Conspirituality Podcast: Bonus Episode Sample - "Antifascist Woodshed 2.1 (Punching Nazis?)"

Release Date: March 17, 2025

In this bonus episode of the Conspirituality podcast, hosts Matthew Remsky and Julian Walker delve deeper into the complex interplay between antifascist movements and the spectrum of resistance strategies employed against extremist ideologies. Building upon the discussions from Part One, this episode titled "Antifascist Woodshed 2.1 (Punching Nazis?)" explores the philosophical and psychological dimensions of resisting fascism, critically examining nonviolence versus direct action within contemporary resistance movements.

Introduction and Context

Timestamp: [00:03 - 01:23]

Matthew Remsky welcomes listeners to the episode, acknowledging Patreon subscribers and encouraging new listeners to explore previous episodes for foundational understanding. The hosts emphasize the episode's focus on unraveling the superficial debates surrounding resistance to fascism, particularly the tension between nonviolent approaches and more aggressive direct actions.

Julian Walker introduces the concept of how discussions about resisting fascism often devolve into debates over manners, decorum, and spirituality. He references a past episode highlighting the Buddhist teacher Michael Stone, illustrating how an overly idealistic interpretation of Gandhi's nonviolence can lead to unrealistic expectations in resistance movements. This introduces the notion of political bypassing, where ideological commitments to nonviolence overshadow strategic objectives.

Challenging the Nonviolence Paradigm

Timestamp: [01:29 - 02:33]

The hosts lean into the scholarly work of political scientist Ben Case to critique the prevailing binary between violence and nonviolence. They argue that this dichotomy is rooted in poorly defined terms and is often manipulated by empirical claims that oversimplify historical resistance movements.

Julian Walker points out:

"Chenoweth and Stefan essentially claim to have validated that version of Indian history that imagined that independence was secured through pure nonviolence" ([02:03]).

Matthew Remsky adds:

"Case shows that they could only make that argument by ignoring a huge range of forceful or violent actions within resistance movements like rioting that fall below the definitional thresholds of their data set" ([02:05]).

This critique extends to the motivations behind the research, highlighting funding sources from entities like the Department of Defense and U.S. foreign policy think tanks, suggesting potential biases in promoting nonviolent resistance as a generalized solution.

Impact of Funding and Ideological Commitments

Timestamp: [02:29 - 02:56]

The discussion further explores how the sponsorship of research influences the narrative around nonviolence. The hosts contend that the ideological commitments espoused by scholars like Gene Sharp often lack political direction, thereby reducing the efficacy and applicability of nonviolent strategies in real-world scenarios.

However, rather than ending on a pessimistic note, the episode pivots back to the positive aspects of social psychology in resistance movements. The emphasis shifts to the value that antifascists place on collaboration and community-building as foundational elements in their struggle against fascism.

Case Study: Antifascist Actions and Media Representation

Timestamp: [02:56 - 04:31]

Introducing a real-world context, the hosts examine recent events involving antifascist actions targeting Neo-Nazi symbols and figures. A news reporter segment highlights incidents of vandalism and direct actions against Tesla dealerships, with graffiti like "who will Kill Elon?" appearing in various locations, interpreted as protests against high-profile individuals like Elon Musk.

Matthew Remsky reflects:

"So maybe you remember my opening last time with comedian Peyton Van Est saying, I'm not saying somebody should do it. Well, this graffiti really finishes the thought" ([03:21]).

Julian Walker and Remsky discuss a series of protests ranging from small gatherings in Decatur, Georgia, to larger assemblies in Manhattan and Portland, where actions escalated to vandalism and even gunfire damaging property. Notably, Lucy Grace Nelson is mentioned for her repeated attacks on a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado, using Molotov cocktails and Nazi-themed spray art.

The hosts emphasize that while these actions are labeled as violent or vandalistic, there have been "no injuries to people" ([04:31]). This distinction underscores the complexity of categorizing resistance tactics and the fine line between protest and criminality.

Conclusion and Forward Look

While the transcript for this episode concludes abruptly, the discussion encapsulates the nuanced debate surrounding antifascist strategies. By interrogating the limitations of nonviolent resistance and highlighting the tangible actions taken by antifascist groups, Remsky and Walker encourage listeners to critically evaluate the effectiveness and ethical implications of various resistance methods.

The episode serves as an invitation to further explore the multifaceted nature of conspirituality, where spiritual beliefs intersect with political activism, sometimes leading to the adoption of extreme measures in the fight against perceived fascist threats.

Notable Quotes:

• Julian Walker: "Chenoweth and Stefan essentially claim to have validated that version of Indian history that imagined that independence was secured through pure nonviolence." ([02:03])

• Matthew Remsky: "Case shows that they could only make that argument by ignoring a huge range of forceful or violent actions within resistance movements like rioting that fall below the definitional thresholds of their data set." ([02:05])

• Matthew Remsky: "So maybe you remember my opening last time with comedian Peyton Van Est saying, I'm not saying somebody should do it. Well, this graffiti really finishes the thought." ([03:21])

Final Thoughts

This bonus episode of Conspirituality offers a critical examination of antifascist resistance, challenging prevailing narratives around nonviolence and highlighting the pragmatic and, at times, aggressive tactics employed to combat extremist ideologies. By intertwining scholarly critique with real-world examples, Remsky and Walker provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in modern resistance movements.

For those interested in exploring these themes further, accessing additional content through Patreon or Apple subscriptions is encouraged, as the hosts continue to dissect and analyze the evolving landscape of conspirituality.