The War on Drugs: an Analysis of the Rhetoric

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The War on Drugs: an Analysis of the Rhetoric Peniche 1 The War on Drugs: An Analysis of the Rhetoric According to Richard Weaver’s Theory of Ultimate Terms Presented to the Faculty of Liberty University School of Communication and Creative Arts In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Master of Arts In Strategic Communication By Cristina M. Peniche Peniche 2 Thesis Committee Kristen Hark, PhD., Chair Date Carey Martin, Ph.D., Date Peniche 3 Copyright © 2015 Cristina M. Peniche All Rights Reserved Peniche 4 Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr. Hark, my thesis chair for always allowing me flexibility and independence in graduate school; I appreciate that I bear most of the responsibility for my learning and course-work, so I can grow and gain more confidence in who I am as a person. In regards to my thesis, she continuously encouraged my ideas and maintained an open mind to what I wanted to ultimately accomplish. Dr. Martin, your insight and attention to detail always help me reach higher academic potential. Specifically, the opening chapters of this work are more scholarly due to your feedback. I also want to thank my mentor, Mrs. Carla Sloan for her prayers and commitment to my success and growth as an individual; her open door, wisdom, and prayer have encouraged my soul and lifted my spirits much more than she realized. In addition, my dear friends Shannon, Sarah, Sam, Emily, Christiann, Debbie, Cyrus, Maria, and the entire GSA team have all provided various forms of encouragement throughout the past year. I value every minute that I spend with any of my friends. I also want to thank my family for their constant support. It is not uncommon for me to call, frustrated, confused, or changing ideas. Their response is always to express openness to my decisions and a confidence in my capabilities as an individual. My mom always expresses enthusiasm for my ideas and dad constantly gives constructive wisdom that shows his desire to grow in the Lord. I am always thankful for this. Finally, I want to thank the students I have taught for the past two years. Their engagement, enthusiasm for learning, and desire to grow was a constant source of encouragement that they were not aware of. I probably wouldn’t have the concern for building community and showing empathy if I hadn’t been placed in the role of a teacher. Peniche 5 Abstract The language associated with President Nixon’s ‘war on drugs’ has sparked considerable debate in the political struggle against narcotics’ abuse and crime, as well as within scholarly research. There is a language associated with the debate and it reflects the primary considerations of policy makers- economics, criminal behavior, and morality. The present study discusses these qualities as well as the rhetorical ideas of Richard Weaver, specifically his theory of ultimate terms. Then, discussions within research show the discontent that scholars bear towards narcotics’-related language. Specifically, there is concern that the rhetoric may stigmatize certain populations and hinder better outcomes. As such, the researcher analyzed four speeches under the Nixon, Regan, Bush Sr. and Obama administration, to examine the kind of language used and to draw trends. Weaver’s theory of ultimate terms- using god and devil terms- was applied; select words were graphed according to their context within this framework. Then, patterns and trends were discussed. It was found that, through language, a stigma was present, and that the primary emotion appealed to was fear. The researcher then concluded that scholarly concern with the language was merited. Finally, the ethics of the language was discussed, according to Richard Weaver and according to the Judeo-Christian perspective. In summary, the language, through the analysis of words according to ultimate terms, fell short of ethical responsibilities Keywords: Richard Weaver, god term, devil term, narcotics, drugs, ethics, war on drugs, fight, battle, disease Peniche 6 Table of Contents Chapter I: Introduction……………………………………………………………………....7 Chapter II: Literature Review………………………………………………………………12 The drug war: past and present…………………………………………………..12 Richard Weaver………………………………………………………………….20 The language of the drug war……………………………………………………26 Chapter III: Methodology…………………………………………………………………….34 Chapter IV: Results…………………………………………………………………………...36 God and devil terms……………………………………………………………..36 Words most frequently used……………………………………………………..40 Words occurring in all speeches…………………………………………………40 Introductory rhetorical technique………………………………………………..40 Concluding rhetorical technique…………………………………………………40 Chapter V: Discussion……………………………………………………………………….41 Research questions/hypothesis…………………………………………………...41 Limitations……………………………………………………………………….43 Analysis