White Supremacists Have Weaponized an Imaginary Viking Past. It's Time to Reclaim the Real History

[Hildeburh]

I though this a good article from Time to share with others who follow traditional Germanic folkways.

White Supremacists Have Weaponized an Imaginary Viking Past. It's Time to Reclaim the Real History

 

[The Kilted Heathen]

An interesting call-to-arms, but I think poor execution. It really just points to white supremacism and says "Bad!" while tying it to Heathenry (with dangerous vagueness), and pushing for a mostly sourceless drive towards multiculturalism. Hell, it even throws in Thor: Ragnarok at the very end, as though that has any bearing on Heathenry.

 

[Hildeburh]

An interesting call-to-arms, but I think poor execution. It really just points to white supremacism and says "Bad!" while tying it to Heathenry (with dangerous vagueness), and pushing for a mostly sourceless drive towards multiculturalism. Hell, it even throws in Thor: Ragnarok at the very end, as though that has any bearing on Heathenry.

I think we must have interpreted this article differently. He does not mention the word Heathenry in the article as a general term; or at all. He mentions that Asatru do not recognise Odinists, so as not to tar all Germanic neopagans with the same brush.

He is solely discussing the far right groups that derive their imagery from outdated folkish sources and media images that support supremacist macho ideals. Hence the inclusion of the Thor story line in which molljnir is destroyed, I think the author included this as an example of countering far right imagery in popular culture.

A call to arms is a little extreme, the article is thought provoking and shines a small light into the dark world of white supremacists who invoke our gods for their own perverted political purposes.

 

[The Kilted Heathen]

Problem being is that Asatru does. One of the biggest names in Odinism is the Asatru Folk Assembly. His article also makes it sound as though Asatru is only in Iceland, Odinism only in America; which is not the case.

 

[Hildeburh]

Problem being is that Asatru does. One of the biggest names in Odinism is the Asatru Folk Assembly. His article also makes it sound as though Asatru is only in Iceland, Odinism only in America; which is not the case.

It wasn't written by a pagan but as a reaction against the shootings in NZ which were inspired by far right racist Neo Nazi ideologies.

It's true Asatru, whilst having its origins in Iceland in the 70s, has had its symbols co-opted by the far right racist groups. For that matter they have also adopted the title Heathenry.

I don't know what the answer to this particular dilemma is, at the Frith Forge in 2017 it was suggested that a new theology be created, I am not sure I agree with that. But then that's just me it smacks a little of universalism, which better fits a Xtrian worldview than a Germanic tribal worldview.

I do like the tactics of Vikings Against Racism though.

 

[The Kilted Heathen]

I don't think a new theology needs to be created either. Nor do I think there's any one good answer. A lot of groups have dissociated from troublesome factions like the AFA, but they're still carrying on like they do and the Media is more than happy to gobble it up. The best course, I think, is to support groups like Heathens United Against Racism and Heathens Against Hate in educating the public about our religion and symbols. The ADA already has good disclaimers about various Heathen and Pagan symbols, noting that while they are used by racists and extremists, more people than them use such symbols and so scrutiny should be used to determine what's up.

 

[Hildeburh]

I don't think a new theology needs to be created either. Nor do I think there's any one good answer. A lot of groups have dissociated from troublesome factions like the AFA, but they're still carrying on like they do and the Media is more than happy to gobble it up. The best course, I think, is to support groups like Heathens United Against Racism and Heathens Against Hate in educating the public about our religion and symbols. The ADA already has good disclaimers about various Heathen and Pagan symbols, noting that while they are used by racists and extremists, more people than them use such symbols and so scrutiny should be used to determine what's up.

I agree, education is the key for new pagans but I doubt that this will have too much effect on right wing racist groups misappropriating symbolism. This has been in the news lately in Sweden, I don't know if you have seen it, what are your thoughts?

Claims Viking Symbols and Runes May Be Banned – The Fuller Picture

It's confronting to have to consider that certain runes (Tyr and Odal), this long after their use in WWII, could now be considered symbols of hate and their usage banned.

I don't have access to the full discussion on this proposal at the moment as we are traveling thru outback Australia and I have limited access to internet.

 

[The Kilted Heathen]

I've seen that going around various groups that I'm in. A lot of concern, but a lot of people trying to keep a level-headed approach to it. From what I can gather, Sweden is really only looking to ban the symbol of one group - Nordic Resistance Movement - which uses the Tiwaz rune, black outlined in white on a green field. It would be really hard for even the government to ban an entire written language. And what would they do with all the runestones that are culturally protected? Here in America (not sure where you're at) we've also got to worry about those runes being used, but it's generally good practice to look at their use in context and proximity to other known hate symbols.

 

[Hildeburh]

Lol I think they would have a great deal of difficulty banning an entire script.

The committee's terms on hate symbols mentions the Odal and Tyr runes, the eagle and laural wreath. I guess we will all find out on or after the 31/05/2019 after the committee reports on its decision.

Personally, I don't think this will have an impact on far right racist groups unless they include strong laws on what constitutes hate speech and start tossing a few of these knuckle staggers into the slammer.