SOTT Focus:

The Truth Perspective: What MAGA-hat Kid Can Teach Us About The Corruption of Ideology

Harrison Koehli, Corey Schink, Adam Daniels
Sott.net
Sat, 26 Jan 2019 17:00 UTC

It shouldn't have been newsworthy. Just a few years ago, it wouldn't have provoked much of a reaction. But a smiling teenager and a drumming Native American have caused a firestorm of commentary, invective, heated emotions, and calls for violence. What is it that causes otherwise intelligent people to seemingly turn into halfwits when confronted by such non-events? What provides the template for the stereotyped and 'proper' response to the encounter we've all seen repeatedly and which has been analyzed to death by mainstream media and the Twitter commentariat?

Today on the Truth Perspective we once again mine Andrew Lobaczewski's Political Ponerology for clues to help us understand the puzzling new reality we find ourselves in: how ideologies degenerate, how and why polarization grips nations, what we had to ignore in order to get to this point, and what we have to learn in order to stop it from progressing or from happening again.

Running Time: 01:28:11

Download: MP3

Previous instalments in our series on ponerology:

Corey Schink

Corey Schink was born and raised in the Midwestern United States, where he worked on farms and as a welder, musician, and social worker. His interests in government, philosophy and history led to his writing for SOTT in 2012 and to becoming a SOTT editor and SOTT Radio co-host in 2014. He now resides in North Carolina, where he enjoys the magnificent views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Adam Daniels

Adam joined the editorial team in 2014 and is a co-host of MindMatters. His particular interests include philosophy, history, exercise science, and technology. He particularly dislikes Critical Race Theory and people who're so afraid of death that they prevent others from living. He also knows kung fu.

Harrison Koehli

Harrison Koehli co-hosts SOTT Radio Network's MindMatters, and is an editor for Red Pill Press. He has been interviewed on several North American radio shows about his writings on the study of ponerology. In addition to music and books, Harrison enjoys tobacco and bacon (often at the same time) and dislikes cell phones, vegetables, and fascists (commies too).

Reader Comments

parallax · 2019-01-26T20:31:17Z

Excellent show (and series - "Previous instalments in our series on ponerology"), guys!

I've just had my internet fixed from a meager 0.4 mb/sec to 6.0 mb/sec (it had been like back when I was on dial-up) and can now dowload them properly again and catch reruns will driving.

lan8r · 2019-01-26T21:42:33Z

I too am very grateful for this show and the entire 'series on ponerology' as well. I appreciate how you guys are correlating Lobaczewski's "Political Ponerology" (excellent read) with what we are seeing in our current times. Times change, the Facades change and it can be very hard to truly See that 'the more things change, the more they stay the same'.

History kinda does repeat, only differently. I think it's a ruse! And very hard to see through. Even when you are so inclined. I applaud your hard work and devotion to Seeing Through.

hkoehli · 2019-01-26T23:40:39Z

lan8r Glad you guys are enjoying them! Hopefully we'll eventually get through the whole book. Sometimes it can take an hour just to discuss a few pages!

bholanath · 2019-01-27T01:43:49Z

As usual, the summary of the first 5 minutes is a complete wash. No interest in hearing more if that's your "expert" take on the so-called "non-event". It's obvious there's a complete absence of understanding of Native/First Nations' ways and contemporary responses to the ongoing resistance to corp/gov genocide. There were thousands of indigenous people with a permit to gather to focus on womens' murders, starvation during the shutdown, and celebrate continental solidarity and new Native representatives in Congress. Nathan Phillips was concluding his closing songs as the demo finished up and walked toward Lincoln Memorial. He intervened as a peace-maker (with impeccable standing among all Native tribes, despite media smears) and walked into the crowd of boys (with a long school history of overt racism, and not "on a field trip", and making rape-jokes there). Most boys parted to let Phillips pass, but the one MOVED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIM and "stood his ground", and many others acted like young ignorant entitled assholes ($10,000 tuition, kid hires an expensive Republican PR firm that writes a "statement" full of lies). Phillips did NOT "confront" this "innocent kid"; he continued his song/prayer with dignity while being drowned out. Everyone who has knowledge of Native ways, and this country's history, know what they saw, and the gaslighting that followed is disgusting and only fools the ignorant clueless MSM-addicted and brainwashed americans. Here's only one of many actual insightful articles:

