Introduction to Political Views on 4chan

On 4chan, political views are not typically a focal point on most boards like /tg/ and /a/. However, when political discussions do arise, they tend to be dominated by users from the politically incorrect board /pol/. This board, known for its 'politically incorrect' stance, serves as a space where political debates can take place without being censored or contained by the rest of the site's moderations.

Characteristics of /pol/

In /pol/, the 'extremist communists' are often seen as centrist or even moderate right-wingers in real life. The difficulty in finding extremely right-wing individuals on /pol/ highlights the board's unique political dynamics. Instead of traditional left-right politics, /pol/ often takes on a gullible, anti-establishment stance that can seem contradictory and amusing to outsiders.

4chan's Anarchist and Anti-Establishment Stance

4chan as a whole is best described as anarcho-libertarian, with a heavy emphasis on anarchistic principles. The board is known for its anti-establishment and contrarian nature, often aligning with marginalized or controversial social paradigms. For instance, 4chan will love WASP fundies and hate SJWs, favoring traditional values such as the nuclear family and heterosexuality.

Eras on 4chan and Their Political Trends

4chan's political landscape has shifted over time, with different eras characterized by distinct trends. These include the Lulz Era (2003-2007), Chanology (2008-2009), Activism (approximately 2010-2013), and the KEK Era (started in 2014).

Lulz Era (2003-2007): This period was marked by anarchy and a lack of political coherence. 4chan was generally apolitical during this time.

Chanology (2008-2009): This era saw the board organizing around a specific cause, which often had a liberal humanist element.

Activism (2010-2013): During this time, 4chan became more distinctly left-leaning, with radical political views.

KEK Era (2014-present): The KEK era, named after the 'Keep Eyestalks Kept' meme, has seen a notable shift towards right-wing and alt-right perspectives, primarily due to the departure of social justice and digital anarchist types in 2012-2013. This resulted in the ideological shift of the board, marked by a 'watch the world burn' attitude.

The Current Landscape of 4chan

The current iteration of 4chan definitely has an 'alt-right' flavor. This shift can be attributed to the exodus of social-justice and digital anarchist types in 2012-2013. The substantial removal of ideological counterbalance has led to a more extreme set of views on the board. As the board became a target for radical leftist elements, a large number of users left, leaving behind a pool of users with predominantly right-wing perspectives.

The driving force behind 4chan has always been the support of free speech, albeit with the understanding that such freedom can lead to both good and bad outcomes. As a result, 4chan continues to foster a diverse range of perspectives, often challenging conventional norms and maintaining a contrarian stance.