Homeland Security’s Troubling ‘Little Dark Age‘ Video: A Deep Dive into Far-Right Symbolism
Recently, a video posted by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) featuring teh song “Little Dark Age” by MGMT sparked notable controversy.It initially included antisemitic lyrics - “Jew me” and “kike me” – before being removed and re-uploaded with altered audio. This incident raises serious questions about intent, awareness, and the potential for coded dialog with extremist groups.
here’s a breakdown of why this situation is deeply concerning, and what it reveals about the evolving landscape of online extremism.
The Initial Outcry & DHS’s Response
Initially,the inclusion of hateful lyrics drew immediate condemnation. Border Patrol swiftly removed the video, but offered no explanation for its original posting. Afterward, DHS issued a statement widely criticized as dismissive and lacking accountability – resembling a defensive reaction rather than a serious response to a grave error.
This lack of transparency fueled speculation and intensified scrutiny of the video’s underlying message.
Decoding “Little Dark Age”: A Right-Wing Signal?
“Little Dark Age” has become something of an inside reference within certain online communities. A right-wing commentator on X (formerly Twitter) even suggested in July that DHS utilize the song in a video “just to fuck with people.”
This wasn’t an isolated thought. Numerous far-right accounts on X quickly recognized the potential meaning, sharing the DHS video with celebratory and knowing commentary.
Extremist Reactions: A Disturbing pattern
Consider these examples:
* One account, displaying a profile picture featuring a figure wearing a Nazi hat, celebrated DHS’s post with the comment, ”Dhs is posting little dark age edits. Crazy timeline on our hands.”
* Another extremist account responded, ”Good job @DHS! you caught up to where we were 4 years ago!” This account than shared a video combining imagery of Adolf Hitler with the phrase “12 years not a slave,” alongside footage from Brenton Tarrant’s 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, which claimed 51 lives.
* These reactions demonstrate a clear understanding – and endorsement – of a perhaps coded message.
beyond the Song: Visual Cues and “Fashwave” Aesthetics
It’s not solely the song choice that raises red flags. The video’s imagery is equally troubling. It incorporates footage from protests at an ICE facility in Portland, alongside a deliberately glitchy aesthetic.
This aesthetic is strongly associated with “fashwave” – a subgenre of music and visual art that appropriates vaporwave and synthwave styles while subtly promoting fascist ideologies. The video also features a DHS logo superimposed over an “antifa” logo, and depicts agents in gas masks arresting individuals amidst smoke.
Understanding “Fashwave” and Online Extremism
You might be wondering, what is “fashwave” and why does it matter? It’s a complex phenomenon, but essentially, it’s a way for extremists to signal their beliefs through seemingly innocuous internet memes.
While it may appear superficial, this visual language has developed a distinct meaning within far-right circles. DHS may claim no intention of conveying Nazi propaganda,but the reality is that literal Nazis online are interpreting it precisely that way.
Why this Matters: The Danger of Coded Communication
This incident highlights a dangerous trend: the use of coded language and imagery to communicate with extremist groups. It raises critical questions about whether DHS personnel are aware of these symbols, and if so, whether they are intentionally utilizing them.
Even unintentional use can have devastating consequences, normalizing extremist ideologies and potentially inspiring violence.
What Needs to Happen Now
Moving forward,several steps are crucial:
* Thorough Examination: A comprehensive internal investigation is needed to determine who authorized the video’s creation and posting,and what level of awareness existed regarding the potential for misinterpretation.
* Enhanced Training: DHS personnel require training on recognizing and avoiding the use of extremist symbols and coded language.
* Increased Transparency: DHS must be transparent with the public about its findings and the steps it is taking to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
* Accountability: Those responsible
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