The Complex Rhetoric of Controversy

This chapter examines the fluctuating popularity of a controversial figure between 2017 and 2018, exploring how his nuanced rhetoric attracts diverse audiences without overtly embracing extreme views. It critiques his messaging strategies, revealing how he navigates complex issues of identity and race while engaging in combative dialogue on free speech and societal norms. Through this analysis, the chapter highlights the psychological dynamics of authoritarianism and the ease of gravitating towards extreme ideologies in chaotic times.