The scholar of American studies Annie Kelly argued that the alt-right was " both inspired and defined by a discourse of anxiety about traditional white masculinity " , a discourse which was " dominant in much of the political and cultural mainstream " . In her view , much of the " groundwork " for this discourse was set forth by the conservative movement in the years following the September 11 attacks in 2001 . Hawley concurred that American conservatism was " at least somewhat responsible for the rise of the Alt-Right " because some individuals within the conservative movement , such as Ann Coulter , had " effectively delegitimized complaints about hate speech and racism " as part of their attacks on political correctness in the years before the alt-right 's appearance . This is something acknowledged by some conservatives , like columnist Matt K. Lewis
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Alt-right