Date of Award
June 2018
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Social Sciences
Advisor(s)
Michael Barkun
Keywords
anti-government extremism, patriotism, political violence, social movement
Subject Categories
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
This dissertation investigates a prominent group in the patriot/militia movement called the Oath Keepers. It explores how the group uses references to core political ideas and important political events from American history. It argues that these rhetorical strategies serve three purposes: (1) helping the group’s supporters to make sense of contemporary America, (2) providing the group’s supporters with models of appropriate behavior in response to ongoing events, and (3) help the group to gain additional support. It also argues that different rhetorical strategies are useful for different purposes and target different audiences.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Sam, "The Oath Keepers: Patriotism, Dissent, and the Edge of Violence" (2018). Dissertations - ALL. 896.
https://surface.syr.edu/etd/896
