Subversive communication against neoliberalism. (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saavedra Utman, Jorge
• Is Part Of: Popular communication. Volume 18:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 169
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Commons -- voice -- neoliberalism -- communicative and media practices; Mass media -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Periodicals; 302.23
• DOI: 10.1080/15405702.2020.1781858
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-5702

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In the context of neoliberal hegemony and positioning communication as a subversive action, this article argues that media and communication studies are central to understanding the political dimension of the commons. It does so by observing that, along with the expropriation of forests, soil, and water, voice is an essential commons expropriated as a resource, relationship, and entitlement. Considering that the preservation of the commons (in terms of resources needed for human existence) depends on dialogue and discussion, its expropriation carries for the media and communications field of study the duty of creating instances of dialogue and discussion as the most basic and necessary form of resistance. The challenge lies in imagining ways to do it when the logics of dialogue, dissent, and cooperation have been discouraged by neoliberalism. Therefore, in this paper, I will propose some options united by a common thread: understanding communication as a subversive action.