Global rhetorics of disaster: media constructions of Bataclan and the “Colectiv Revolution†in the wake of 9/11
Journal Title: ESSACHESS - Journal for Communication Studies - Year 2017, Vol 10, Issue 1
Abstract
This article examines the recent global emergence of a rhetoric of disaster that connects violent events such as terrorist attacks and destructive accidents under an assumption of similarity based on their equally resulting in tragedy and mourning. I will compare discursive constructions of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, often considered the archetypal terrorist act of the new millennium, the Club Colectiv fire in Bucharest (October 30, 2015), followed by the “Colectiv Revolution†that led to a change of government in Romania, and the Bataclan terrorist attack in Paris (November 13, 2016). In a dialogue with Noemi Marin's concept of rhetorical space, I argue that, within the horizon of expectation created by 9/11, Bataclan and Colectiv have given rise to a specific rhetoric of mourning and revolt in reaction to disaster, which has an important public dimension, but, through a strong emotional appeal, is directed at every member of the audience in a personal way.
Authors and Affiliations
Associate Professor Maria-Sabina DRAGA ALEXANDRU| University of Bucharest ROMANIA
Keywords
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