Graduate Program
Communication Studies
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
Spring 2020
Thesis Director
Marita Gronnvoll
Thesis Committee Member
Richard G. Jones, Jr.
Thesis Committee Member
Claudia Janssen Danyi
Abstract
This study focuses on the political and social communicative implications that result from mirrored anti-LatinX immigration discourses from three different political entities: President Donald Trump, special-interest hate group the Federation for Immigration Reform (FAIR), and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Through a critical communication lens, the author presents and discusses the influence of presidential communication, and its ability to contribute to and bolster xenophobic political undertones, creating a communicative environment that functions to empower and embolden proponents of racially based discrimination. Further, this study discusses the power presidential communication has to legitimize, normalize, and amplify the racist and xenophobic anti-LatinX discourses perpetuated by hate groups and conspiracy theorists, bringing fringe beliefs into the communicative mainstream.
Recommended Citation
Wiedeman, Emily A., "Terministic Screening and Conspiracy Theory in Political Communication: A Critical Analysis of Trump’s Rhetorical Ties to FAIR and Alex Jones Through “Invasion” Immigration Discourse" (2020). Masters Theses. 4791.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/4791
Included in
American Politics Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons
