Disrupting the scapegoat mechanism: Steve Barber versus University of Virginia's College at wise

• Foy, Matthew M. ^[1]
  1. [1] Southern Illinois University Carbondale

     Southern Illinois University Carbondale

     Township of Carbondale, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Southern communication journal, ISSN 1041-794X, Vol. 77, nº 2, 2012, págs. 94-110
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This case study of the 2008 public conflict between The University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVa-Wise) and student Steve Barber regarding a violent and allegedly threatening short story applies Kenneth Burke's theories of sin, redemption, and victimage to examine how the incident functions as an example of a social actor disrupting the scapegoat mechanism through counterdrama and tactical rhetoric. Considering discourse from Barber, UVa-Wise officials, and individuals who responded to news media coverage via online forums, this article examines how Barber attempted to distance himself from the fatally flawed image of a school shooter while introducing ambiguity into the legal basis for his expulsion, thus disrupting the identification and division principles of his sacrifice.