The Big Lie(s): Situating the January 6th Coup Attempt Within White Supremacist Lies. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hawkman, Andrea M.; Diem, Sarah
• Other Names: Edwards Erica B. guest-editor.; Esposito Jennifer guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Cultural studies, critical methodologies. Volume 22:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 490
• Page End: 504
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: critical discourse analysis -- education -- intersectional engagement -- lies -- whiteness -- white supremacy; Culture -- Research -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Research -- Periodicals; 306.05
• DOI: 10.1177/15327086221094883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1532-7086

Abstract

Donald Trump's attempts to retain power despite losing the 2020 presidential election by engaging in a wide-ranging mis/disinformation campaign has been framed as The Big Lie. By framing Trump's attempts at stealing the election as The Big Lie, it erases the systemic presence of white supremacy and situates all other lies as truths. We utilize critical discourse analysis to construct an intersectional understanding of how Trump utilized lies in preparation for his attempted insurrection. In doing so, we situate these claims within the network of larger lies used to protect whiteness within the United States. Through this work, we highlight how educators can situate white supremacist lies within historical and contemporary racial realism in pursuit of anti-racist civic understanding.