Volume 4 - Issue 11 (2026-02-20)

Rhetoric as Resistance: Comparative Narratives of Dehumanization and Liberation from African American and Palestinian Struggles

Researcher: Abdalrahim Abuwarda

PhD Student at English Department-University of Wyoming

Language is a potent tool for constructing narratives and fantasies that sustain or fight systemic oppression. This paper examines the rhetorical strategies used to dehumanize African Americans and Palestinians, analyzing artifacts such as the Fugitive Slave Act and contemporary media coverage of Gaza. Hegemony and Symbolic Convergence Theories reveal how dominant groups craft fantasies—societal stability under slavery or military precision in conflict—to justify control and violence. Historical counter-narratives, like Frederick Douglass’ Fourth of July speech, and contemporary works, such as Mahmoud Darwish’s "Identity Card," disrupt these visions, reclaiming identity and agency. Using Cluster and Fantasy Theme Criticism, this study draws parallels between historical and modern rhetoric, exposing shared patterns of dehumanization and resistance. The analysis highlights the transformative potential of counter-narratives to challenge oppression and foster solidarity. Finally, the paper proposes strategies to amplify marginalized voices, promote media literacy, and build alliances for equity and justice across communities.