Liberty and Justice for All? The Paradox of Governmental Rhetoric

Abstract

Although all organizational discourse (mis)represents various publics' interests it is supposed to represent, this study highlights the paradoxical nature of government rhetoric. Using Cincinnati's announcements of urban renewal as a case study, this essay discusses how the nature of organizational rhetoric opens this form of discourse up to sharper claims of illegitimacy and explores the various ways the nature of city government problematizes organizational rhetoric. Due to its possible condemning nature, especially as it relates to the interests of minority publics and their subsequent marginalization in eminent domain battles, this essay demonstrates the power and, at times, the adverse effects of governmental rhetoric and encourages scholars to engage in future research that further explores the distinguishing characteristics of government rhetoric and the implications surrounding its use.

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