1. 18
Symbolic Convergence Theory of Ernest Bormann

2. Symbolic Interaction Theory
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3. Symbolic Interaction Theory
Theory helps explain the relationships among
TASTEMAKERS
COMMUNITIES OF PARTICIPATION
THAT WHICH IS “UNEXPECTED”
How tastemakers encourage communities of participation to respond to the unexpected.

4. Symbolic Convergence Theory
Slide 4
Symbolic Convergence Theory
Symbolic convergence: two or more private symbol worlds incline toward each other, come more closely together, or even overlap
Concerned with group response to a message or imagery

5. Symbolic Convergence Theory
Slide 5
Symbolic Convergence Theory
Bormann observed that group members often dramatized events happening outside the group—things that took place at previous meetings, or what might occur in the future

6. Symbolic Convergence Theory
At times, group members added to the stories or chimed in with matching narratives
Sharing group fantasies fosters group cohesion when accepted enthusiastically

7. That is, they appeal to rhetorical communities.
Slide 7
Tastemakers
Rhetorical visionaries: persons who communicate the composite drama that catches up large groups of people into a common symbolic reality
That is, they appeal to rhetorical communities.

8. Tastemakers and Dramatizing Messages
Slide 8
Tastemakers and Dramatizing Messages
Dramatizing message: imaginative language by group member describing past, future, or outside event; a creative interpretations
“Dramatizing accounts of past occurrences artistically organize what are usually more complex, ambiguous, and chaotic experiences”

9. Fantasy Themes and The Unexpected
Slide 9
Fantasy Themes and The Unexpected
Fantasy theme: content/essence of the dramatized message
Bormann: group members’ meanings, emotions, motives, and actions apparent in fantasy themes
Many fantasy themes indexed by symbolic cue – agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared the fantasy

10. Response of Rhetorical Communities (Participant Community)
Slide 10
Response of Rhetorical Communities (Participant Community)
Fantasy chain: symbolic explosion of agreement within a group in response to a member’s dramatizing message
Common ground, meeting of the minds, mutual understanding, meeting of the minds, groupiness, common social reality and/or empathic communion
Acceptance of the theme does not mean uniform chain response

11. Hope and Change
How does this ….

12. Hope and Change
Become this ….

13. Hope and Change
And lead to that ….

14. Hope and Change
And result in the ravings of intelligent, professional people ….
“He’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
“Seriously, I really think he’s a messiah figure for America.”
“The morning after the election, I’m going to wake up and feel like I’m in heaven.”
(Weigel, 2009, p. 24)

15. Class Song as Symbolic Cue
Slide 15
ACTIVITY
COM 305 Fantasy Theme
Class Song as Symbolic Cue
Individual choice (homework)
Use rhetorical skills to establish group common ground (in class)
Select a visionary to secure class fantasy chain reaction (in class)

16. The Unexpected

17. Dramatizing Message
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18. Fantasy Themes and The Unexpected
Slide 18
Fantasy Themes and The Unexpected
Fantasy theme: content/essence of the dramatized message
Bormann: group members’ meanings, emotions, motives, and actions apparent in fantasy themes
Many fantasy themes indexed by symbolic cue – agreed-upon trigger that sets off group members to respond as they did when they first shared the fantasy

19. Fantasy Themes Analysis
Slide 19
Fantasy Themes Analysis
Rhetorical criticism used to interpret fantasy themes and rhetorical visions
Characters
Plot lines
Scene
Sanctioning agent

20. Critique: Judging SCT as Both a Scientific and Interpretive Theory
Slide 20
Critique: Judging SCT as Both a Scientific and Interpretive Theory
When 6 standards for social science theory and 6 criteria for interpretive theory are applied, SCT stands up
Minimal success determining when a dramatizing message will trigger a chain reaction
Prosocial bias
Ignores issues of power