Enemies of freedom and defenders of democracy: The metaphorical response to terrorism

Abstract

This article examines the public speeches presented by George W. Bush and Jens Stoltenberg in the aftermath of, respectively, the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and 22 July 2011. By using a novel combination of cognitive linguistics and the strong programme in cultural sociology, I demonstrate how one metaphor system fundamentally shaped the speeches of both national leaders, a system I term The Fight for Freedom and Democracy. The article shows how this system can be seen as the source of both the similarities and differences in the speeches of Bush and Stoltenberg. Both leaders describe a metaphorical struggle between the national community and the terrorist(s), but Bush escalates this struggle to a War on Terror, while Stoltenberg’s only ‘weapons’ in this battle are democratic ideals. Building on these findings, the article discusses how the different discourses of good and evil might be an integral part of the responses to terrorism.

“Nazis Aren’t Welcome Here”: Selling Democracy in the Age of Far-Right Extremism

“…Their responses set the tone for news media coverage and future policy interventions (Hajer, 2005;Hajer & Uitermark, 2008). However, much of the research on how political leaders and governments respond to extremism focuses on the responses to violent extremism, such as terror attacks (e.g., Hajer & Uitermark, 2008;Rafoss, 2019;Vatnoey, 2015). What is less clear is how governments should respond to non-violent acts of extremism, which nevertheless threaten the safety of minority groups and challenge the norms and functions of the democratic public sphere.…”

Å føle fellesskap med fremmede: Rosetogene og følelsenes sosiologi

“…I det hele tatt har det vaert få studier av hvordan «vanlige folk» opplevde angrepene («vanlige» i den forstand at de ikke var direkte berørt av angrepene og heller ikke hadde noen privilegert posisjon i offentligheten). Det er forsket en del på hva som ble sagt og skrevet av nasjonale ledere, offentlige personer og i massemedia (Eide, Kjølstad & Naper, 2013;Falkheimer & Olsson, 2015;Kolås, 2017;Thoresen mfl., 2012;Andersson, 2012;Figenschou, Ustad & Beyer, 2014;Aagedal, Botvar & Høeg, 2013;Syse, 2018;Rafoss, 2018a;2015b;2016;2018b;2015a;Lenz, 2018;Jenssen & Bye, 2013). Det er forsket mindre på hva vanlige folk følte (og tenkte).…”

A consensus that impedes contestation: Debating migration-related diversity in post-terror Norway

“…The immediate aftermath of 22 July saw many calls for consensus-orientation, as leaders, the media, and the public emphasised unity (Ezzati, 2021b;Rafoss 2019;Thorbjørnsrud & Figenschou, 2018). However, with the passing of time, questions remain about whether the attacks have led to too few consequences in Norwegian society, and if so why (Bangstad, 2014;Ezzati & Erdal, 2018;Falkheimer & Olsson, 2014;Kolås, 2017;Solheim & Jupskås, 2021).…”