A Cartography of Controversy Concerning Maga: Political Rhetoric, Racism, and Symbolism in Schools
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| Title: | A Cartography of Controversy Concerning Maga: Political Rhetoric, Racism, and Symbolism in Schools |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Agosto, Vonzell (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education (QSE). 2023 36(10):2053-2071. |
| Availability: | Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Controversial Issues (Course Content), Political Attitudes, Rhetoric, Cartography, News Reporting, Incidence, Cultural Influences, Emotional Response, Fear, Psychological Patterns, Racism, Trauma, Instructional Leadership |
| DOI: | 10.1080/09518398.2021.1962562 |
| ISSN: | 0951-8398 1366-5898 |
| Abstract: | This study explored incidents in schools involving the controversial campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again (MAGA)." Using a "cartography of controversies" approach, we located news reports to understand how educators, students, and families engaged with MAGA as a cultural symbol. In addition to mapping the location of each incident and grade level, we interpreted news reports through a cultural studies lens during weekly meetings. While discussing MAGA related incidents in schools we scripted a blogcast as we worked thematically with data. Our interpretations coalesced into three key findings. First, "MAGA's" symbolism, as an extension of Trumpian rhetoric, aroused emotions. Second, actors wielding the symbols exhibited entitlement racism. Third, those provoked to act in response to fear and anger faced a double-bind--they were at risk of punishment for reacting to "MAGA" and at risk of harm (i.e. political trauma) if they ignored it. We discuss the implications of the findings for educational leadership and offer recommendations for future research. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1402121 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study explored incidents in schools involving the controversial campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again (MAGA)." Using a "cartography of controversies" approach, we located news reports to understand how educators, students, and families engaged with MAGA as a cultural symbol. In addition to mapping the location of each incident and grade level, we interpreted news reports through a cultural studies lens during weekly meetings. While discussing MAGA related incidents in schools we scripted a blogcast as we worked thematically with data. Our interpretations coalesced into three key findings. First, "MAGA's" symbolism, as an extension of Trumpian rhetoric, aroused emotions. Second, actors wielding the symbols exhibited entitlement racism. Third, those provoked to act in response to fear and anger faced a double-bind--they were at risk of punishment for reacting to "MAGA" and at risk of harm (i.e. political trauma) if they ignored it. We discuss the implications of the findings for educational leadership and offer recommendations for future research. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0951-8398 1366-5898 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/09518398.2021.1962562 |
