White America, threat to the status quo, and affiliation with the alt-right: a qualitative approach

Abstract

Abstract While racial and political tensions have ebbed and flowed throughout American history, one thing makes the current moment distinct—the invasive presence of information through technology. Therefore, the polarization and bias of certain media outlets may exacerbate perceived differences between racial and ethnic groups, political parties, religions, and so forth, increasing tensions and the gaps between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ Using qualitative data from a study of the Alt-Right, we analyze the relationships between perceptions of social concerns, feelings of status threat, perceptions of media and technology, and affiliation with the Alt-Right among White Americans. In general, we find three primary themes regarding Alt-Right affiliation for White Americans: (1) threats to us, (2) return to the good ole days, and (3) faux news. Our findings yield valuable insight into the complex relationships between internalized and institutionalized racial hierarchies and extremist ideologies for White Americans. Implications for policy and research are discussed.