MSNBC ridiculed for claiming physical fitness is the latest recruiting tactic of white supremacists

An MSNBC article was mocked mercilessly for asserting that physical fitness was the latest marker to identify someone as a possible white supremacist.

The article by opinion columnist Cynthia Miller-Idriss pronounced that the "latest scheme" from white supremacists was to "valorize violence and hypermasculinity" on social media.

Miller-Idriss cites a study claiming that white supremacists are recruiting new members by promoting fitness and "positive physical changes" before propagandizing them with white supremacist messaging.

It took four sentences before the column identified physical fitness with Hitler and the Nazis.

Physical fitness has always been central to the far right. In “Mein Kampf,” Hitler fixated on boxing and jujitsu, believing they could help him create an army of millions whose aggressive spirit and impeccably trained bodies, combined with “fanatical love of the fatherland,” would do more for the German nation than any “mediocre” tactical weapons training.

Miller-Idriss goes on to cite several examples of white supremacist groups using mixed martial arts clubs to recruit members before concluding that opponents of racism need to understand their methods of recruitment.

Critics of the progressive cable news network wasted little time in ridiculing and mocking the attempt to identify fitness with racism.

"I saw my neighbour out for a jog. Should I report him, or wait till it escalates to push-ups?" read one popular response.

"Ok Guys now you've done it. Now you've literally politicized something which should have been left alone. Good job guys you morons," replied seven-time Mr. Olympia winner Phil Heath.

"Wtf, i did 10 pushups and now there's a swastika tattoo on my shoulder," joked another user.

"There’s definitely something to this in my opinion. The other day I took a brisk hike at my local nature preserve and before I knew it I had invaded Poland," read another humorous tweet.

"Yeah MSNBC readers, don’t get into shape. Just get the vax, wear a mask, and enjoy that Big Mac with a nice Coke to wash it down. You earned it because you’re a good person that votes correctly," tweeted another critic.

Here's more about white supremacy:

The Left's New Rules of White Supremacy | Fearless with jason Whitlockwww.youtube.com