It actually works pretty great on those too. "Serious mainstream issues" are exactly the same kind of thing as fabricated internet drama, just fabricated by older and much better funded groups.
"Nah, I'm not really into Pokémon."
Whether these are issues manufactured or not, they translate into real fears that play out across many people, in profound ways. It’s important to be engaged to protect people in fear, whether you share their backgrounds or beliefs - because we all can share an understanding of fear, and hopefully none of us wish it on others.