American Militancy: The Rise of the Militant Left

America has long been seen by the world as a militant society obsessed with war and guns. I do not subscribe to the idea that guns or militancy are inherently bad.

Since America's inception we have seen ourselves as "rebels." We left the British Empire in a bloody war, and have been at war all but 17 years of our short history.

Since the late 1970's with groups like SHARPS who took a militant stance against the Hammerskins and other Neo-Nazi groups, we have seen a consistent growth in the "militant left."

(Old School SHARPS. Image source - Tumblr)

This new generation of leftists have been emboldened by rise in Fascism, not just in America but Internationally. With groups like Golden Dawn in Greece, the "Alt-Right" in the US is not an isolated issue. Donald Trump's campaign and now presidency is awakening a subsect of the populace that once hid in the shadows.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that the idea of a "militant left" is not a new idea. European immigration in the mid 19th century brought with it Marxist ideology. Other movements such as the Woman's Suffrage movement, the creation of unions and many others up until present.

With our first Black President came an unprecedented rise in "militia" groups and the radical Tea Party insurgency into the Republican Party in 2010. Some of these people had legitimate complaints about D.C. politics and "business as usual," but with this far right new wave came a rise in White Nationalistic ideology.

A resurgence in groups like the KKK and the National Socialist Movement (Neo-Nazis) has sparked many on the Left to become militant as well. Such groups like the Antifascists (Antifa) have seen chapters spring up nationwide. Not that these organizations did not exist previously, but they are certainly becoming more and more prevalent.

Another tactic being used by the Left is "Black Bloc." This is not an organization, but a set of "guidelines" on how to effectively resist. Many are confused by Antifa and "black bloc" due to the covering of their faces. As explained to me, this is a safety protocol. People on the Right will commonly try to demean Leftists for covering their faces, yet will intimidate and even threaten bodily harm on those who do not remain anonymous.

(Armed Antifa activists burned a US flag as Right wing Militias patrolled the grounds. Images provided by Chris Brinkman Photography.)

The current trend of the world is radicalization. Both sides are becoming more militant and radicalized, with no clear end in sight. If countries like France, Greece, Egypt and Tunisia are setting the precedent, we in the States could be in for a rough next four years as the current administration continues to divide us all.

(Article By Jaimes Campbell)