Podcast Summary: Autocracy in America — Introducing: We Live Here Now

Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host/Author: The Atlantic

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Autocracy in America, The Atlantic delves into the unsettling persistence of authoritarian tactics within the United States. Titled "Introducing: We Live Here Now", this episode features a conversation with Hanna Rosen, the co-host of the Atlantic's new podcast series, We Live Here Now. Rosen, alongside her partner Lauren Ober, embarks on a profound journey to understand the impact of the January 6th insurrection on their personal lives and neighborhood dynamics.

Encounter with the Militia-Neutralized Neighbor

The episode kicks off with Hanna Rosen recounting the initial unsettling encounter with a neighbor displaying overt support for the January 6th insurrection. Rosen explains:

“A block past the park, Lauren spotted it. A black Chevy Equinox with Texas plates we'd seen parked around the neighborhood. Just a basic American SUV except for the stickers that covered the back windshield.”
— Hanna Rosen [01:40]

These stickers, adorned with symbols like skulls, American flags, and the emblem of the militia group Three Percenters, signaled a departure from the neighborhood's usual diverse and moderate atmosphere. The tension escalates when a confrontation ensues:

“We live here now, so suck it, bitch.”
— Lauren Ober [03:08]

This hostile exchange marks the beginning of Rosen and Ober's deep dive into understanding their neighbors' extremist beliefs.

Building Relationships with Extremist Neighbors

Rosen and Ober's approach to engaging with their militant neighbors is both cautious and intentional. Rather than immediately rejecting or confronting them, they choose to "step into that alternative reality", striving to comprehend the underlying motivations and beliefs driving such extremism. Rosen reflects:

“Once you decide to step into an alternative world, it's almost like you have to make the decision... you just do it very, very, very gingerly.”
— Hanna Rosen [05:11]

This delicate balance allows them to observe and interact without escalating tensions, providing listeners with an intimate look into the complexities of bridging deeply polarized communities.

The Process of History Revisionism

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the revisionist narratives emerging post-January 6th. Rosen highlights how certain groups are "retooling the history of an event" to fit a "lost cause narrative", effectively altering collective memory. She notes:

“You have this incredible mission. And then I think one thing that nobody predicted is that they did keep these guys in a segregated wing of the D.C. jail together... so these guys had a reputation at that day, if you remember, as being white. So they did not want to throw them into the D.C. jail.”
— Hanna Rosen [07:01]

The episode delves into how public figures, like former President Trump, contributed to this narrative shift by portraying January 6th participants as "martyrs" and "freedom fighters", thereby galvanizing continued support among certain factions.

Radicalization within the D.C. Jail

Rosen provides a poignant examination of how the environment within the D.C. jail facilitated the radicalization of January 6th detainees. The segregation of these individuals, predominantly white supremacists, inadvertently created a "cohesive movement" through shared narratives and mutual reinforcement of extremist ideologies. She recounts:

“Someone just kind of lost it for a day... felt like they were saving the country from evil forces trying to steal an election.”
— Hanna Rosen [10:40]

This dynamic mirrors historical instances where imprisonment led to the strengthening of ideological commitments, underscoring the challenges in deradicalizing individuals within institutional settings.

Personal Reflections and Emotional Impact

Throughout the episode, Rosen and Ober openly discuss the emotional and psychological toll of their interactions with extremist neighbors. The constant exposure to hostile rhetoric and the militarized atmosphere of Washington D.C. left them grappling with fear and uncertainty. Ober shares:

“I have never before in my life met a person with such penetrating eyes. And she wields them to great effect. If she is staring you down, I promise you, you will find no relief.”
— Lauren Ober [12:21]

Rosen emphasizes the importance of humanizing these individuals to foster understanding, despite the inherent challenges:

“It's a losing strategy. Don't do it. It's so hard... your only option is to just open your mind, hear what they have to say, be curious, ask questions, and that's it.”
— Hanna Rosen [13:28]

This approach highlights the delicate balance between maintaining personal safety and striving for empathy amidst profound ideological divides.

Conclusion

The episode culminates in a reflection on the broader implications of living alongside individuals who support authoritarian measures. Rosen and Ober's experiences serve as a microcosm of the national struggle to reconcile deeply entrenched beliefs with democratic values. As Rosen eloquently puts it:

“They are true patriots. You are trying to deal with something esoteric. You know, you can deal with it.”
— Peter Pomerantsev [15:24]

We Live Here Now emerges as a crucial narrative exploring the fragile fabric of American democracy, the resilience required to confront authoritarian tendencies, and the human stories that underpin these societal shifts.

Notable Quotes

• Hanna Rosen [01:40]: “A block past the park, Lauren spotted it. A black Chevy Equinox with Texas plates we'd seen parked around the neighborhood. Just a basic American SUV except for the stickers that covered the back windshield.”

• Lauren Ober [03:08]: “We live here now, so suck it, bitch.”

• Hanna Rosen [05:11]: “Once you decide to step into an alternative world, it's almost like you have to make the decision... you just do it very, very, very gingerly.”

• Lauren Ober [12:21]: “I have never before in my life met a person with such penetrating eyes. And she wields them to great effect. If she is staring you down, I promise you, you will find no relief.”

• Hanna Rosen [13:28]: “It's a losing strategy. Don't do it. It's so hard... your only option is to just open your mind, hear what they have to say, be curious, ask questions, and that's it.”

Final Thoughts

Introducing: We Live Here Now serves as a compelling introduction to a series that seeks to uncover the roots and ramifications of authoritarianism in modern America. Through personal narratives and in-depth discussions, Hanna Rosen and Lauren Ober challenge listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in meaningful dialogues to safeguard democratic principles.

For those interested in understanding the nuances of political extremism and the complex interplay between personal experiences and broader societal trends, this episode offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration.