Arielle Fodor, a former teacher turned social media star known for her comedy and commentary on education, found herself in the middle of controversy after participating in a Zoom call organized by White Women For Kamala. During the call, Fodor, in her character “Mrs. Frazzled,” provided advice on how white women should interact with social media users of color during the election. However, some powerful online figures misunderstood her humor and backlash ensued.
The speech Fodor gave on the Zoom call was seen as “woke,” “dystopian,” and compared to a ‘Black Mirror’ episode by critics. This led to a barrage of death threats, harassing phone calls, doxxing attacks, and other forms of intimidation against Fodor and her family. Despite the threats, Fodor remains undeterred and believes her videos are now even more important in the current political climate.
The intense response from harassers prompted Fodor to contact the authorities and seek a restraining order against one particular alleged harasser. While she is accustomed to online rudeness, the level of aggression and violence in the threats she received was shocking to her. Fodor received 11 death threats, which she described as a scary experience. However, she remains committed to using her platform to express frustration amidst the political climate.
Fodor began her social media career in March 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, to connect with other teachers while schools were closed. Her playful videos, often featuring her “Mrs. Frazzled” character, gained a large following on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Despite taking a break from teaching after having a daughter, Fodor continues to create content and engage with her audience online.
The White Women For Kamala Zoom call was organized in support of Kamala Harris’ White House campaign, with approximately 160,000 people joining the call and raising over $2 million. The call aimed to mobilize support among white women for Harris’s candidacy and encouraged discussions on how to engage with voters of color leading up to the election. Fodor’s participation in the call led to unintended controversy and backlash that she was not prepared for, but she remains resilient in the face of threats and harassment.
In the aftermath of the Zoom call, Fodor’s experience highlights the challenges that public figures face when navigating sensitive topics online. Her blend of humor and social commentary stirred strong reactions among certain groups, showcasing the polarized online environment and the risks involved in expressing opinions in a public forum. Despite the backlash, Fodor’s commitment to using her platform to connect with others and share her perspectives remains a central focus of her work in social media.
