The rhetoric of Dow Chemical during the dioxin situation in Mid-Michigan: Continuing the conversation on environmental rhetoric

• In Event: Top-Ranked Papers in Environmental Communication

Abstract

This study examined the rhetoric of Dow Chemical during the dioxin situation in Mid-Michigan between 2002 and 2005. Dow Chemical’s rhetoric is an extremely interesting example of studying a discourse that tried to maintain stability among a community, while creating change in the community’s perception of the situation. Looking at the response of Dow Chemical to this situation gives an interesting perspective on the emerging research and theories associated with environmental communication.

Author

• Peter Knutson, University of Kansas