Concerns raised that appeal to patriotism is used as a way to attract recruits
A Labour Day weekend rally in Ontario's Niagara Region by a self-described "Canadian men's nationalist" group is prompting concern about rising anti-immigrant sentiment and recruitment efforts of extremist groups.
Researchers who study extremism have compared Second Sons to white supremacist and neo-Nazi active clubs. Such clubs bring members together for fitness workouts, and some experts say it's related to training for what members believe to be an upcoming race war.
Second Sons leader Jeremy MacKenzie is also the founder of Diagolon, an "extremist militia-like organization," according to the RCMP.
On Aug. 31, Second Sons shared photos and videos on social media showing about 50 people marching, chanting and carrying flags through Queenston Heights Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., during the day, before stopping and posing before the 56-metre-tall monument honouring Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock.
Most of the people in those images are wearing matching white masks and black T-shirts, bearing the words "All thy sons" and "He who guards." Videos show park-goers watching the groups from a distance.
"It is a kind of intimidation," said Saleh Waziruddin, a Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association (NRARA) executive member.
Waziruddin, who's South Asian, said he did not witness the rally but has heard from people concerned about the group and that others like it are gaining traction in the area.
"Part of their ideology is that people like me are not part of this family or that we're taking away the birthright of what they feel they're entitled to as white people."
On its website, Second Sons says it's a "Canadian men's nationalist club," established in 2024 and committed to defending a way of life it claims is under threat through political activism and fitness training.
"Our birthright has been stolen from us as we are being pushed out of society, academics and the workforce, and replaced by foreigners without any roots or connections to the Canadian people," the group says. (more...)
Niagara rally by masked members of men's 'nationalist club' raises fears of growing extremism
No comments:
Post a Comment