Identity and partisan reception in U.S. debates about gun violence

Abstract

Courses: Argumentation, deliberation, public address, rhetorical criticism, rhetorical theory, social movements.

Objectives: Using debates about the problem of gun violence as an example, this unit illuminates (1) the role of identity and (2) the role of reception—especially partisan reception—in public argument and deliberation.

Notes

1 Ceccarelli (2011) offers a helpful critique of the “both-sides” logic and illustrates how it can allow falsehoods to flourish, including in debates over global warming.