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Ten years of hate: A fantasy theme analysis of the white supremacy rhetoric of Robert E. Miles
Abstract
Ten years of violent hate filled rhetoric, so common in the white supremacy movement, is the object of examination in this study. The rhetoric of a well known Aryan leader, Robert E. Miles, in his newsletters From The Mountain, and Beyond the Bars ... The Stars, is explored through the methodology of Fantasy Theme Analysis. The following research questions are answered: (1) Are there identifiable themes which chain out into rhetorical visions in Miles' rhetoric that dominate or continue throughout the ten year period evaluated? (2) Does Miles develop rhetorical fantasies which appeal to (a) perspective members, (b) new members, and (c) long term members? (3) Are there identifiable symbols, employed by Miles, to enhance or to develop dramatistic themes in his rhetoric? Five distinct fantasy themes are identified in Miles' rhetoric and the research questions are answered in light of the five fantasy themes. The five fantasy themes identified include: (1) La Cesspool Grande: Satan's Oppressors and the Guardians of Greed, (2) God's Chosen People: The Champions of Racial Superiority and Aryan Ethnic Purity, (3) An Aryan Sanctuary: The Pursuit of the Promised Land, (4) Rallying Around the Folk and Faith of the Lighted Cross, and (5) Beyond the Bars $\...$ The Stars: Help and Hope for the POW's. Three of the fantasy themes were used consistently by Miles throughout the ten year period evaluated: La Cesspool Grande, God's Chosen People, and the Champions of Racial Superiority. The fantasies developed by Miles were considered rhetorically appropriate and effective for the long term members of the movement, since the themes are too abrasive and asocial to prospective members. Each of Miles' fantasies are supported by numerous rhetorical, as well as tangible, symbols.
Subject Area
Communication|Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology
Recommended Citation
Mullen, Faith Elizabeth, "Ten years of hate: A fantasy theme analysis of the white supremacy rhetoric of Robert E. Miles" (1991). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9211478.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9211478