Communicating Terror : The Rhetorical Dimensions of Terrorism

by Joseph S. Tuman

• ISBN13: 9781412973243
• ISBN10: 1412973244
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-10-15
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

The only book to examine terrorism as a rhetorical act 'œThis is an excellent text in furthering our understanding of the web of language and how it creates our mediated realities ' which reflect our culture, politics, religion, economics, etc. Students really like the case studies and how it complements the theory and practice of rhetoric. I think this book has applications for almost any course in communication.'Â Â Â Â Â Â  -J. Gregory Payne, Emerson College Concise, succinct, and provocative, Communicating Terror, Second Edition explores multiple rhetorical dimensions of terrorism, connects terrorism to communication theories, and helps readers understand how this violence creates a public discourse for multiple target audiences. Author Joseph S. Tuman uses fascinating case studies and examples as he explores both dissent terrorism and state terror and looks at terrorism from a communicative perspective. Presenting terrorism as a process of communication between terrorists and multiple audiences, this book examines a range of rhetorical components, including definitions and labels, symbolism in terrorism, the relationship between terror and the media, and public oratory about terrorism-by both victims of terrorism and terrorists themselves.New to the Second Edition Includes three new chapters on public address and speeches concerning terrorism, symbols and targets of terror, and terrorism, rhetorical theory, and mass media. Offers new examples, case studies, speeches, and topic coverage , including expanded coverage of the Internet and the 'œWar on Terror;' new material on Iran, Cambodia, Rwanda, Hamas and Hezbollah, and dirty bombs Provides expanded treatment of rhetoric and theory with a focus on ideological criticism, neo-classical criticism, dramatism, and media-centered terrorism Examines diverse acts of terrorism -not just 9/11 or the recent events in the Middle East-to show the history and various usages of these acts as a medium for communication Includes real case studies of terrorists and terror acts that make applying rhetorical theory practical and accessibleIntended Audience Communicating Terror, Second Edition is ideal for use in a wide range of courses, including Media & Politics, Terrorism, Media & Society, Rhetorical Theory/Analysis/Criticism, Defense and National Security, and Political Communication.

Author Biography

Joseph S. Tuman uses fascinating case studies and examples as he explores both dissent terrorism and state terror and looks at terrorism from a communicative perspective. Presenting terrorism as a process of communication between terrorists and multiple audiences, this book examines a range of rhetorical components, including definitions and labels, symbolism in terrorism, the relationship between terror and the media, and public oratory about terrorism-by both victims of terrorism and terrorists themselves.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Struggle to Define Terrorism

Defining Terrorism

Attempts to Synthesize a Consensus Definition

Summary

Notes

Terrorism as a Communication Process With Rhetorical Dimensions

Terrorism as a Communication Process

Terrorism and Rhetoric

Summary

Notes

Labeling and Defining Terrorism as Rhetoric

Definitions and Labels

Reconsidering the Definition of Terrorism

Summary

Notes

Symbols, Symbolism, and Terrorism: Means and Implements

Symbols, Symbolism, and Violence/Destruction

Symbolism in the Implements and Tools of Terrorism

Summary

Notes

Symbolism in the Targets of Terrorism

Temporal Targets for Terrorism

Symbolism in the Chechen Terrorist Attack on a Moscow Theater

Symbolism, the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon

Summary

Notes

Methods for Studying Public Oratory About Terrorism

A Method of Rhetoric for Public Oratory

Summary

Notes

Case Studies for Public Oratory About Terrorism

President Bush's Speech to the Nation Immediately After the Attacks of 9/11

President Bush's Speech to the Congress, the Nation, and the World on September 20, 2001

Speech by Osama bin Laden, Dated 11/1/2004: Just Before the 2004 General Election in the United States

Summary

Notes

Theories of Mass Media for Terrorism

Understanding Mass Media

Media-Centered Criticism

Summary

Notes

Mass-Mediated Images and Construction of Terrorism

Terrorism From Above and Mass Media

Terrorism From Below and Mass Media

Agenda Setting and the Framing of Terrorism in News Media

Terrorism and New Media

Terrorism and Paid Media

Summary

Notes

Index

About the Author

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