The Making Sense of Politics, Media, and Law: Rhetorical Performance as Invention, Creation, Production

Politicians and law makers use persuasive language to persuade their audiences, and the media is often involved in creating news for public consumption. This book offers insights from various disciplines to help distinguish between craft and craftiness in a world of making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Politicians have long employed the rhetoric of "making sense" to persuade their audiences, from Trump's "make America great again" to Johnson's "build back better." This performative approach is not limited to politicians; law makers also utilize it in the courtroom, where trials are seen as truth factories, where facts are forged rather than discovered. The court of public opinion, while often flawed and producing faulty results, is another such factory. In contrast, courts of law aim to promote civil peace, while trial by Twitter can exacerbate civil strife. Even in mainstream media, journalists often prioritize public consumption over truth, leading to the spread of "fake news." In a world where making is prevalent, how can we distinguish between genuine craftsmanship and mere craftiness?

To address this question, The Making Sense of Politics, Media, and Law offers a comprehensive and constructive approach. Drawing insights from a diverse range of disciplines, including law, politics, rhetoric, media studies, psychology, sociology, marketing, and performance studies, this title provides a framework for analyzing controversies such as transgender identity, cancel culture, and more. By exploring the complexities of these issues from multiple perspectives, the book aims to help readers develop a nuanced understanding of the world and navigate the often-confusing landscape of contemporary politics and media.

One of the key strengths of The Making Sense of Politics, Media, and Law is its interdisciplinary approach. The book brings together experts from various fields to explore the connections and intersections between politics, media, and law. This interdisciplinary approach allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our society and the challenges we face in the 21st century.

In addition to its interdisciplinary approach, The Making Sense of Politics, Media, and Law is also highly accessible. The book is written in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to readers with a range of backgrounds and interests. It includes numerous examples and case studies that help to illustrate the key concepts and theories discussed in the book, making it an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the politics, media, and law in our world.

Overall, The Making Sense of Politics, Media, and Law is a valuable contribution to the field of political science and media studies. By offering a constructive and interdisciplinary approach to analyzing contemporary controversies, the book helps to bridge the gap between different disciplines and promote a deeper understanding of the complex world we live in. Whether you are a student, scholar, or simply interested in current events, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to make sense of the politics, media, and law in our world.

Weight: 742g
ISBN-13: 9781009336383