK (7865)
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