Ethics in Contact Rhetoric : Communication and the Dance of Bodies and Power

To counterbalance traditional communication ethics grounded in linguistic or symbolic rhetorical theories, Ethics in Contact Rhetoric de-centers discourse and begins with bodies and the art of dance to formulate an immediate bio-relational communication theory—contact rhetoric—that addresses the full physical and moral range of rhetorical force.

Ethics in Contact Rhetoric re-orients communication theory by centering touch and de-centering symbolic acts. Inspired by MLK’s tradition of nonviolent power, a contact orientation highlights the incarnate and immediate ground of communication ethics. Ethical interactions are defined as bio-relational dances arcing steps of nurture, respect, justice, and too often, violence. Centering humanity’s physical mutuality is a vital move today. Communication is a thoroughly interactive art, but the West’s ancient “instrumental” tradition of rhetoric and its accompanying utilitarian ethic valorize individual agency over joint action. This book re-balances rhetorical theory by enabling critique of embodied relational patterns. Special emphasis is placed on engaging material injustice and discerning the role of rhetoric in social transformation. Critical case studies demonstrate contact rhetoric’s rich heuristic and diverse applications.