About this episode
What is a “groyper?” The term began trending on Google in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death. Kirk, the right-wing podcaster and Turning Point USA co-founder, was fatally shot last Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.
Major news outlets quickly reported that authorities had found bullet casings engraved with a series of seemingly inscrutable messages, including, “Notices bulge, OwO, what’s this?”; “Hey fascist! Catch!” followed by arrow symbols; “Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao”; and “If you read this you are gay LMAO.” For most, the phrases seemed bizarre and incomprehensible. But for Aidan Walker, an internet researcher and meme historian, the messages told a clear story which many media outlets had missed.
On today’s episode, Aidan joins Morgan to break down what the messages may tell us about the alleged shooter, how a fringe extremist group known as “groypers” might be involved, and what the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death portends for our political and media landscapes.
Guests:
Aidan Walker, independent writer, content creator, and internet culture researcher
Further reading/listening:
a theory of groyperfication — Aidan Walker, How To Do Things With Memes
Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting texted roommate he 'had enough of his hatred,' officials say — Doha Madani & Corky Siemaszko, NBC News
Charlie Kirk was killed by a meme — Ryan Broderick & Adam Bumas, Garbage Day
Wall Street Journal quietly walks back false claim Charlie Kirk shooter had pro-trans messages on his bullets — Christopher Wiggins, Advocate
Conservatives Are Doxxing Innocent People Over Charlie Kirk — Taylor Lorenz, User Mag
Charlie Kirk Assassination Sparks Social Media Crackdown — Ken Klippenstein, Ken Klippenstein
Where Charlie Kirk Stood on Key Political Issues — Ashley Ahn & Maxine Joselow, The New York Times
Charlie Kirk in his own words: ‘prowling Blacks’ and ‘the great replacement strategy’
