The Antecedent of Fear in the Public Discourse: From Donald TrumpsNativism to Transgender Bathroom Access

Abstract

In the past few years, it would appear that the public discourse relating to social and demographic developments in the US has become louder and more fearful. The current election cycle has seen at least two topics elevated in the public discourse, resulting in almost around the clock coverage by the major US networks: (1) Hispanic and Muslim immigration and (2) the social and civil rights of transgender individuals.