You Must Watch This!
Watch the Documentary Homegrown and Get an Inside View Into White Nationalism
"Homegrown" is an American documentary that premiered in 2024. It was directed by Michael Premo, an African American filmmaker who embedded himself in white nationalist paramilitary factions, that offers a close-up chronicle of the rise of white nationalism and the complex dynamics driving this rise. The film follows three white nationalists as they travel across the country to support Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency in 2020. When Trump claims the election was stolen, they take their fight to the streets.
The movie gives us powerful view into white nationalist activists, helping us see them as people, however misguided, with sincerely held opinions rooted in their deep alienation and disillusionment with democratic institutions. Alienation and disillusion many of us can relate to, even if we may disagree with their solutions.
Watching the movie is a call to action. Here are some actions we can take:
Recommendations for Activists:
Engage in Constructive Dialogue: Recognize the diverse backgrounds and grievances that draw individuals to extremist movements. By understanding these motivations, activists can develop more effective strategies to address underlying issues and potentially redirect energies toward positive community engagement, especially among those at the immediate projected base of support for white nationalism.
Strengthen Community Outreach: Build resilient communities by fostering inclusive spaces where individuals feel heard and valued. This can counteract the isolation and disenfranchisement that often lead people to seek belonging in extremist groups.
Promote Media Literacy: Equip communities with the tools they need to critically assess information sources, reducing susceptibility to mis and disinformation and conspiracy theories that fuel extremist ideologies.
Support De-Radicalization Programs: Advocate for and support initiatives that offer pathways out of extremist movements, providing counseling, education, and employment opportunities to facilitate reintegration into society.
Collaborate Across Divides: Seek opportunities for dialogue and collaboration with individuals and groups holding differing viewpoints to find common ground and reduce polarization.
By implementing these strategies, activists can work towards mitigating the factors that contribute to the rise of extremist movements and strengthen the foundations of a more inclusive and resilient democracy.
For a deeper insight into the making of "Homegrown" and its implications, watch this interview with the director, Michael Premo: