Epideictic Rhetoric in the War on Drugs: George H.W. Bush’s Use of Ceremony in the Drug War of 1989

Authors

Eric D. Humphries Jr, The College of WoosterFollow

Abstract

In this study I examine how George H.W. Bush used epideictic or ceremonial rhetoric in his 1989 speeches addressed to students. In order to analyze how President Bush made use of epideictic themes in his speeches, I used the generic method of rhetorical criticism. Bush emphasized individualistic efforts to combat the drug war, used ceremonial rhetoric to justify strict law enforcement, and made the drug issue one of personal responsibility.

Advisor

Bostdorff, Denise

Department

Communication Studies

Recommended Citation

Humphries Jr, Eric D., "Epideictic Rhetoric in the War on Drugs: George H.W. Bush’s Use of Ceremony in the Drug War of 1989" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11691.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11691

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis