Speaking to Reconciliation
Description
In North America, Africa, and across the globe, many societies are deeply divided along racial, ethnic, political, or religious lines as a result of violent/oppressive histories. Bridging such divides requires symbolic action that transcends, reframes, redeems, and repairs-often drawing upon resources of faith. Speaking to Reconciliation showcases this tradition through speeches by Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Elie Wiesel, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Ireland's President Mary McAleese, and others. Some of these speeches set forth principles or spiritual practices of reconciliation. Others acknowledge injustice, make apologies for historical wrongs, call for reparations, or commend the power of forgiveness. Speaking to Reconciliation presents a conceptual framework for doing analysis and critique of reconciliation discourse and applies this framework in introductions to the speeches, offering readers a springboard for further study and, potentially, inspiration to promote justice and reconciliation in their own spheres.
Reviews / Votes
"In Speaking to Reconciliation, John B. Hatch has assembled an important collection of voices that will illuminate efforts and conversations on racial reconciliation for years to come. As an Obama scholar, I found Hatch's analysis of Obama's eulogy following the terrorist attack at 'Mother Emanuel' in Charleston, South Carolina, to be especially valuable. I look forward to using this timely book in my research and teaching." -Theon Hill, Assistant Professor of Communication, Wheaton CollegeMore details
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Person
John B. Hatch (Ph.D., Regent University) is Professor of Communication Studies at Eastern University. His book Race and Reconciliation won the 2009 Top Book Award from the NCA Communication Ethics division. He has published numerous articles on racial reconciliation, dialogic rhetoric, religion, and culture.
