Traces the errant root metaphors that nourish the "privatization" of morality. Defends a theory of public morality and examines an empirical study of race relations in America to illustrate and support this theory. Claims it is preferable to maintain a theory of public rhetoric that recognizes collective discourse as the source of an active public…

Examines American public discourse about civil rights in national magazines from 1939-1959, indicating three stages in the controversy: (1) a positive recharacterization of blacks, (2) an inclusion of blacks under the nation's ideographs, and (3) a final contest between segregationist and integrationist rhetorics. Discusses the potential for…