of language……………………………………………………………..44 Other relevant discussion………………………………………………………...46 Areas for further research……………………………………………………......57 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….58 Works Cited……………………………………………………………………………………..61 Peniche 7 Introduction In the words of one author, the “Drug Evil” (Collins 3) has influenced the lives of American individuals and future generations. The ‘War on Drugs’ is not an obscure phrase in American politics, law enforcement, courtroom, or medical practices; it has affected these domains as well as the American public. While pursuing the interest of public safety, the phrase has sparked dissent. Notably, under the administrations of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush Sr., the management of narcotics violations has been debated. The present administration under Barack Obama also presents a specific perspective for managing substance use disorders and resulting crime. Beginning with Nixon’s Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, the act was one of many that would pass in an effort to win the war on drugs. Indeed, American policy, enforcement, and treatment of drug misuse continue to be a dilemma. The rhetoric involved uses arguments that reflect economic, moral, or crime-related issues, and later, makes references to public health. Historically, substance abuse became problematic post Civil War as opium and morphine uses increased; one author writes that, “narcotic addiction during the nineteenth century was primarily accidental” (Gray 21). The liberal distribution of painkillers coupled with “the widespread use and availability of patent medicines” contributed to addictive tendencies, which in turn caused legislators to issue controls (Gray 21). However, substance abuse patterns continued throughout the twentieth century (Battin 31-36). To illustrate, American public became concerned when Vietnam veterans showed addictive tendencies towards heroin and marijuana. In the 1950s, the first rehabilitation center-Syanon- was created and later, law enforcement introduced attempts at treatment via the establishment of Drug Treatment Courts. Current policy continues to utilize rehabilitation centers, drug courts, or other initiatives that seek Peniche 8 treatment for drug abuse and the preservation of lives. Current drug czar Michael Botticelli seeks “to change public perception and policy around a public health issue” (Botticelli). Other politicians or influential figures have also contributed. In efforts to find treatment for drug- related offenses, Drug Courts have been created and some politicians refer to substance abuse as a public health problem (Wilkin). Historically, policy makers have spoken about narcotic-related problems in American within the framework of a war; however, other issues are present. In the words of one scholar, the debate can be summarized accordingly: “scholars have wide-ranging views about the War on Drugs. While some consider it to be a moral crusade, others consider it a public health and safety issue. To still others, the War on Drugs is probably nothing more than business as usual” (Dionne 267). The rhetorical lens through which one examines the issue is relevant to the types of policy that are advocated. Thus, some individuals prefer a perspective that highlights the moral consequences of drugs and of those who misuse substance. Historically, presidential rhetoric became a platform for such language. Thus, a moral framework becomes conducive to the metaphor of a war. In fact, the metaphor took greatest precedent with the creation of Nixon’s Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act in 1970. In turn, presidents and politicians have capitalized on the metaphor for rhetorical emphasis. President George Bush Sr. provides an example of war- related verbiage: “it is turning our cities into battle zones…playgrounds strewn with discarded hypodermic needles and crack vials” (Elwood 34). Certainly, war as a metaphor is advantageous in that it creates an enemy to which America must stand up and fight. Further, the language seeks the best approach to the illegal drug trade. According to one author, “in the era from 1930 to 1960, enforcement had been seen as a strategy that reduced demand as well as supply” (Moore 241). Rhetoric reflects the economic considerations; if supply Peniche 9 of the drug trade is cut, then demand will decrease. Indeed, Ronald Reagan illustrates: “we seek to create a massive change in national attitudes which ultimately will separate drugs from the customer, to take the user away from the supply” (Elwood 31). Unstated is the assumption that diminished supply will decrease demand. Thus, the drug debate approaches argument using war, moral, economic, and medical terms. In turn, policy changes reflect the rhetoric. Therefore, it is clear
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