[Link]

Woodsman · 2019-01-27T03:28:00Z

As usual, the summary of the first 5 minutes is a complete wash. No interest in hearing more if that's your "expert" take on the so-called "non-event". It's obvious there's a complete absence of understanding of Native/First Nations' ways and contemporary responses to the ongoing resistance to corp/gov genocide. There were thousands of indigenous people with a permit to gather to focus on womens' murders, starvation during the shutdown, and celebrate continental solidarity and new Native representatives in Congress. Nathan Phillips was concluding his closing songs as the demo finished up and walked toward Lincoln Memorial. He intervened as a peace-maker (with impeccable standing among all Native tribes, despite media smears) and walked into the crowd of boys (with a long school history of overt racism, and not "on a field trip", and making rape-jokes there). Most boys parted to let Phillips pass, but the one MOVED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIM and "stood his ground", and many others acted like young ignorant entitled assholes ($10,000 tuition, kid hires an expensive Republican PR firm that writes a "statement" full of lies). Phillips did NOT "confront" this "innocent kid"; he continued his song/prayer with dignity while being drowned out. Everyone who has knowledge of Native ways, and this country's history, know what they saw, and the gaslighting that followed is disgusting and only fools the ignorant clueless MSM-addicted and brainwashed americans. Here's only one of many actual insightful articles:

[Link]

From your link:

"[...]a sneering Nicholas Sandmann wearing a MAGA hat, staring down Nathan Phillips, a drumming and singing Indigenous elder. Young white kids wildly bounced up and down around them like a pack of rabid hyenas. "

I really don't think that's at all what Objective Reality provided for your or anybody's perception.

From Nicholas' statement:

"We had already been yelled at by another group of protestors, and when the second group approached I was worried that a situation was getting out of control where adults were attempting to provoke teenagers. I believed that by remaining motionless and calm, I was helping to diffuse the situation. I realized everyone had cameras and that perhaps a group of adults was trying to provoke a group of teenagers into a larger conflict. I said a silent prayer that the situation would not get out of hand. "

Frankly, when I first saw the clips and pictures, the ubiquitous use of the term "Smirk" baffled me. Granted, it was my own projection at the time, but I could see myself easily in that boy's shoes and I imagined my own reactions being almost exactly as described in his statement. -Even the initial elation and clapping along with the drum by the kids fit into the perceptive picture my mind created. I think it is, after all the analysis, reasonable to think that my perception was more accurate than that of the author quoted above.

adanie15 · 2019-01-27T05:06:11Z

Most boys parted to let Phillips pass, but the one MOVED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIM and "stood his ground",

This kid didn't kill a Native American baby in cold blood. He didn't repeatedly punch Phillips in the face while insulting him, his race, and his heritage. He just stood there. So why is there just as much moral outrage to him standing peacefully as if he had done those morally reprehensible things? All this strikes me as being something Lobaczewski might label as paramoralistic.

the gaslighting that followed is disgusting and only fools the ignorant clueless MSM-addicted and brainwashed americans.

The MSM reports on this story have the same moral outrage as you and has it aimed at the exact same person. You might want to think about that while also thinking about what you said above.

bholanath · 2019-01-27T05:21:52Z

adanie15 "How is this racism?" - White proverb

Gcarlin · 2019-01-27T06:32:07Z

bholanath They don't get it. This whole MAGA crap is the same exact idiocy as the pussy hat marches. Both sides have gone full NPC a long time ago.

It's the way that the ptb discredits valid issues such as real racism as you mention.

Adanie, speaking of paramoralisms:

I'm not sure you would have the same opinion if it was some pink hat wearing leftie who blocked someone.

