Charlie Kirk is a Martyr: Propaganda, and the Peril of Political Polarization
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a contemporary example of political polarization and martyrdom rhetoric.
By Mark Faleye
First, I want to state that I do not speak on this beyond political and historical analysis.
Already when we talk of Political polarization, propaganda, and martyrdom , we are confronted with a dangerous feedback loop, where each element intensifies the others to create a climate ripe for conflict.
The assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk serves as a powerful contemporary example, as his death has immediately been framed as a martyrdom event, a common historical tactic used to mobilize and radicalize a political and social base. By examining this event through a historical lens, we can see how these three forces have consistently converged to escalate political tensions and, in some cases, spark violence, but also propel a movement to greater heights.
The framing of Charlie Kirk’s death as a political martyrdom “sanctifies” his political cause, elevating it to a righteous and noble struggle, just like Christian martyrs like St. Agnes; her martyrdom sanctified the Christian faith. She chose death over renouncing her beliefs, a sacrifice that transformed her into a powerful symbol of Christian piety and purity. Essentially, there is power in the narrative of dying for what you believe in.
The Historical Tactic of Martyrdom and Political Propaganda
The concept of a political martyr is not new. It’s an ancient and potent tool of propaganda, where the death of an individual for a cause is used to sanitize a political movement, and create a powerful rallying cry. By framing a death as a martyrdom, a movement can:
Sanctify the cause: It gives a political struggle the moral and spiritual weight of a holy war. The martyr’s death is not seen as a tragedy but as a noble sacrifice, a testament to the righteousness of their beliefs. This elevates the cause above mundane politics, making it a sacred duty for followers to uphold.
Demonize the opposition: The “martyr” narrative inherently casts the “other side” as the evil persecutor or murderer. This simplifies the political landscape into a binary of good versus evil, leaving no room for nuance or compromise. The opposition is no longer just a political rival but a moral enemy that must be defeated.
Mobilize followers: The martyr’s death provides a clear motivation for action. It transforms grief and outrage into a call for vengeance, encouraging supporters to become more radicalized and committed to the cause. It can inspire acts of violence, recruit new members, and justify previously unthinkable actions in the name of avenging the martyr.
Historical examples abound. The Nazi Party leveraged the death of Horst Wessel, a member of the SA (Sturmabteilung: the party’s paramilitary wing), who was killed in a fight with communists. Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Minister of Propaganda, immediately mythologized Wessel’s death, turning him into a symbol of the movement’s struggle. The song he wrote lyrics for, the “Horst-Wessel-Lied,” became the official anthem of the Nazi Party. This propaganda effectively painted the Nazis as the victims of political violence and justified their subsequent brutal crackdowns on political opponents.
The Role of Political Polarization in Creating a Martyrdom Narrative
In a highly polarized society, the conditions are ripe for martyrdom to flourish. The two sides are already defined by deep-seated distrust and animosity. In this environment, any act of violence is immediately interpreted through a partisan lens. The death of a prominent political figure triggers so much emotions from members of their group. Because already, giving your life for the cause is the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate contribution.
The death of Charlie Kirk provides a modern illustration. His supporters are framing his death as a political assassination, a direct consequence of “the left’s” violent rhetoric and hatred. This interpretation, regardless of the attacker’s actual motive, serves to:
Deepen the divide: It reinforces the pre-existing belief that the opposing side is not just wrong but actively hostile and dangerous. This makes civil discourse and compromise nearly impossible.
Justify escalation: When a movement believes its own members are being martyred, it feels justified in taking more extreme measures to protect itself and its cause. This can lead to a dangerous spiral of retaliatory violence.
Solidify identities: The shared grief and outrage over a martyr’s death create a stronger sense of collective identity and purpose. It brings a community together in a common cause against a perceived enemy.
Factors in Amplifying and Disseminating the Martyrdom Narrative
Propaganda acts as the engine that fuels the martyrdom feedback loop. In the digital age, this process is faster and more powerful than ever before. Social media platforms, right-wing news outlets, and political influencers can instantly amplify a message and spread it to millions, circumventing traditional media gatekeepers.
The “martyrdom” narrative around Charlie Kirk’s death is a textbook example. Hashtags and posts on social media platforms, statements on American national television, and more immediately began framing him as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” and major political figures and commentators echoed the sentiment, even the President.
A problem with this, that many would agree with, regardless of political leanings, is that this kind of martyr rhetoric prevents a more complex or nuanced discussion about the causes of the violence and instead forces a simple “us vs. them” narrative.
But it is understandable, this is politics. This rhetoric serves as a powerful recruitment tool, inviting others to join the cause of a “martyred” leader and warning that the same fate awaits them if they don’t fight back. The act of venerating the martyr is not just about remembering them, the martyr himself or herself can be a despicable person but; it’s all about what the narrative that is crafted means for the group, their history, their struggle whether real or perceived, it’s about one’s own loyalty to the cause, and the example of the martyr as the ultimate role model.
In conclusion, the intertwining of martyrdom, political polarization, and propaganda creates a volatile and dangerous political climate. The death of a political figure in this environment can become a catalyst for further division and violence. By understanding the historical use of martyrdom as a tool of propaganda, we can better recognize and resist its modern manifestations and their potential to tear at the fabric of a peaceful society.