Episode 86: The Mass Shooting in Buffalo and the Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory
You know by now about the horrific and racist mass shooting in Buffalo last weekend. Ten precious and irreplaceable souls were murdered by a young man who describes himself as a white supremacist and stated in a manifesto that white people have been subject to a genocide and are being replaced by people of color. He says the rampage was intended to terrorize all non-white, non-Christian people and get them to leave the country.
While once very fringe, the Great Replacement Theory is becoming more mainstreamed, either explicitly or implicitly. Research shows that the idea is showing up more frequently online, as well as amongst politicians and commentators. On this episode of All Things we take a look at what the theory says, how it’s behind a number of racist mass shootings over the last several years, and where it’s popping up in American political discourse. We also look at data that reveals a growing willingness to “resort to violence in order to save our country” amongst various populations, including white Evangelicals.
This conspiracy theory and other white genocide or replacement conspiracy theories peddle fear to the masses, which garners great ratings and followers, but is poison for our nation. The Christian must examine carefully who they’re listening to, who’s shaping their view of various populations in our country, and if they are motivated by fear, or love and what’s right. The heinous murders in Buffalo are a reminder that we have yet work to do when it comes to racial healing in the United States. How will we respond? Click here if you want to make a donation to Buffalo Community Fridges.
The following resources helped in the formation of this episode:
A Fringe Conspiracy Theory, Fostered Online, Is Refashioned by the G.O.P. - NYT
‘The Great Replacement’: The Violent Consequences of Mainstream Extremism - ISD
Scrutiny of Republicans who embrace ‘great replacement theory’ after Buffalo massacre - The Guardian
Racist ideology poisons souls - WNG
Dismantling Tucker Carlson’s White-Supremacy Argument - The Atlantic
How the 'replacement' theory went mainstream on the political right - NPR
2022 Buffalo shooting - Wikipedia
White replacement theory a reoccurring trend in mass shootings - wtae.com
Unite the Right rally - Wikipedia
The US will become ‘minority white’ in 2045, Census projects - Brookings
The FAQs: What Christians Should Know About the ‘Great Replacement’ Theory - TGC
'Great Replacement Theory,' explained - The Week
Episode 57: The Biden Administration Raised the Refugee Ceiling, But Exactly Who Are Refugees? - All Things
Episode 52: How Should Christians Be Thinking About Immigration Reform? - All Things