Abstract
The following research teases out a talk show concept that is based on
‘harmonious and cohesive’ understandings of power and stands in contrast to
many mainstream popular talk show formats. The model facilitates participatory
discourse and exhibits what I call ‘deliberation culture’ rather than ‘argument
culture’. It is based on an analysis of talk shows sampled from South Africa and
the United States and builds on the existing literature of ubuntu-based ethics. As
such, ‘deliberation culture’ challenges the prevailing approach of current
democratic discourses, which pan out as contests of power between inherently
conflicting interests and which are riddled with challenges, costs and
consequences. In light of these, other non-adversarial approaches to public
discourse are worth considering. This requires adopting an alternative realism,
which opens a space for discursive inquiry that is participatory, exploratory and
effective and the question becomes: how can we reframe public discourses to
promote this end? The African philosophy of ubuntu offers valuable insights into
this endeavor as it espouses relational notions of power that contrast and
complement individualist facets. It provides the space to develop the language
and concepts to think and speak in ways that support cooperative societal
structures and practices such as ‘deliberation culture’. Deliberation culture rests
on the premise that humanity is essentially one and that the various interests of
individuals and groups, while diverse and textured, can be conceived of as...
D.Litt. et Phil.