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PaperclipPerfector  10d ago (text post)   35687 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of January 20, 2025

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Yeah I've picked up on it from various Podcasts on movies and Bible Studies. They are doing a Podcast series on Genesis right now where they go through every single verse, but I think it's behind a paywall. They are close to releasing a book that will essentially be a debut for the theory. I'll probably read it and write a review when it comes out.

But in the meantime, Grok did a pretty stellar job providing a fair summary IMO:

REM Theory Overview:

REM Theory, as articulated by Mark Brahmin and Richard Spencer, primarily focuses on the concept of Racial Esoteric Moralization (REM) and Jewish Esoteric Moralization (JEM). The theory posits that myths, art, religion, and propaganda are not just cultural expressions but are deeply intertwined with the formation and moralization of racial identities. Here's a breakdown based on available sources:

  • Racial Esoteric Moralization (REM): This aspect of the theory argues that there exists a symbolic language that has been passed down through centuries, influencing not only Western but global cultural narratives. REM suggests that this language serves to shape racial identity and moral conduct through symbols and stories that are often unconscious to the general populace but known to an elite or those versed in this symbolic language. The theory claims that these narratives in myths, religion, and art can either "moralize" or "demoralize" a populace, thereby serving as tools for social and political control.
  • Jewish Esoteric Moralization (JEM): According to Brahmin, JEM is a subset of REM where Jewish mythology and cultural expressions have been used historically to shape not just Jewish identity but also to influence broader cultural narratives, particularly in Christianity. Brahmin's analysis suggests that JEM has contributed significantly to the development of Western culture in ways that might not be obvious to the lay observer.
  • Apolloism: This is an extension of REM Theory where Brahmin and Spencer advocate for a return to or revival of a pre-Christian, classical, or "Aryan" ethic. Apolloism contrasts with what they perceive as the demoralizing effects of Judeo-Christian spirituality on what they term the "Aryan" race. The idea is to use the understanding of REM to construct a new cultural and religious framework (Apolloism) that would elevate and preserve the qualities they associate with ancient Aryan culture.
  • Racial Esoteric Moralization (REM) in Film: Symbolism and Archetypes: Brahmin argues that films, like ancient myths, use archetypal characters and symbolic narratives to convey racial and moral messages. He interprets characters and plotlines in terms of their racial symbolism, suggesting that even mainstream movies are imbued with hidden messages that reinforce or challenge racial identities.
  • Hollywood as a Moralizing Force: They see Hollywood as an institution that has historically served to shape the moral and racial consciousness of the audience. Through REM, Brahmin would analyze films to uncover how they might be promoting or undermining certain racial identities or moral values.

Insights from the Apollonian Transmission:

  • Cultural and Myth Analysis: The Apollonian Transmission, a platform by Brahmin, delves into the decoding of ancient and contemporary texts through the lens of REM. It aims to uncover how these texts carry hidden messages that influence racial and moral identity. Brahmin and Spencer argue that by understanding these symbols, one can counteract or redirect the demoralization they believe has been inflicted upon Western civilization.
  • Criticism and Controversy: The theory and its implications have stirred debate. Critics, like those referenced in "Once More Between Rome and Judea", challenge the methodology and conclusions of REM Theory, accusing it of sophistry and speculative pattern recognition, suggesting that it lacks rigorous evidential support and borders on pseudoscientific interpretation.
  • Practical Application: Courses like those offered at ALEX university aim to apply REM Theory in understanding Hollywood cinema, suggesting that films serve not only entertainment but also as a medium for racial moralization or demoralization. This approach underscores Brahmin's belief in the power of culture as a tool for racial and moral shaping.

In summary, REM Theory by Mark Brahmin and Richard Spencer is a framework for interpreting cultural and religious narratives as mechanisms for racial identity formation and moral guidance, focusing on the symbolic language that they argue has shaped human history. Apolloism then proposes a cultural and spiritual revival based on these insights. However, this theoretical framework remains controversial and is subject to significant critique regarding its methods and conclusions.

One more followup:

Racial Esoteric Moralization (REM) in the Hebrew Bible:

  • Symbolism and Allegory: Brahmin and Spencer argue that the Hebrew Bible, like other religious texts, contains layers of symbolic language intended to shape the racial identity and moral conduct of its adherents. They suggest that narratives within the Bible, such as those involving the Israelites, are not merely historical or moral tales but are imbued with racial significance.
  • Creation of Jewish Identity: They posit that the Hebrew Bible has played a crucial role in the moralization (and thus, racialization) of Jewish identity, reinforcing a sense of chosenness and separation from other peoples. This is seen in stories like the Exodus, where the Israelites are depicted as a distinct, divinely selected nation.
  • Influence on Western Culture: Brahmin extends this by suggesting that through Christianity (which he sees as heavily influenced by Judaism), these Jewish moral and racial narratives have permeated and shaped Western civilization, often in ways that are not overtly recognized.

The 4-word summary would be that "Myth influences racial formation."

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