Violence, Silence, and Rhetorical Cultures of Champion-Building in Sports

This book examines the systems and rhetorics of silencing in sports training, using the Larry Nassar abuse scandal at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics as a case study. It explores the cultures of abuse and discursive practices that silence victims while protecting abusers, and foregrounds the victims' voices through an analysis of victim impact statements and victim interviews. It also discusses the norms, values, ideologies, and expected behaviors of youth and college sports programs as institutions to help describe "rhetorical cultures of champion-building."

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate systems and rhetorics of silencing in sports training, utilizing a case study of the Larry Nassar abuse scandal at Michigan State University and within USA Gymnastics. Through a detailed exploration of multifaceted issues related to speaking, silencing, and listening in youth and college athletic organizations, the author uncovers the deeply rooted cultures of abuse and discursive practices that perpetuate silence and protect abusers.

The author prioritizes the voices of the victims by analyzing victim impact statements and conducting victim interviews, shedding light on their experiences and struggles. Additionally, the author examines various textual artifacts to understand the institutional behaviors and actions both before and after the case garnered widespread public attention. By extending the analysis beyond a single organization, the author discusses the norms, values, ideologies, and expected behaviors of youth and college sports programs as institutions, contributing to a broader understanding of "rhetorical cultures of champion-building."

This innovative study offers fresh perspectives that will captivate students and scholars of sport communication, rhetoric, organizational communication, criminology, and feminist theory. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of silencing in sports and the urgent need for change within these institutions.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032382739