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.
.png)
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
​