Date of Award
Summer 2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Communication
Committee Chair
Dr. Christopher P. Campbell
Committee Chair School
Communication
Committee Member 2
Dr. Cheryl Jenkins
Committee Member 2 School
Communication
Committee Member 3
Dr. David Davies
Committee Member 3 School
Communication
Committee Member 4
Dr. Laura Stengrim
Committee Member 4 School
Communication
Committee Member 5
Dr. Fei Xue
Committee Member 5 School
Communication
Abstract
The establishment of a crisis theme through public rhetoric often triggers widespread attention, resulting in public concern and media coverage of an issue that could potentially be overblown or deceptive. In right-wing political discourse, this crisis warning is typically delivered by a White male leader with ready access to the powerful news media. An “us versus them” theme often occurs. Within this mode of a hegemonic exclusion, a culture of immigrants or an American minority are often depicted, perhaps aggressively, as a threat: A threat used to motivate, enrage and create the frustrations inherent in ressentiment. This dissertation explores the manner in which damaging crisis talk can thread its way into the media and impact public opinion, legislation and everyday lives. Through an analysis of discourse, official testimony and news coverage, three case studies explore how the strategic use of “othering” occurred towards Muslims and Mexicans in the 21st century. It examines the false depiction of Sharia law and consequent passage of anti-Sharia legislation, the anti-Muslim Congressional hearings sponsored by Rep. Peter King, and the elevated charges of Mexican criminality espoused by former President Donald Trump. A fourth case study illustrates the versatility of this mode of rhetoric through a thematic comparison of two nationalist speeches delivered years apart in vastly different settings by Stephen Bannon and then-president Trump. Findings of the study suggest that many of the themes and tactics throughout these different case studies remain the same. It notes that the reporting of false or overblown claims by the media led to even further repetition and public exposure. It recognizes that the reiteration of these claims by mainstream media were frequently the result of efforts to provide a balanced news story. Finally, it raises awareness of the societal impact of this demonization on the general public and vulnerable minority populations who may be subject to similar treatment and restrictive legislation.
Recommended Citation
Franklin, Laura J., "The "Othering" of America: How the Strategic use of Crisis and Ressentiment Succeeded in the Trump era" (2023). Dissertations. 2150.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2150
Included in
American Politics Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Rhetoric Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons