Mentor/s
Professor Akbulut Gok
Participation Type
Paper Talk
Abstract
The U.S is experiencing an increasing trend in political polarization that has seemingly left no middle ground between left and right. The ramifications of which have led to the increasing growth of radical, populist politicians who have amplified the voices of people on the fringe, to give the appearance that they represent the majority. As a byproduct of tribalism, more formally known as social identity theory, there has been a marked increase in the belief that there are irreconcilable differences between Democrat and Republican. This thesis takes the position that this polarization stems from individual actors committing acts of terror, and the fear that it produces. This fear entrenches individuals into their self-categorization of left and right. Through politicians, media, and social influencers these fears are enhanced and directed towards opposing parties, creating a false existential crisis. These false existential crises allow for extremist ideologies to appear more legitimate, in that their first premise-an in-group is being threatened by an out-group- is being articulated by mainstream sources. To assert this premise this paper analyzes the rhetoric that surrounds a terrorist attack from both the left, and the right. This thesis argues that the increasingly inflammatory rhetoric of politicians, and media sources, is reactionary to terrorism, rather than the mainstream assertion of the converse.
College and Major available
Government and Politics
Location
Digital Commons
Start Day/Time
4-24-2020 2:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-24-2020 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Best Writing (formerly called the Writing Across the Curriculum prize; the final submission date to be considered for this award is Apr 1)
Terrorists, Extremists, and Populists; How Terrorism in America is Creating Social Divide
Digital Commons
The U.S is experiencing an increasing trend in political polarization that has seemingly left no middle ground between left and right. The ramifications of which have led to the increasing growth of radical, populist politicians who have amplified the voices of people on the fringe, to give the appearance that they represent the majority. As a byproduct of tribalism, more formally known as social identity theory, there has been a marked increase in the belief that there are irreconcilable differences between Democrat and Republican. This thesis takes the position that this polarization stems from individual actors committing acts of terror, and the fear that it produces. This fear entrenches individuals into their self-categorization of left and right. Through politicians, media, and social influencers these fears are enhanced and directed towards opposing parties, creating a false existential crisis. These false existential crises allow for extremist ideologies to appear more legitimate, in that their first premise-an in-group is being threatened by an out-group- is being articulated by mainstream sources. To assert this premise this paper analyzes the rhetoric that surrounds a terrorist attack from both the left, and the right. This thesis argues that the increasingly inflammatory rhetoric of politicians, and media sources, is reactionary to terrorism, rather than the mainstream assertion of the converse.
Students' Information
Chad Pierson, Global Studies major, Class of 2020.
Third Prize, WAC Wiring Prize (Best Writing)