I dislike both sides, so I'd be annoyed at either left or right idiots doing this crap.

IncenDiary · 2019-01-27T06:54:55Z

bholanath "By focusing on colour, as you do." ~ Logic

baron · 2019-01-27T10:49:42Z

adanie15 I believe it's called "stage craft" and that this was of course theater designed specifically to paint a picture.

hkoehli · 2019-01-27T15:14:45Z

bholanath "Most boys parted to let Phillips pass, but the one MOVED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIM and "stood his ground",..."

He never moved. Watch the actual video. It was actually Phillips who "moved directly in front of" the kid.

"Everyone who has knowledge of Native ways, and this country's history, know what they saw"

That's the problem. They "know" what they saw, when what they saw is not what actually happened. And that is not to deny any of the issues you brought up about the experience of Natives today. But you are letting your feelings about those issues cloud your judgment of this particular incident. Which is precisely what this show was about, and why that is so dangerous.

bholanath · 2019-01-27T20:29:03Z

hkoehli We've all seen the videos. Nathan was singing, moving somewhat back and forth within the group of kids, then he was stopped by the stand-your-ground kid. If you want to buy into the BS narrative that Nathan "confronted" him, have at it. That's what all the right and left media is suggesting. Have you listened to the several talks Nathan has given among his Native folks? Anyone that calls him a liar is simply another white "letting his feelings cloud his judgment", "smoking cigars and drinking brandy talking about the 'natives'", as someone recently said. This is not a Roshomon moment or edited-Zapruder game. But I know you have to go with your theory of "prejudiced false witness" and gaslighting of even those who were right there. Listen to Chase Iron Eyes, who was with him on the ground. What happened is an archetypal spontaneous collision of cultures and cultural sensitivities. In Native cultures a youth does NOT EVER stare into the eyes of an elder, and that is just one feature of the dynamic. These kids, and almost ALL americans know they can get away with not only disrespect, but murder, of POC, and that's why the indigenous gatherings are happening all over North America.

[Link]

bholanath · 2019-01-27T20:48:39Z

hkoehli "He never moved. Watch the video. It was actually Phillips who "moved directly in front of" the kid."

So, spin this, since it's the main narrative behind all the vilification of Phillips.

The definitive video:

[Link]

prehistoric · 2019-01-27T23:49:18Z

bholanath " The definitive video:"

That video shows Philips meandering through the crowd of teens. It shows a group of teens moving around and getting caught up in the moment. It does not show any attempt by Sandmann to "get in the way" of Phillips. What it does show is Philips trying to intimidate a group of teens and confronting Sandmann, deliberately. He could have chosen any other kid to confront yet chose Sandmann. Why? Narrative? Publicity? That video is reaching on all fronts.

Woodsman · 2019-01-28T00:08:46Z

hkoehli "He never moved. Watch the video. It was actually Phillips who "moved directly in front of" the kid."

So, spin this, since it's the main narrative behind all the vilification of Phillips.

The definitive video:

[Link]

I took a look at that video. You seem so very determined in your assertions that I figure you and other folks might really be aware of something everybody else is missing.

Nope.

It was just an example of creative cognitive juggling to force-fit a bias. The evidence presented is contingent on off-camera speculation which doesn't take into account the organic nature of a shifting crowd, and ignores that Nicholas was still not in the elder's path until Phillips turned towards him.

The rest of the argument struck me as stubborn sophistry based on word definitions while ignoring word intent. It reminded me of one of those "Crisis Actors" videos which give conspiracy theory a bad rap.

bholanath · 2019-01-28T02:20:32Z

prehistoric "Philips trying to intimidate a group of teens and confronting Sandmann, deliberately."

Utter bullshit. If you knew anything about Nathan Phillips, you would know how ridiculous that statement is.

[Link]

system · 2019-01-28T05:23:03Z

@bholamath, You said:

"In Native cultures a youth does NOT EVER stare into the eyes of an elder"

...It is said, "the eyes are the windows of the soul."

lol, what does he stare at? his belt buckle?

