Ethnic Conflict: Constructing, Deconstructing, and Reconstructing Ethnic Divides

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Proposal

Abstract

This roundtable addresses divisions between ethnic groups that involve mediated interaction, as well as, interactions involving discourse and narrative. Encouraging peaceful coexistence of groups divided by race and ethnicity is a difficult and complex process that is fully intertwined with communication styles, methods, tools and media use. Ethnic conflict has been visible on the world stage for years. The break-up of the former Yugoslavia, the 1994 killings in Rwanda, ethnic displacement in the western region of Darfur, conflict between Turks and Armenians, struggles between Kurds and Iraqis, and many other incidents in this and the last century serve to focus scholarly attention on issues relevant to ethnic conflicts. This roundtable brings together participants who will address discourse based factors in ethnic conflict and offer potential approaches to understanding, resolving or reducing conflict.

The panel members analyze the role of communication in the construction of ethnic division involved in ethnic conflicts taking place internationally. Ethnic conflict can be seen in the spread of political slogans and other mediated and direct use of communication technologies and methods. A focus on the role of mediated discourses, including radio in Rwanda, jihadist publications, new media in Nigeria and video games portrayal of ethnic groups can aid in understanding the construction of ethnic division. This panel also seeks to uncover roles various narratives transact in constructing and deconstructing ethnic rooted conflicts. Narratives centering on Israeli-Palestinian dialogue, Bosnia sports activities for unity, violent discourse in Myanmar and cultural communication in Kenya highlight how communication can lead to increased or decreased ethnic difference. The panel participants will provide short position presentations followed by engagement in an open discussion. This panel contributes to the field by incorporating the most recent research and practices in the field of ethnic relations. One expected outcome is the identification of shared implications between the interdisciplinary approaches in this panel.

Sub Unit

• Ethnicity and Race in Communication

Chair

• Steven Gibson, California State University, Northridge

Individual Presentations

• Inspiring hate: AQAP’s “Inspire” - Randall Gage Rogan, Wake Forest U

• Use of Narrative When Confronting Intractable Conflict - Don Ellis, U of Hartford

• Simulated Ethnic Conflict in Video Games - Alexander Howard, California State University, Northridge

• Conflict, Communication, and Sport: Transcending the Bosnian Ethnic Divide - Benjamin Jared Triana, University of Kentucky; Emina Herovic, University of Kentucky

• Remembering the Past or Repeating it: Twenty Years of Scholarship on Rwanda and Ethnic Conflict - Darla Anderson, California State University, Northridge

• Recognizing Patterns of Discourse to Prevent Genocide - Rebecca Zimmermann, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service

• Traditional African Culture and Communication: The Missing Link in Cattle Rustling Interventions Among Pastoralist Communities in Northern Kenya - Agnes Lucy Lando, Daystar University; Samuel Kochomay, Daystar U

• Role of Traditional and New Media in Ethnic Conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle-Belt Region: Contrasting Responsibilities, Approaches, and Ethos - Bala A. Musa, Azusa Pacific U