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This paper addresses the role of music in Extinction Rebellion (XR), a radical environmental movement founded in the UK in 2018. Through an analysis of the lyrics and sound of 80 songs (which comprise XR’s ‘Rebellion Song Book’) XR’s music is presented as both a purposeful strategy (i.e. a framing mechanism) for articulating core grievances and their accompanying solutions, and as a binding mechanism that works to reinforce solidarity and collective identity among members. The results show that XR’s songs reflect the broader messaging of the movement – that environmental degradation has caused a climate emergency and that unless immediate action is taken to address this an ecosystem collapse awaits humanity. As well as clear grievances emerging in the lyrics, solutions to these are articulated (through stressing the importance of heeding science and organizing citizens assemblies to steer government decisions); and calls to action are made (through calling for rebellion). The paper shows that while XR’s music can inspire collective action to address climate issues, an equally important function is that it can engender emotional responses in both those who sing and listen to it, bringing members together and reinforcing a form of collective identity and solidarity, and thus strengthening the cohesion of the movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White extremism in the U.S. has not received much attention in the literature, despite scholars arguing that it represents the most sustained form of terrorism in the U.S. While much of the research on extremist movements has focused on the groups' violent acts, there has been significantly less attention on the nonviolent activities, such as music. Following a social movement theoretical framework, we set out to understand the role that music plays in constructing the worldview and narrative of white extremists. Using lyrics from 337 white power songs from seven white power bands, we analyzed the linear and interconnected narrative that emerges in the music. What we found is a narrative interwoven throughout the music that presents a clear picture of white societies under threat from immigration, the Jewish-controlled media, and liberalism, with clear directives for extreme violence and vigilante justice. Based on this picture, we discuss the potential counterextremism implications and provide several avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

he nonviolent activities of extremists have the capacity to shed important light on how such groups think and frame the world around them. This paper provides a comparative insight into the framing activities of Islamic State and white power (WP) groups through an analysis of the song lyrics that have emerged from these scenes. In doing so, we seek to understand the role that culture, particularly music, plays in constructing the worldview of both white supremacists and jihadists. Through analyzing song lyrics we explain how those writing and performing the music can shape the contexts in which participants operate. What emerges is that despite differences in the stated belief systems of Islamic State and white supremacists, the ways in which the underlying worldview is constructed is similar. Both focus on highlighting grievances and see their own in-group as facing real and prominent threats, often due to liberal values. Both see Jewish people as a corrupting force in the world, and both have a clear direction on overcoming such threats with direct calls to action. Both groups tap into global narratives against multiculturalism, globalization, and the global international order, which they view as inherently damaging to their own group interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]