Ive always heard that if you don't look someone in the eye when you face them, address them, it's a show of disrespect, or you're being shifty-trying to hide something. Here's a social experiment: If that kid had been a young black man, would you call him out for looking Nathan the elder in the eyes? Or would you prefer that he lower his eyes in submission? Because that's what we're really talking about here- You want "whitey" to lower his eyes in shame, contriteness. Because after all, in the liberal mindset, the white male is to blame for all under the sun. I have a full blooded Cherokee neighbor who is older than me. I shake his hand firmly, and would never consider anything other than looking him square in the eyes. That is the true Indian way. I'm gonna have to call bullshit on this.

bholanath · 2019-01-28T06:28:04Z

strategery I put a link to the Tribe's statement above. Also a link to recent interview with a Catholic Native woman who goes into depth about Nathan and the protocols that native have between youth and elders. The "shifty-eyed" and "shame" comment shows you have very little knowledge, nor do you want to learn. No one would expect a white, black, or any non-native to know that it's simply a sign of disrespect to stare that way, and also to not give space to someone being in a peaceful prayerful way. But would the kid have done that to a Catholic priest? It's ok. I understand you feel entitled to not learn shit about any other culture, and hold your supremacist mindset. You like sick fucks like Bush? They're the same as stupid liberals, BTW.

system · 2019-01-28T06:36:30Z

@bholanath,

"You like sick fucks like Bush? They're the same as stupid liberals, BTW."

...That statement just shows how stupid you are. My avatar is a parady of Gearge W. Bush, the neocon war criminal, holding a landline phone upside down. Get a clue, dufus!

system · 2019-01-28T06:38:26Z

btw, what may i ask, tribe do you belong to?

or are you just a triggered liberal?

Snowflake · 2019-01-28T06:46:25Z

bholanath Still a retard I see

system · 2019-01-28T06:50:30Z

Lol, i had a full blooded Apache friend/neighbor also in Co. who sat around in a sweat lodge burning sage, and i guess...sweating. He also while drinking beers with me bound a string around my girlfriend's hand, and mine, and pronounced us married. It was all fun, but also sad that the modern indian has lost so much culture, and heritage...that they feel compelled to adlib, or "wing it". So save it for the tourists bra...i live in indian territory.

David333 · 2019-01-27T04:00:17Z

The crazed narrative between American Indian and Maga Hats Students is one of hundreds the Fake News and other sources spin to gin up the public. This story is a fart that dissipates until the next one. Nothing unique here. Much thought and psychology is used in Marxist P.C. . Some use the term Mental Pathogen because it spreads so easily. Sometime this week another fart will appear. The reason for this nonsense is to divide us. There is no truth !

Gcarlin · 2019-01-27T06:35:05Z

David333 It's not a Marxist thing. That's the doublespeak that was promoted by the opportunist Jordan Peterson, where Zizek explained there is no such thing in Marxism, as it was focused on economic issues, not what JP claimed in his made up term "cultural marxism".

Anyway, this psychology is actually quite closer to that of the Nazi's who seemed to be the test bed of manipulation funded by the rich. The same rich that runs this country and wants to keep us divided fighting over stupid crap while they keep robbing us with bullshit tax cuts (no thank you Trump) and austerity measures in Europe.

baron · 2019-01-27T10:51:42Z

Gcarlin Thank you, now who want's to kil a billionaire huh? Christ Sakes can we please just Nuke Davo's and be done with the lot of these mass murdering crooks.

Ned Ludd · 2019-01-27T06:04:02Z

Let's not lose sight of things here. There's a bunch of sons-of-the-elite out of a Catholic school at an anti abortion rally. Pretty sure not one of these sons knows the first thing about the subject. Pretty sure considering their class status they don't have to care. Either.

Why isn't anyone chasing after these Black Ass Hole Isreali Scumheads. Another bunch of cheerleaders for apartheid. Hey, try getting in range anywhere I am. Give you a lesson from Belfast.

