For Ibram X. Kendi, It's Nazis All the Way Down

"A conspiracy theory is soothing to the believer not just because it promises a complete explanation for all that appears wrong with the world, but also because it confirms the sense that something is wrong with the world."

"The idea that nefarious forces, usually Jews or 'globalists,' are opening the gates to Black and brown immigrants in order to eradicate white culture has propelled extreme-right nativist movements over the past 15 years."

"Kendi correctly calls the 'Great Replacement' theory the most dominant political theory of our time, capturing its spread and the danger it poses."

"Conspiracy theorists get the facts wrong but often get the feelings right, appealing to human anxieties about the good and prosperous life being a limited commodity."

Conspiracy theories offer believers a sense of comfort by providing explanations for societal changes and confirming their feelings of unease. As technology, gender definitions, and institutions evolve, individuals may feel unmoored. Conspiracy theorists validate these feelings by attributing blame to specific groups, often distorting reality. Ibram X. Kendi identifies the 'Great Replacement' theory as a dominant political narrative, linking it to extreme-right movements and mass violence. Kendi's work aims to highlight the dangers of such ideologies and their impact on society.

Read at The Atlantic