Thread by @Sheri_Rogers01

I research women and far-right movements in the U.S. and Europe, including why women are increasingly likely to join and how their role has changed. This speech was a masterclass. 1/

First, platform a woman. This is becoming an increasingly common and intentional tactic, especially if you can use that woman to promote the heteronormative (and white) family archetype. 2/

Place the woman in an environment that promotes traditional gender roles, even if it is a façade. Many of these women promote traditional gender norms while often violating them (e.g., working outside the home). 3/

Use references from the majority culture, like religious symbols and practices, references to ethnicity, or language (wearing a cross, referencing prayer). 4/

Raise the alarm about the threats to children. The threats to children are always a powerful motivator, which is why the “Save the Children” campaign and attacks on schools and libraries as threats are so effective.
“She had been sex-trafficked by the cartels at age 12.” 5/

Frame immigrants as a threat to women and children, especially white women.
"Just think about Laken Riley....this beautiful, 22-year-old nursing student went out on a jog one morning. But... She was brutally murdered by one of the millions of illegal border crossers” 6/

Hearken back to an idealized version of the nation (e.g., references to the blood of patriots who overthrew tyrants and pioneers who tamed the wild), and we need to reclaim that.
"Despite the current state of our union, our best days are still ahead." 7/

Promote childbirth (within heteronormative families, of course).
“We want to help loving moms and dads to bring precious life into this world.” 8/

Incorporate a call to engagement.
“I am asking you for the sake of your kids and grandkids, get into the arena.” 9/

What is the cumulative effect? First, and most importantly, is the intentional framing. Putting women in leadership positions softens the rough edges of the movement that historically has been patriarchal and misogynistic. This mainstreams the movement. 9/

Second, use women and children (especially children) as a foil against whatever you’re fighting against: current leadership, immigrants, foreigners, etc. Who doesn’t want to do whatever you can to protect children? This motivates participation. 10/

As a result, more women are not only joining far-right movements but are becoming active participants. This, in turn, helps normalize the movement, making it more socially acceptable and contributing to the rise of the far-right in places like the U.S., France, and Germany. 11/11