A reporter writes about his time at the ongoing parliament protest in New Zealand. It is now in its third week and fewer people attend daily. He mentions a “freedom village” occupied by groups of people there to criticize the government. Many are specifically anti-mandate but some are notably sovereigns, or at least speaking like sovereigns do.
He writes: “Others, like Winona, were there as freedom protesters. She was one of many who subscribed to the “sovereign citizen” conspiracy theory – a type of “pseudolaw” whereby people claim not to be subject to legislative law. Winona told me that she only learnt about the sovereign citizen ideology on her way to Wellington.”
And just like that, Winona adopted sovereign citizen ideology without really knowing much about it. For some, it apparently happens fast. This is one way the movement can spread.
Many denied being associated with fringe groups when asked directly despite adopting the ideas and rhetoric. If they truly understood the positions they were endorsing, the anti-government stance, would they still be okay with it? It is not an area that has been heavily investigated so it is difficult to know.
You can read more here.