Character Assassination and Reputation Management: Theory and Applications

Description

This lively book offers the first comprehensive examination of character assassination. In modern politics as well as in historical times, character attacks abound. Words and images, like psychological weapons, have sullied or destroyed numerous individual reputations. How does character assassination "work" and when or why does it not? Are character attacks getting worse in the age of social media? Why do many people fail when they are under character attack? How should they prevent attacks and defend against them? Moving beyond discussions about corporate reputation management and public relations canons, Character Assassination and Reputation Management is designed to help understand, critically analyze, and effectively defend against such attacks. Written by an international and interdisciplinary team of experts, the book begins with a discussion of theoretical and applied features of the "five pillars" of character assassination: (1) the attacker, (2) the target, (3) the media, (4) the audience, and (5) the context. The remaining chapters present engaging in-depth discussions and case studies suitable for homework and class discussion. These cases include: Historic figures Leaders from modern times Women in politics U.S. presidents World leaders Political autocrats Democratic leaders Scientists Celebrities Featuring an extensive glossary of key terms, critical thinking exercises, and summaries to encourage problem-based learning, Character Assassination and Reputation Management will prove invaluable to the undergraduate and postgraduate students in communication, political science, global affairs, history, sociology, and psychology departments. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents Detailed Contents List of Images List of Figures List of Tables Preface 1 Introduction Introducing Character Assassination On the Importance of the Subject Key Terms: Character and Character Attacks Character Assassination Terms Related to Character Assassination The Five Pillars of Character Assassination Studying Character Assassination Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 2 Character Assassination in History Character Assassination in Historical Perspective Three Lessons From History A Case of a Condemned Pharaoh A Case of Cicero’s Speeches in Ancient Rome A Case of Luther Taking on the Pope A Case of Opponents Taking on a U.S. President Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 3 Approaches to and Methodology for Studying Character Assassination Methods to Study Character Assassination The Rhetoric and Communication Studies Perspective The Sociocultural Perspective The Political Psychology Perspective Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 4 The Actors in Character Attacks Introducing the Key Actors The Attacker The Target The Audience Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 5 Content and Types of Character Attacks Allegations Name-Calling Ridicule Fearmongering Exposing Disgracing Erasing Hierarchy of Attacks: Horizontal and Vertical Timing of Attacks: Live and Postmortem The Complexity of Character Attacks Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 6 Means and Venues of Character Attacks Reputational Risks in the Internet Age Agenda-Setting and Priming Framing and Labeling The Use and Misuse of Framing Memes as Character Attacks Strategies for Mediated Attacks Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 7 The Impact of Character Attacks Impact Domains On the Effectiveness of Character Attacks Mild, Moderate, and Severe Consequences When Character Attacks Backfire Character Attacks and Public Scandals Susceptibility to Character Attacks Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 8 Defending Against and Managing Character Attacks Reputation Management Reputational Crisis Stage One: Crisis Preparedness and Prevention Stage Two: Responding to a Crisis Stage Three: Post-Crisis Management Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 9 The Culture Factor On Culture Cultural Dichotomies Cultural Factors of Character Attacks Culture, Character Attacks, and Scandals Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 10 Character Assassination in Democracies On Democracy Democracy and Character Democracy and Character Assassination Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 11 Character Assassination in Authoritarian Regimes On Authoritarianism On Character in the Context of Authoritarianism Character Assassination and Authoritarianism Organized Direct Attacks Censorship and Silencing Scapegoating Show Trials Authoritarian Leaders as Targets Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 12 Character Assassination in International Relations On Character Attacks in International Relations Why Character Attacks Are Launched Building an Enemy Image Mobilizing Political Forces Attacks in the Name of Self-defense Defending Against Attacks Attacks Backfiring Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 13 The Gender and Sexuality Factor Defining Terms Gender and Character Assassination Sexuality and Character Assassination Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References 14 Character Attacks in Sports, Science, and Entertainment Character Attacks in Entertainment and Politics: Similarities Character Attacks in Entertainment and Politics: Differences Character Assassination in Science Chapter Summary Critical Thinking Key Terms References Conclusion Index