The 'Rhetorical Condition' as Mediator in the Response of African Americans to Perceptions of Terrorism: Condoleezza Rice as Symbol

Author:

• Dorthy L. Pennington (University of Kansas)

Abstract:

This paper employs black public sphere rhetoric as baseline textual data to describe and critique the psychology of blacks' response to global terrorism. This paper shows blacks' unConventional response, wherein the "rhetorical condition" is superimposed on the "rhetorical situation" through strategies of localization and alternative prospects for defense. The capstone rhetorical texts employed are speeches by Dr. Condoleezza Rice in August, 2003, and May, 2004, juxtaposed with texts of other black rhetors and leaders in crafting significant metaphorical and operational links for describing the psychology of blacks' perceptions on terrorism. The strengths and limits of the "rhetorical situation" and rhetorical tropes are explained, portending a need for problematizing a linear reading of terrorism on the part of blacks.