Signs in Toronto urge white people to join ‘alt-right’. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/11/14/signs-in-toronto-urge-white-people-to-join-alt-right.html Marilyn May is correct in asserting that these fringe racist groups are emboldened by the attention such beliefs have received in the press with the ascent (or should I say ascend) of Trump and right-wing xenophobia in the U.S. Before we get too smug; we should reflect on the fanaticism displayed by our own Rob Ford and the so-called "Ford Nation". While that issue was not racist; it was a reflection of the resentment of certain groups against what they considered the "elites" in downtown Toronto; or the fringes versus the centre. No matter the deranged moral relativism and verbal sewage spouted by their drug-using leader. As Trumps election has shown; it matters not what moral depravities are displayed; be it sexual; misogynous or racist; as long as he is singing their tune. There will always be tribalism amongst us humans; and on a smaller scale this gives a sense of belonging and coherence in many groups. This applies to political as well as religious versions, and has positive aspects. Yet; when it becomes confrontational --"them" versus "us"-- it is dangerous and inimical to the public peace. The U.S. seems to be suffering from extreme political and social polarization at this time of social and technological change. It was thus in the Industrial Revolution. When James Hargreaves, a British carpenter and weaver, invented the spinning jenny in 1764; many weavers also found themselves suddenly unemployed since they could no longer compete with machines which only required relatively limited (and unskilled) labour to produce more cloth than a single weaver. Many such unemployed workers, weavers and others, turned their animosity towards the machines that had taken their jobs and began destroying factories and machinery. These attackers became known as Luddites, supposedly followers of Ned Ludd, a folklore figure. The first attacks of the Luddite movement began in 1811. The Luddites rapidly gained popularity, and the British government took drastic measures, using the militia or army to protect industry. Those rioters who were caught were tried and hanged, or transported for life (ref. Wikipedia). In times of rapid technological and social change; we experience high levels of personal and social stress; no matter how comfortable and safe we might be, compared to our forefathers. Yet; today it is interesting to note that the support of radical Trumpism has a religious twist. Christians, in particular, feel threatened and scared by the apparent incursion of other, foreign faiths such as Islam; or from those who have no faith at all. It is interesting to note that 80% of Trump supporters are Christian fundamentalists such as Southern Baptists and fringe groups throughout mostly the Southern States. I'm not sure Jesus would have approved.