Blog Post #2

James Carey explains that communication can be understood in two different ways: the transmission model and the ritual model. The transmission model sees communication as sending of information across space in order to influence or control others. In this model, communication is judged by whether a message successfully persuades people or changes their behavior. Carey's ritual model, on the other hand, focuses more on how communication creates shared meaning and maintains culture over time. Instead of simply sending information, ritual communication brings people together through shared symbols, participation, and collective experience. These two models help explain different ways communication operates in politics and media today. 

The artilce "The Line Between Politics and Pro Wrestling Has Disappeared" argues that Donald Trump's political style is heavily influenced by professional wrestling. In wrestling, the performance is built around dramatic characters, clear conflicts between heroes and villains, and emotional engagement from the audience. Even though audiences know that wrestling is staged, they still participate in the performance because the drama feels meaningful. The article suggests that Trump's political communication works in a similar way. His speeches, rallies, and media appearances often function more like performances than traditional political messaging. 

From the perspective of transmission communication, Trump's speeches might seem unusual because they often focus less on detailed policy or factual information. In the transmission model, political communication usually involves explaining ideas, presenting arguments, and persuading voters through information. However, Trump's communication style often emphasizes slogans, repetition, and dramatic statements instead of detailed explanations. This means that the goal of the message is not always to inform the audience in a traditional sense. Instead, the message often works by reinforcing emotional reactions and political identities. 

Ritual communication focuses on participation and shared meaning rather than simply transferring information. Trump's rallies, for example, function more like collective events where supporters gather to reaffirm their beliefs and identity. People attending these rallies are not necessarily there to learn new information about policy. Instead, they participate in chats, reactions, and shared responses to the performance happening on stage. In this sense, the communication happening at these events is more about maintain a sense of community and share worldview than transmitting new information. 

The connection to professional wrestling helps bring this idea to light. Wrestling audiences participate in what is sometimes called "kayfabe," where the performance is treated as real within the context of the show, even though everyone understands that it is staged. Trump's political communication can operate in a similar way. Supporters participate in the political spectacle by engaging emotionally with the performance and its narrative conflicts. The political event becomes a shared experience rather than simply a transfer of information. 

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's concept of sintering, discussed in Theory of Water, provided another perspective of communication and relationships. Simpon uses sintering as a metaphor for how connections form when different elements come together under pressure. Through ongoing acts of care, responsibility, and collaboration, individuals create stronger collective relationships. This way communication is not just about exchanging messages but about building and maintain relationships within a community. 

When comparing this idea to the communication style described in the article, you can see a difference. Trump's political communication often creates strong emotional connections among supporters, but these connections are frequently built around opposition and conflict. The performance relies on identifying enemies, creating dramatic confrontations, and reinforcing group  loyalty. Simpson's concept of sintering, however, focuses more on relationships built through responsibility, care, and mutual support rather than through spectacle and division.  

Looking at the article through Carey's framework shows how modern media envrionments often reward ritual communication. Television, social media, and online platforms ten to amplify dramatic performances and conflicts. These forms of communication attract attention and encourage participation from audiences. Trump's background in entertainment and reality TV likely helped him understand how to use these media dynamics effectively. His communication style fits well within a media environment that values spectacle and emotional engagement. 

At the same time, this raises questions about how political communication functions in a democratic society. If political messaging becomes primarily about performance and identity, it may become harder for audiences to engage with complex policy discussions or factual information. Carey's theory helps show that communication is not only about transmitting messages but also about shaping how communities understand themselves and the world around them. 

Overall the article demonstrates how Trump's political communication can be understood through Carey's concept of ritual communication. His rallies and media appearances often work as performances that reinforce shared identities and emotions among supporters. At the same time, comparing this style of communication to Simpson's idea of sintering highlights how different forms of communication create connection through shared responsibility and care, while others rely more on spectacle and conflict. These differences helps explain how communication shapes political culture and public participation.