Writing and Literature seminar: Far-right extremism and historical fictions. Helen Young, 9th December, 11am

The next Writing & Literature Seminar  is coming up soon (but note change to usual day and time):

When: Wednesday 9 December from 11 am to 12  noon. 

Where: Zoom (see invitation copied below). 

  Title:   Far-right extremism and historical fictions

Presenter:  Helen Young 

 Abstract: 

 Far-right appropriations of history have drawn increasing attention in recent years. Little attention, however, has been paid to uses of historical fictions by far-right extremists. This paper outlines three ways which US-based far-right figures and groups engage with historical fictions. Self-identified white nationalists have authored and published historical fictions. This paper will briefly outline two examples: The Black Flame (2001) by H. A. Covington, and Glome’s Sage: Vikings in America by Billy Roper. The “Colchester Collection,” an online reading room and book repository run by and for white nationalists makes mainstream historical fictions by authors such as G. A. Henty and Sir Walter Scott alongside books that, for example, deny the Holocaust, claim whites are victims of racism, and assert white racial supremacy on biological and cultural grounds. Historical fictions (literary, screen and digital) are also actively discussed, with examples seen as ideologically sound recommended, on white supremacist forums such as Stormfront; results of sentiment analysis show that these discussions are a source of significant positive affect. Building on recent scholarship on far-right appropriations of history and on radicalisation, the paper will offer some suggestions about how historical fictions function as recruiting and in-group community-building tools for white extremists.

Bio. Note: 

 Helen Young researches in critical race studies, popular culture, and histories of race and racism. She has a Bachelor of Creative Arts/Arts (Hons) from the University of Wollongong and a PhD from the University of Sydney. She has recently published in English Language Notes, the Journal of LGBT Youth, and Continuum. This paper is part of a larger project on white extremism and popular culture.

Hope to see you all there.

Cheers,

Patrick. 

—————————————- 

Patrick West is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: W&L Seminar

Time: Dec 9, 2020 11:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

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