Don't Ignore Militia Groups
White supremacists. Members of militia groups. Conspiracy theorists.
These groups may seem on the fringe, but they should be taken very seriously says Art Jipson, an assistant professor in the department of sociology,
gerontology and anthropology at Miami University.
"Many extremists are viewed as deviant or insane, and often dismissed as not being really worth the time or effort to observe," he says. "But after
several critical cases: the tax and farm protests in the 1970s, Ruby Ridge,
Waco, Oklahoma City, it's apparent that researchers must analyze these
groups."
Jipson, who studies social change, has been conducting research on these organizations since 1992. His research has included personal interviews with many members of white supremacist and militia groups. He also monitors the
activity of such groups on the Internet. Jipson predicts that these groups
will continue to increase their Net presence in an attempt to attract members.
He has just finished writing a book with Paul Becker of Morehead State
University on the sociology of white supremacy. The book looks at the belief
systems of white supremacy groups, the groups themselves and those
organizations who oppose them. It also explains how militia groups are
connected and not connected to the white supremacy movement.
Jipson can be reached at (513) 529-2637 or by e-mail at: [email protected]
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