Christopher Mathias, an experienced journalist, has re-evaluated the traditional journalistic standard of objectivity, especially in the face of rising fascism. His book, To Catch a Fascist, released on February 3, centers on anti-fascist efforts and the infiltration of far-right groups, particularly focusing on the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, where violence erupted.
Mathias’s interest in this topic stems from his background in a politically charged environment and his career, which included covering criminal justice and far-right violence at The Huffington Post. He asserts that journalism has often failed to appropriately cover the dangers of far-right ideologies, sometimes equating them with anti-fascist actions. He cites a concerning statistic: major newspapers devoted equal coverage to denouncing Nazis and Antifa, creating false equivalencies that misrepresent the threats posed by white supremacists.
Mathias highlights an alarming trend where President Trump has called for designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist group, despite its lack of a centralized structure, posing risks for mislabeling and targeting individuals. His reporting approach for the book aimed to respect the anonymity and safety of anti-fascist activists, emphasizing their critical work in exposing far-right group members, sometimes using tactics like doxxing.
The book contrasts the tactics of anti-fascists with those of ICE agents, noting visual similarities in anonymity. Mathias observes that while anti-fascist movements have focused on exposing far-right groups, recent efforts have also targeted ICE. He comments on how media coverage of these movements differs significantly due to persistent misunderstandings and misrepresentations of Antifa.
Mathias argues his journalistic approach should be adversarial to undemocratic forces, asserting that journalism can and should support anti-fascist stances. However, he maintains a commitment to accuracy and fairness in reporting. By challenging traditional notions of objectivity, he hopes to clarify misconceptions around anti-fascist work and its crucial role in resisting fascism.
