Introduction to the Groypers:
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- The Groypers, led by Nick Fuentes, are a loose coalition of far-right activists, alt-right and white nationalists.
- They aim to introduce alt-right ideologies into mainstream conservatism and have a history of participating in demonstrations, including the January 6 Capitol attack.
Characteristics of the Movement:
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- Groypers are considered white nationalist, homophobic, Islamophobic, and antisemitic, often targeting moderate conservative figures for not being sufficiently extremist.
- They utilize tactics like entryism to gradually radicalize individuals towards their extreme beliefs.
Ideological Foundations:
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- Groypers claim to defend ‘Christian conservatism’ and ‘traditional values’, yet promote racialized politics rooted in xenophobia.
- Their ideology sharply contrasts with traditional conservative values, often opposing mainstream conservative organizations.
Fuentes’ Leadership:
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- Nick Fuentes describes Groypers as the ‘right-wing flank’ of the Republican Party, striving for a more reactionary political landscape.
- He has also called for extreme measures, including a ‘white uprising’ to consolidate power.
Origins of the Groyper Meme:
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- The term ‘Groyper’ derives from a meme featuring a cartoon amphibian variant of Pepe the Frog, gaining traction since 2017.
- The meme is often utilized in online spaces associated with hateful rhetoric, marking a community tendency towards extremist politics.
The Groyper War:
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- In 2019, Groypers actively disrupted events by mainstream conservative figures to challenge their ideologies, labeling it the ‘Groyper Wars’.
- They specifically targeted Turning Point USA events, using provocative questions to expose perceived weaknesses in conservative narratives.
Recent Developments:
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- In August 2024, Fuentes initiated ‘Groyper War 2’, advocating for extreme right demands within Trump’s campaign amid concerns about his polling performance.
- He mobilizes support for more radical policy positions and threatens to escalate pressure on the campaign through various means.
Community Dynamics:
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- Groypers are often described as followers of a single charismatic leader, with no clear hierarchy beyond Fuentes.
- This lack of structure allows for various splinter groups and tensions over loyalty and direction within the movement.
