The recurring issue: Clashing opinions in the Canadian free trade debates
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to discover the rhetorical characteristics of recurring issues through a case study analysis of the Canada-U.S. free trade debates. The messages of six issue advocates, (three on the affirmative and three on the negative side of the free trade issue) were examined using three methods of definition including, metaphor, persuasive definition and dissociation. Investigation revealed a clearer comprehension of the various argumentative positions circulated by issue advocates to advance their issue positions. Specifically, the dissertation explored the manner in which the three definitional strategies created an orientation to the issue for the public. Several characteristics appear particularly significant to recurring issues: (1) the imposition of an interpretative frame which permits the public to better analyze and evaluate each issue position; (2) the discussion of the issue's past, present and future in order to secure legitimacy and to re-present the issue to the public; (3) the definitional frame and subsequent value hierarchy which permit advocates to focus discussion and to emphasize or reduce aspects of the debate; and (4) the determinant factor of speaker order. Some concerns were raised as to the ethical nature of Canadian policy disputes. First, the Canadian government was shown to exert tremendous pressure and power within the policy arena. Second, the persuasive definitions tended to direct audience attention and to focus discussion, although they merely appeared as "undisputed facts." Third, the advocates tended to argue from circumstance, creating a feeling of threat for the audience. Although not exhaustive, findings suggest that one may eventually be able to explore issue advocacy as a speech set. From this perspective, the various rhetorical resources and choices of issue advocates may be documented to help gleam the possibilities and limitations which advocates face in their re-presentation of previously denied policy options.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Berg, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Communication|International law|International relations
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