Book Review: Hate on the Right: Right-Wing Political Groups and Hate Speech, by Michael Waltman

Abstract

Hate on the Right: Right-Wing Political Groups and Hate Speech. Michael Waltman. New York, New York: Peter Lang, 2015. 264 pp. $40.95 pbk.For those who believe or suspect that a culture of hate has infiltrated American discourse-or for those who simply want research that possibility-Hate on the Right is for them. In this book, Michael Waltman, an award-winning author and an associate professor in the University of North Carolina's Department of Communication Studies, provides several examples of just how that has happened. Moreover, he includes an in-depth analysis of each. Collectively, these examples-from books like White Apocalypse and Atlas Shrugged such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and various paramilitary organizations-are likely lead readers conclude that, indeed, hate-filled rhetoric is extensive.In an introductory first chapter, Waltman explicitly states his book's purpose: to examine the discourse and language produced by a variety of right-wing and determine the homology that exists among their discourses. By homology, he means a similarity often attributable a common origin; that is, he seeks identify the roots shared by these so as recognize how their methods and goals are alike. The conclusion: exclusion. According Waltman, the thread running through these right-wing efforts is scapegoating and otherizing enemies. The approach is not only marginalize those who have been stigmatized, but also includes a belief that the absence of groups is a desirable, positive outcome.Who are these excluded others? They are those who oppose or stand in the way of the right's desired agendas. Generally, this means government officials, particularly those perceived be liberal. Not surprisingly, President Obama typically tops these lists. Other liberal politicians and government agencies (e.g., Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) are also included. Perhaps less expected are some members of the current U.S. Supreme Court: Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor.Between his introduction and conclusion, Waltman methodically analyzes his chosen examples of right-wing discourse. His method, including coding, is transparent. Various themes are revealed and described within each analysis. With Atlas Shrugged, for example, themes include Great Men and the Gordon Gekko-esque Greed Is Good. The analysis of the NRA includes not only themes, many of which target President Obama, but also a detailed description of the NRA's history. Again, the book would be valuable anyone seeking not just a primer on right-wing rhetorical practices, but also thorough descriptions of them. To a large extent, Waltman lays out the facts, allowing the reader judge and conclude. But it becomes clear through his narrative-for example, claiming the author of White Apocalypse camouflaged his racist discourse by dovetailing it with the mainstream's discourse-where the author is leading the reader. …