The Discursive Construction of the Modern Political Self: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Age of Social Media

The book explores how new media impacts politicians' construction, presentation, and dissemination of their political selves, focusing on US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's social media presence. It employs corpus linguistics, interactional sociolinguistics, and critical discourse analysis to analyze her discursive strategies and how she solidified her political agenda.

Format: Hardback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound impact of new media on the construction, presentation, and dissemination of politicians' political selves, with a specific focus on the remarkable social media presence of US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Through a comprehensive analysis that draws upon corpus linguistics, interactional sociolinguistics, and critical discourse analysis, author Michael Aiello offers fresh insights into the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary political discourse.

Beginning with an in-depth exploration of Ocasio-Cortez's social media presence during her first campaign, Aiello charts the intricate ways in which she employed a diverse range of discursive strategies to introduce her political identity to a broader audience. He meticulously analyzes the responses by media outlets to her political endeavors, shedding light on the ways in which they shaped public perception and influenced the course of her political career.

The volume then delves into the fascinating journey of Ocasio-Cortez's political agenda as she continued to solidify her position within Congress. Aiello uncovers her skillful crafting of counterattacks and "clapbacks," particularly in responding to delegitimizing attacks from both mainstream media outlets and user-generated content. By examining these strategies in detail, the book provides a holistic understanding of American political discourse, while also exploring the intricate intersections of language, power, ideology, and the role of social media in modern political campaigns and populist discourses.

This insightful book will appeal to students and scholars alike, particularly those interested in digital communication, political communication, critical discourse analysis, and sociolinguistics. It offers valuable insights into the ever-changing dynamics of political communication and provides a thought-provoking examination of the ways in which new media shapes the political landscape of our times.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032225692