This article investigates the effects of divisive campaign rhetoric on Arab and Muslim American behavior. It examines whether President Trump's anti-immigrant stance during his campaign influenced day-to-day segregation in public life.
Data & Methods
Using three data sources - television news coverage, social media activity, and a survey - to understand shifts among Arab Americans following the election.
- TV News Coverage: Tracking changes in media representation
- Social Media Activity: Analyzing Twitter usage patterns by Arabic-sounding names
- Survey Data: Measuring reported public space avoidance
Key Findings
Our analysis shows that campaign rhetoric had consequences beyond executive orders:
- Users with Arabic-sounding Twitter handles saw location sharing drop 10-20% after major campaign events.
- Muslim survey respondents indicated increased avoidance of public spaces post-election.
Why It Matters
These findings demonstrate tangible impacts of presidential campaigns on the lived experiences and visibility of minority communities.
