Date of Award

9-9-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Trisha Rhodes

Abstract

White supremacy has been a continuing phenomenon in the United States since the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan in the mid-1800s. While there has been a general tendency to relegate hate crimes committed by white supremacists to past historical events, more recent events, such as the protests and attack in Charlottesville and the rise in hate crimes, suggest white supremacy may currently be increasing, particularly in response to President Donald Trump’s election. The current study examined the relationship between white supremacists and President Trump and how Stormfront users’ rhetoric about the president has changed over time. A content analysis of Stormfront blog posts revealed how users’ rhetoric changed during that time. Throughout President Trump’s campaign and election, Stormfront users expressed hope and optimism about the future and supported President Trump’s campaign initiatives.

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