IncenDiary · 2019-01-27T07:04:23Z

The kids are just milling around, not even paying attention. The "offensively self-satisfied smile" (smirk) seems quite a subjective assessment - rather he looks to be enduring something he is acutely aware could spiral into something far worse.

I believe he is displaying stoicism, that toxic masculinity in full view! Shock, horror!

"the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint"

So much required in these times of hystericism...

GregH335 · 2019-01-27T22:07:36Z

What amazes me is the range of opinions of this dumb video. I don't see that either party did anything wrong nor warranting the amount of attention it's receiving. If it wasn't for the damned liberal media TELLING the sheep what to think of it... no one would give it a 2nd thought.

The worst thing about this situation is the FACT that Nathan Phillips LIES about his service record, claiming to be a Viet Nam Vet (he isn't), in fact, he went AWOL multiple times AND he has run a scam several times to get money. I understand most libs won't see anything wrong with that... but I do.

bholanath · 2019-01-27T22:46:22Z

GregH335 Just for the benefit of Sott readers, it is NOT a fact that Phillips lies, nor did he ever claim to have gone to Vietnam. Nor does he ever "run scams" for personal benefit. Many people from his own tribe and other tribes have attested to his impeccable honesty, including his own Omaha tribal council. (See link above.)

Greggy boy just watches too much Fux "news", regurgitates the lies and talking points...and all day long.

system · 2019-01-28T04:23:48Z

@bholanath

"Many people from his own tribe and other tribes have attested to his impeccable honesty"

That's heresay. Maybe you can provide some links? Otherwise, all we have is what you say other people said. And given the video footage, you still see it one way. Your testimony is tainted with obvious bias.

system · 2019-01-28T04:36:05Z

Nathan Phillips, January 3, 2018🚨

"I'm a Vietnam Vet. I served in Marine Corps 72 to 76. I got discharged May 5, 1976. I got honorable discharge and one of the boxes shows peacetime or, what my box says is that I was **in theater**. I don't talk much about my Vietnam times."

2,826

10:00 PM - Jan 23, 2019[Link]

system · 2019-01-28T04:53:46Z

@bholanath, you said,Nor does he ever "run scams" for personal benefit."

"Oh yes I would love to have a sponsor for the walk... We have a post office box people can send gift cards and like that, any kind of donations, you can make checks out to Native Youth Alliance or Nathan Phillips."[Link]

David333 · 2019-01-28T04:05:41Z

A lot to do about nothing.

system · 2019-01-28T04:40:53Z

Nathan Phillips replying to Phil Kerpen on twitter

[Link]

David333 · 2019-01-29T04:21:01Z

People over think nonsense.

David333 · 2019-01-30T04:17:40Z

Gcarlin, The 'Marxist Thing' was created and morphed to it's present form before Jordan Peterson was born. This 'Marxist Thing' is Marxism and very dangerous. No need for somebody to tell me what to think. No group thinker here.

David333 · 2019-01-30T04:30:51Z

For God's sake, get Nathan Phillips teeth fixed !

Commissioner · 2019-01-30T05:28:37Z

What are these "adults" teaching these high school teenagers? That they are free to speak so long as it is what everyone wants to hear? Wake up America, that is NOT freedom of speech!!.. We teach our children to stand up for what they believe in, then demonize the for it? Seriously... Everyone needs to be careful how we judge, or we too may be judged.. You may be the one on the news with people swearing you did something, wore something or said something that was "offensive".. Guess what too bad.. Be offended!!, Its called life.. And when we teach our children to quit crying every time we are offended and deal with it, maybe less Americans will be addicted to anti-depressant.. What has the fake news taught these high school students? That real truth will not be told.. That what ever the liberal media want the public to hear will be told, and it is sad.. I say I want to send support to these high school students with encouragement to stand strong.. Put yourselves in their shoes.. They took the time to support the "life in the womb", something that they were passionate about.. How many teenagers are using there time to fight for life? Not many..

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SOTT Focus:

The Truth Perspective: What MAGA-hat Kid Can Teach Us About The Corruption of Ideology

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