Episode 86: The Mass Shooting in Buffalo and the Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory

May 20, 2022 Jen Oshman

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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:

Competing Visions of America: An Evolving Identity or a Culture Under Attack? Findings from the 2021 American Values Survey

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

‘This Was Pure Evil’: The Necessary and Accurate Moral Declaration About the Racially Charged Shooting in Buffalo - Al Mohler

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