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From Sousaphones to Superman: Narrative, Rhetoric, and Memory as Equipment for Living

Abstract:Rafe McGregor's Narrative Justice comprehensively unravels exactly how a white-nationalist narrative subverts justice and how a counter-narrative might lead to more ethical action. In his exhaustive argument, McGregor addresses the continuing conversation within aesthetic education overlapping narrative representation with his unique contribution, criminology. As a rhetorician with an interdisciplinary focus on religion in the American public sphere, I currently research how white supremacy intersects with conservative politics and revivalism. Mixing evangelical religion and white supremacist politics is like dropping Mentos into Diet Coke, and I am exploring that rhetorical reaction and how we can dilute the political geyser. McGregor's analysis and prescription speak directly to my project. Since, as McGregor proves, narratives teach ethical understanding and similar narratives permeate unjust political ideologies, our creating ethical counter-narratives will promote social justice. Intersecting McGregor's theory on narrative justice with rhetorical studies and American religion complements and complicates his conclusions. If exemplary narratives can improve our ethical action, then a fictional superhero can inspire us to stand up against intolerance, a Bob Jones College alumnus can help us visualize alternatives to hate, and even a thirty-foot-tall everyman-of-color can stretch our imagination toward change.