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In Hall of Fame induction speech, Alemayehu G. Mariam, CSUSB professor emeritus, says African intellectuals must lead the continent forwardECADF Ethiopian News & ViewsApril 29, 2019 Alemayehu G. Mariam, CSUSB professor emeritus of political science at Cal State San Bernardino, was recently inducted into the university’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Hall of Fame. In his induction speech, Mariam, who immigrated from Ethiopia, called on African intellectuals to lead the continent forward. “African intellectuals must get involved and personally identify with the fate of the continent,” he said. “They must have skin in the African game of thrones and fight for democracy, human rights and the rule of law.” Read the complete text of the speech at “Saving Africa from ‘global tribalism’ (my ‘Hall of Fame’ induction speech).”
Long Beach bombing suspect’s plans for violent acts were ‘reactionary extremism,’ CSUSB professor says Long Beach PostApril 30, 2019 The man suspected of plotting to bomb a Long Beach rally on April 28 had talked previously of targeting other places and people, the online news site reported, and was apparently inspired by other extremists’ acts. In March, two days after the New Zealand mosque attacks, the suspect allegedly told a different FBI operative he’d started sleeping with his rifle next to his bed after watching video of the Christchurch massacre the shooter live-streamed. “That’s reactionary extremism,” professor Brian Levin said of Domingo’s alleged response to the massacre. Levin, who studies hate and extremism for California State University, San Bernardino, said this is known to happen, “where past catalytic events influence or inspire a future terror act.” Social media has helped build a sort of extremist folklore around major attacks, according to Levin. An event “gets inscribed as the next diverse chapter in a book of evil,” and helps inspire loners or splinter groups even if they’re not connected to any larger terror-group infrastructure, he said. Read the complete article at “FBI paints picture of a committed mass killer drawn into bombing plot.”
CSUSB professor: Extremists are ‘becoming radicalized much more quickly, and oftentimes much more quietly’Fox 5 San DiegoApril 30, 2019 The internet is playing an increasing role in the radicalization of extremists, said Cal State San Bernardino Professor Brian Levin, director of the university’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, in a segment that is part of the continuing coverage of the Poway synagogue shooting on April 27. Levin says says the motivation and inspiration for domestic terrorism is evolving through online platforms. “One year it was threats, now it’s actual violence,” Levin said. 'It used to be the violent act itself was the message. Now, extremists are packaging this with manifestos and livestreams. They're becoming radicalized much more quickly, and oftentimes much more quietly.' Read the article, and watch the online video report, at “Poway synagogue shooting highlights role of online extremism.”
‘Hardcore anti-Semites are emboldened toward public, online and even violent displays of bigotry,’ CSUSB professor saysVOAApril 30, 2019 Attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions in the United States remained near historic levels in 2018, with physical assaults on adherents of the Jewish faith doubling, the Anti-Defamation League reported Tuesday. There were 1,879 anti-Semitic incidents in 2018, down from 1,986 in 2017 but the third-highest level since the 1970s, the Jewish civil rights organization said in its annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents in 2018. The incidents included 1,066 cases of harassment and 774 cases of vandalism. The ADL said 13 percent of the incidents were 'attributable' to known extremist groups or individuals. Brian Levin, executive director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University at San Bernardino, called the increase in the number of anti-Jewish assaults and homicides disturbing. 'We are at an interesting crossroads, where Jews, while highly regarded overall, face significant pockets of hardcore anti-Semites who are emboldened toward public, online and even violent displays of bigotry, and the data that captures that shows a clear progression,' Levin said. Read the complete article at “Report: Anti-Semitic incidents in US remain near historic levels in 2018.”
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