A Mission for MARS: The Success of Climate Change Skeptic Rhetoric in the US Cover Image

A Mission for MARS: The Success of Climate Change Skeptic Rhetoric in the US
A Mission for MARS: The Success of Climate Change Skeptic Rhetoric in the US

Author(s): Alexander Ruser
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Communication studies, Sociology
Published by: Polskie Towarzystwo Retoryczne
Keywords: climate skepticism;anti-intellectualism;media;US

Summary/Abstract: Radio and television broadcasters accuse climate scientists of “promoting a global warming hoax”, recommending that they be “named and fi red, drawn and quartered” (Rush Limbaugh); commit “hara kiri” (Glenn Beck); and be “publicly flogged” (Mark Morano). Conservative media are crucial in promoting climate skepticism. Likewise, climate skepticism resonates well with white middle-class men. But why does the middle class continue to support “radical” positions? This article focuses on Anti-Intellectualism to explain why climate skeptic rhetoric resonates with “Middle American Radicals” (MARS).

  • Issue Year: 7/2020
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 48-63
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: English
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