Why The American West Is A Hotbed Of Extremism And Misinformation
HuffPost
A new book breaks down myths about the Western U.S., and examines why it's an increasingly welcoming space for far-right extremism to take root.
Conservation writer and historian Betsy Gaines Quammen lives in the heart of Bozeman, Montana — a city and a state that have been inundated with wealthy transplants in recent years, thanks in part to pandemic-era migration out of urban areas and the hit TV Western series “Yellowstone.”
Long-standing myths about the American West — including the perception of the region as a limitless open frontier where freedom is paramount — are also reshaping Montana and other Western states, as Gaines Quammen details in her recent book, “True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America.” As the West has become a more and more enticing destination for people to settle, it has also become an increasingly welcoming space for far-right extremism to take root.
In “True West,” Gaines Quammen takes pains to dismantle what she refers to as the Western “myth museum,” and offers solutions for how to fight back against a rising tide of misinformation and extremism.
“It’s ever more important for people, in looking at truths, to be able to navigate interconnectedness,” Gaines Quammen told HuffPost. “We cannot fall prey to these reductive ways of thinking. And there are so many politicians who want us to do that.”
Gaines Quammen calls “True West” a companion piece to her first book, “American Zion,” which chronicled Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and his family’s feud with the federal government over grazing cattle on public lands. The Bundys, who are Mormon, believe they have a divine right to lands that were long occupied by Indigenous peoples and are now owned by all Americans. The Bundys helped energize a far-right, anti-government militia movement, some of whose members went on to fight against COVID-19 restrictions and participate in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Parents who raised kids in the '90s are "surprised by how young boys are when they first encounter it," one mom said.
More parents are likely to choose these names next year, based on recent trends and Social Security Administration data.
It's caused infant deaths and high illness rates throughout the country.
It's caused infant deaths and high illness rates throughout the country.
Although it can affect anyone, this lesser-known disorder commonly affects boys and young men.
You don't want to put off getting these symptoms checked out.
Are you a 'projector' or more of a 'listener'?
Creating this magic still involves sleepless late nights, early mornings and messes galore — but these parents still think it's worth it.
Servers who work in cities that are popular travel destinations are often prepared to adjust their approach when they discover you're American.
We asked sleep experts and people who struggle with sleep to put this technique to the test. The results may surprise you.
"I can’t tell you how many times someone has rung a call light while the crew is dealing with a medical emergency just to ask for a drink."
The virus spreads easily and in different ways than other winter viruses. Here’s what to know.
Dementia is common, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk or slow the progression of the disease.