Hiding in plain sight: how the 'alt-right' is weaponizing irony to spread fascism

Experts say the 'alt-right' have stormed mainstream consciousness by using 'humor' and ambiguity as tactics to wrong-foot their opponents

Earlier this month, hundreds of "alt-right" protesters occupied the rotunda at Boston Common in the name of free speech. The protest included far-right grouplets old and new - from the Oath Keepers to the Proud Boys. But there were no swastikas or shaved heads in sight.

Instead, the protest imagery was dominated by ostensibly comedic images, mostly cribbed from forums and social media. It looked a little like an animated version of a favorite "alt-right" message board, 4chan.