The Post-Truth Double-Helix: Reflexivity and Mistrust in Local Politics

Authors

  • Timothy Gibson George Mason University

Keywords:

, post-truth politics, political rhetoric, conspiracy theory, reflexivity, misinformation, postmodernism

Abstract

Post-truth politics—the term has achieved buzzword status, arguably with good reason. After all, the Trump presidential campaign was built on a foundation of demonstrably false statements and unproven allegations of conspiracy. However, the concept of post-truth politics currently lacks a firm conceptual foundation. This article, therefore, defines and explicates the concept of post-truth politics, drawing primarily on the work of Jodi Dean, Marc Andrejevic, and Anthony Giddens. With this refined definition, I apply the concept to examine a recent political debate over a proposed streetcar line in Arlington, Virginia. A brief conclusion discusses the political and ethical implications of the Arlington streetcar case and explores prospects for future conceptual development

Author Biography

Timothy Gibson, George Mason University

Timothy Gibson (PhD, Simon Fraser University) is an Associate Professor of Communication and Cultural Studies at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia (USA).Phone: 703-993-3793Email: tgibson1@gmu.eduWebsite (full bio): http://communication.gmu.edu/people/tgibson1

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Published

2018-08-15

Issue

Vol. 12 (2018)

Section

Articles

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