CultureJuly 15, 2026
astroturfing
/ˈæstroʊˌtɜːrfɪŋ/
Definition
The practice of masking the sponsors of a message or organization to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by grassroots participants.
Etymology
The term is a play on 'grassroots,' referencing the AstroTurf brand of synthetic carpet used for stadium fields. It was coined in the 1980s to describe artificial political campaigns designed to mimic authentic popular support.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the right-wing strategy of manufacturing public grievances, such as the panic over transgender youth sports, to make them appear as organic, widespread public sentiment.
‘People are picking the dumbest fights’: the tortured history of America’s culture wars
Read the full article ↗The Guardian