Narrative and counternarrative in print-mediated coverage of Milwaukee alderman Michael McGee

This essay mounts a counternarrative to address the mainstream print-mediat ed coverage of Milwaukee alderman Michael McGee. In analyzing racialized di scourse in Milwaukee, the essay highlights the importance of focusing on rh etoric marginalized in or outside of the public sphere. A clash in rhetoric al style can subvert the substance of public discourse with deleterious soc ial consequences. We contend that a true dialogue on race relations will no t occur until whites assume the responsibility for engaging in and sustaini ng this dialogue. The essay also establishes a rationale for why it is crit ically important to the discipline and to our respective communities to foc us on local discourse and discursive communities. Finally, we offer a numbe r of suggestions concerning rhetorical critical practices and the roles tha t critics can play in bringing about social change.