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A Relational Model of Public Discourse Contemporary democratic discourses are frequently, though not exclusively, characterized by an attitude of pro and con where the aim is to persuade others, a jury or an audience, of what is right and what is wrong. Challenging such procedures, this book teases out an alternative model of public discourse that is based in collaboration and deliberation. The African philosophy of ubuntu offers valuable insights in this regard as it implies relational notions of power that contrast and complement individualist facets. It provides the space to think and speak in ways that support harmonious and cohesive societal structures and practices. The book s model of communication rests on the premise that the various interests of individuals and groups, while richly diverse, can be conceived of as profoundly bound-up rather than incompatible. In this way communication enables broader lines of action and a wider scope for achieving diversity and common ground. Leyla Tavernaro-Haidarian is a media professional and communication specialist researching in the areas of communication, public discourse, education and governance at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Routledge Focus on Communication Studies A Relational Model of Public Discourse The African Philosophy of Ubuntu Leyla Tavernaro-Haidarian
A Relational Model of Public Discourse The African Philosophy of Ubuntu Leyla Tavernaro-Haidarian
First published 2018 by Routledge 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 and by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business 2018 Taylor & Francis The right of Leyla Tavernaro-Haidarian to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data A catalog record for this book has been requested ISBN: 978-0-815-36366-8 (hbk) ISBN: 978-1-351-10863-8 (ebk) Typeset in Times New Roman by Apex CoVantage, LLC
Contents Preface vi Introduction 1 1 Discourse, Culture and Ubuntu 13 2 Discourse, Power and Ubuntu 27 3 Argument Culture 41 4 Deliberation Culture 54 5 Conclusion 72 Index 83
Preface Living in South Africa and learning about the philosophy of ubuntu has been a privilege. Ubuntu, which roughly translates as I am because we are, is an idea, a notion and a way of life that emerges in one s day-to-day interactions with people and which is best experienced rather than talked of. Yet my intention here has been to use my very words to introduce and explore this philosophy in order that hearts are moved and souls are stirred. And while many scholars sanitize ubuntu from its spiritual origins, it is impossible to deny its transcendent dimensions, which are somewhat lost in the academic exercise that is this book. It is my hope, however, that readers identify with I am because we are, with the unifying, the cohesive, the harmonious and that it sparks some thought as to its place in the current state of our world. This idea of ubuntu has carried South Africa through some of its darkest chapters of institutionalized racism and into the break of dawn. And though the work is certainly not over and nobody anywhere can afford to relax in the face of the vast challenges and inequalities that still exist we can learn from those strategies that have worked and those that clearly continue not to. In this book I honor that which has worked driving darkness out with light and I invite the reader to consider an approach to communication and public discourse that seeks to bring people of various backgrounds together in their collective pursuit of truth. This approach is premised on our oneness as a human family and considers our affairs as profoundly relational and bound-up. It encourages us to contextualize our experiences and views and to look toward that which we can build together rather than that which we ve been conditioned to blindly defend. Unfortunately, this is not always easy. The idea of unity has often been hijacked by those who feel far from bound-up with their fellow human beings and who universalize, instead, their own narratives and experiences.
Preface vii But this does not make the principles of oneness and cohesion any less attractive, relevant or pressing. We simply have to transcend this misappropriation and reclaim diversity by striving with pure intent. It is of course possible to dismiss such an effort as entirely idealistic and unrealistic, yet it is also convenient to do so. Relegating social cohesion and cooperation to the realm of something that is utopian means that we do not have to exert effort or strain to make a difference in the world around us. So I offer this book as an invitation to strive and to make a change. In the words of my beloved Bahá u lláh (1817 1892): The wellbeing of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. Leyla Tavernaro-Haidarian, PhD