Metaphors of Educational Reform: President George Bush on ‘America 2000

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Communication Education

Volume

49

Publication Date

2000

First Page

303

Last Page

319

Abstract

This study is an examination of the metaphorical language used by President George Bush about educational reform, specifically with regard to “America 2000,”; his proclaimed education strategy for the nation and the major educational reform bill he sent to Congress. We address the questions: What language is used by President Bush to construct “America 2000”; metaphorically? Was a coherent metaphorical concept created for President Bush's audience? More specifically, we focus on: What is “America 2000”; according to President Bush? The data base for the study consisted of 38 presidential speeches delivered between April of 1991 and October of 1992. From our identification and analysis of his discursive vehicles, we discovered a conceptual metaphor of “America 2000”; as a journey. Close examination of his language, however, indicated mixed and contradictory references to “America 2000”; as a journey. We conclude that his discourse did not come together to constitute a coherent, conceptual metaphor of “America 2000,”; and thus contributed to an ambiguity about what it was for President Bush's audience.

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