Rhetorics of Fear and Rage: An American Tradition

Why does American public discourse so often erupt into fear, rage, and mutual distrust? And how can citizens respond responsibly in moments of civic crisis?

In Rhetorics of Fear and Rage: An American Tradition, Patricia Bizzell argues that today's polarized political climate is not an unprecedented collapse of civil discourse but part of a long American tradition. Across US history, moments of social upheaval have repeatedly produced heated rhetoric fueled by fear, anger, stereotyping, and flawed reasoning. By examining these recurring patterns, Bizzell offers readers both perspective and hope.

Through engaging historical case studies-including Patrick Henry's revolutionary rhetoric, attacks on the Grimké sisters, anti-Chinese violence in Tacoma, American eugenics, McCarthyism, Confederate flag controversies, anti-vaccine campaigns, and climate change debates-Bizzell demonstrates how rhetorical "shortcuts" and logical fallacies shape public thinking and intensify division. At the same time, she shows how rhetorical awareness can help readers resist manipulation and participate more thoughtfully in democratic life.

Grounded in decades of scholarship yet written in accessible language for non-specialists, Rhetorics of Fear and Rage bridges academic and public audiences. The book will appeal to readers interested in rhetoric, politics, American history, communication, media literacy, democracy, civic discourse, and contemporary culture. It is also well-suited for undergraduate courses in rhetoric, writing studies, communication, political discourse, American studies, and public speaking.

Patricia Bizzell is Distinguished Professor of English Emerita at the College of the Holy Cross and one of the most influential scholars in rhetoric and composition studies. She is coauthor, with Bruce Herzberg, of The Rhetorical Tradition: Readings from Classical Times to the Present, a landmark anthology widely used in graduate rhetoric courses internationally. Her work has received the Conference on College Composition and Communication's Outstanding Book Award and Exemplar Award for Lifetime Achievement. She is a Fellow of the Rhetoric Society of America.

"For years, people have asked me for a good book introduction to rhetoric that is smart, well-written, accessible for non-experts, yet grounded in scholarship. This is that book."-Patricia Roberts-Miller, author of Rhetoric and Demagoguery

"Rhetorics of Fear and Rage is a compelling and urgently needed book. In the midst of our ever-increasing polarization, Bizzell offers renewed hope in the ideals of the American democratic project and practical wisdom for redeeming public discourse." -Michael-John DePalma, author of Sacred Rhetorical Education in 19th Century America

"Bizzell demonstrates her expertise and insights as a researcher and scholar in bringing the tools of rhetorical studies to bear . . ."-Jacqueline Jones Royster, author of Finding Sarah and Mary

Lauer Series in Rhetoric and CompositionSeries Editors: Jennifer Bay and Thomas Rickert