Wrestling with Discourse: The Action Is Scripted. The Struggle Is Real.

Have you ever been caught in public conversations that feel like battles royale?

You try to participate, but find yourself tossed over the top rope, left on the outside wondering what happened? Public discourse moves on to the next conflict before the previous is resolved and the cycle repeats.

Have you ever found yourself frustrated that with all the information available to us, debates break down into chanting slogans or catchphrases, or into shouting matches where only the loudest voices are heard?

Are you wondering where to look for answers to these problems?

Let me ask you one more question.

When was the last time you watched professional wrestling?

Pro wrestling is the perfect metaphor for helping us see discourse in new ways—ways difficult to unsee. Wrestling with Discourse is your ticket to a ringside seat and your guide for all the action.

In a fast-paced, conversational style, this book explores how wrestling terms like “face” and “heel” can show us how our public interactions are shaped. You’ll learn to look through a new lens at things we tend to take for granted: news and entertainment media, advertising, education, social media, and everyone’s favorite—propaganda.

By the time the show is over, you’ll have “wrestling glasses” to look through anytime you like, a new and different perspective. Then you’ll be ready to lace up your boots and enter the ring. The action may be scripted, but our struggle is very real.