The Right-Wing Resistance group circulating anti-Asian fliers throughout Christchurch is causing anger within the community, but Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley thinks it’s a publicity stunt.
The group, which was formed two years ago in Christchurch and is led by Kyle Chapman, has sparked concerns that racially motivated violence may occur as a result of the pamphlet drop.
Mr Spoonley, who has been researching the group since its formation two years ago, spoke to Firstline this morning.
The Right-Wing Resistance claims the leaflets are part of a recruitment drive, but Mr Spoonley says the move is “primarily to ensure publicity”.
He says the strategy of circulating anti-Asian fliers in high-population Asian areas is a long-standing one.
“They’re trying to provoke a reaction… the numbers they’re going to recruit in these areas are going to be very small, if any.”
The upcoming election would have been a factor in the group’s targeting of Asians, Mr Spoonley says.
“We’ve had in past election years quite a campaign against Asians… and given the arrival of Asians, particularly Chinese and Indians, since 2000 it’s an obvious target.
“They’re testing the water, seeing if there is support for an anti-Asian party.”
The Right-Wing Resistance has no history of violence, but Mr Spoonley believes that the police will take a serious view of the group as similar white supremacist groups have caused violence in the past.
When asked if he expected the group to find support in Auckland, Mr Spoonley said the chances are “practically none”.
“In terms of Auckland there is no history of these groups – it’s much more likely to be a South Island thing,” he said.
“They’re talking up a big march, but their marches have been quite small and they’re not likely to get many up here in Auckland.”
Mr Spoonley said that Christchurch had the “dubious honour” of being the home of white supremacy,
“There’s a group of disaffected young white males down there… and there’s a bit of a tradition of white supremacy in Christchurch.”
3 News