A Closer Look
Culture At A Crossroads
Season 2, Episode 2
Author and professor, Amar Amarasingam joins the show for an enlightening conversation about a conspiracy theory that has gone mainstream: Qanon. Plus, how YouTube took action against 911 troopers and flat earthers monetizing online content. And, how Trump made everyone a conspiratorial thinker.
Amarasingam also shares from his own experience as a Tamil in terms of what makes Canadian immigration so special. And, together they'll profile a terrorist and dream of a world free from terror if others-centred love ruled.
Welcome to the twentieth (twenty-second unofficial) episode of the podcast. Listen and access the show notes here or search for Culture At A Crossroads on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and listen for free.
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This is a profile of Amar Amarasingam, of Queens University. He has published articles in the New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Washington Post.
The following are some significant dates linked to conspiracy theories to do with Qanon:
Oct 5, 2006 - Jesus camp movement after Bush in 2000
Jan 25, 2018 - 911 troopers, flat earthers
Aug 3, 2018 - Qanon beginnings
Sept 12, 2018 - Reddit thread - Qanon casualties
Sep 16, 2020 - The Yellow Vest Movement collides with Anti-Mask in Paris
Sep 27, 2020 - Netflix documentary explores social media's contribution to polarization
Nov 9, 2020 - Anti-Mask, pro-Trump parade held in Toronto
Amarasingam has conducted extensive research on Tamils in Canada, and he's even written a book on the subject, Pain, Pride, and Politics: Social Movement Activism and the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora in Canada.
Aug 10, 2016 - Canada's welcoming stance of Tamils 1980s vs 2010
Oct 9, 2018 - Right Here Right Now by former PM Stephen Harper touches on immigration
June 19, 2019 - Canada had more refugees than USA in 2019
Recent terror attacks referred to in Canada:
Jan 29, 2017 - Quebec City Mosque shooting
Apr 23, 2018 - Toronto Van Attack
Apr 18-19, 2020 - 22 neighbours killed in rural Enfield, Nova Scotia