Communicating Terror: The Rhetorical Dimensions of Terrorism

by Joseph S. Tuman

Communicating 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 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 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.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2003

Reviews

[Rebekah Callahan]

Textbook for my Argument and Rhetoric class. Not at all what I expected as it is about terrorism as a form of communication. Some arguments are out of pocket at first, but I don’t necessarily disagree with any of them. Discussion on top-down terrorism versus bottom-up terrorism was the most interesting part because terrorism as defined by Western values doesn’t have conceptualization of top-down terrorism— though it certainly exists. Another great gem in this book is thorough explanation on how society gives meanings to words that can be altered and weaponized depending on power structures.