Global Rhetorics of Disaster: Media Constructions of Bataclan and the “Colectiv Revolution” in the Wake of 9/111 Cover Image

Global Rhetorics of Disaster: Media Constructions of Bataclan and the “Colectiv Revolution” in the Wake of 9/111
Global Rhetorics of Disaster: Media Constructions of Bataclan and the “Colectiv Revolution” in the Wake of 9/111

Author(s): Maria-Sabina Draga Alexandru
Subject(s): Communication studies, Politics and communication, Studies in violence and power, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today)
Published by: ESSACHESS
Keywords: Bataclan; Colectiv; 9/11; rhetoric of disaster; mourning;

Summary/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.

  • Issue Year: X/2017
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 129-144
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: English