The conservative claim that liberals are engaged in a campaign to “groom” children has resulted in a flood of violent threats, according to a new analysis.
Vice News cited a new report by Advance Democracy, Inc. about an increase in violent comments from conservatives referring to anyone supportive of LGBTQ equality as “groomers.” The word is supposed to mean a pedophile preparing to make a child into an abuse victim, but conservatives are now using the term to describe efforts to educate students about gender identity or sexual orientation.
The over-use of the wold has prompted stories from actual survivors of assault, abuse and exploitation saying that it is belittling their experience. That hasn’t stopped Republicans from downplaying their trauma, however.
The report shows posts on forums like Patriots.win and Gab where users are now making ultra-violent comments and threats against specific teachers, Disney employees and elected officials.