NBC: Pro-Trump Capitol rioters like the 'QAnon Shaman' looked ridiculous -- by design

[Denzil_DC]

46. I don't really buy this take.

The "Q-shaman" reportedly acts out in his own neighbourhood. His appearance is as much a mish-mash as the ideas he spouts. I think its main aim is to seek attention. Which he's achieved.

I think the more important point is that the more ridiculous-seeming participants give a veneer of eccentric harmlessness that distracts from those in the insurrection who went to the Capitol with plans and tooled up. We point and laugh at the spectacle, and don't necessarily notice, at least at the time, those who are less eccentrically dressed but have more serious intent.

For anyone who has been active in organizing non-violent demonstrations and civil disobedience campaigns, this will not be a new argument. One justification for state surveillance, definitely pre-dating the digital age, has been that our activities could be infiltrated or used to provide cover for and distract from those with violent intent.