Communicating Terror: The Rhetorical Dimensions of Terrorism

by Joseph S. Tuman and Joseph S Tuman

Book Overview

Communicating Terror: The Rhetorical Dimensions of Terrorism argues that the meaning of terrorism is socially constructed and suggests a new definition of terrorism, chiefly as a process of communication--between terrorists and multiple target audiences. Concise yet comprehensive, this text examines how acts of "terrorism" create rhetorical acts: What messages, persuasive meanings, symbols, do acts of terrorism generate and communicate to the world at large? These rhetorical components include definitions and labels, symbolism in terrorism, public oratory about terrorism, and the relationship between terror and media. This unique communication perspective shows how the rhetoric of terrorism is truly a war of words, symbols, and meanings.

argues that the meaning of terrorism is socially constructed and suggests a new definition of terrorism, chiefly as a process of communication--between terrorists and multiple target audiences. Concise yet comprehensive, this text examines how acts of "terrorism" create rhetorical acts: What messages, persuasive meanings, symbols, do acts of terrorism generate and communicate to the world at large? These rhetorical components include definitions and labels, symbolism in terrorism, public oratory about terrorism, and the relationship between terror and media. This unique perspective shows how the rhetoric of terrorism is truly a war of words, symbols, and meanings.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761927662
• ISBN13: 9780761927662
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"