White fear has been on the rise in America, and many argue that (recently departed) Fox News host Tucker Carlson has played a significant role in fueling it. Carlson has tapped into white viewers’ anxieties over the country’s changing racial demographics, which some argue fueled Donald Trump’s rise in the 2016 presidential election. 

I get it.

I’m white, middle aged, didn’t complete college and grew up on a farm in the MidWest…if you accept PA/Ohio as the MidWest. In 2016 I listened to Knute predict all this at an FOA lunch, and he was dead-on.

While Carlson’s rhetoric may have resonated with some viewers, many others have criticized him for his extreme views, accusing him of twisting local news stories to make broader claims about Americans losing control of their country. In one segment in 2017, he claimed “Gypsies” were causing chaos in a small Pennsylvania town, urinating and defecating in the streets. However, it should be noted that Carlson was not the only one who reported on this story and that other outlets also covered it. Carlson has been criticized for his racist comments about immigrants, such as arguing that hordes of immigrants are making America “poorer and dirtier.” However, others argue that this is not true and that immigrants have contributed significantly to American society.

I would be the loudest voice in that chorus.

I know a lot of immigrants that have helped make America great.

Despite the criticism, Carlson has continued to tap into white fear, reassuring viewers that their discomfort is reasonable and that they don’t have to feel bad about their fears and worries. He has differentiated himself from other Fox News hosts by focusing on the underlying message instead of Trump as the public face of it. Carlson has been able to tap into the anxieties of white viewers and use them to fuel his own agenda.

However, it is also important to note that Carlson’s views may be sourced from a real concern that many Americans have about the changing demographics of the country. Many Americans are worried about the impact that immigration and demographic changes may have on their communities and the country as a whole. While Carlson may be exaggerating these concerns, it is important to acknowledge that these concerns exist and that they need to be addressed.

Fear drives ratings. And the rise of white fear in America is a complex issue that requires a nuanced approach. While some argue that Tucker Carlson has played a significant role in fueling these anxieties, others point out that his views may be sourced from a real concern that many Americans have.