Page 166 - Communication Processes Volume 3 Communication Culture and Confrontation

The Donkey 141

Table 4.3
Act I: Repressive Order and Apparent Stability

1st sequence Subjection Actual dependency
1st sequence:
Donkey’s claim rejected. Donkey, mute, Potter unable to depart
submissive carrier; with his donkey and
claim denied as survive.
nonsensical.
Man, absolute master of Potter decides to leave
animal, is the only one with his donkey to save
to decide. his life.
2nd sequence
Potter’s plan curbed. Potter, subordinated King cannot part with his
artisan; attempt to potter; orders potter to
quit simply repressed stay to save the city.
without appeal; king’s
absolute control over
citizens.
Resulting state: Total subordination and
denial of autonomy for
the donkey and potter.
Conclusion: 1. Humans reign supreme over animals and the
king over citizens, thanks to internalization of
established order.
2. Internal contradiction points to alternative order
and possible instability, but it is actually covered up
and not activated, it remains in a state of inertia.
Source: Created by the author.
Table 4.4
Act II: Ascendancy Denied Recognition
3rd sequence Challenge taken up Performance covered up
Demonstration of King orders potter to tell The demonstration of regal
power the truth: king challenged strength is achieved during
to give princess.King the night.Exile of donkey
defies the donkey with a and princess into a palace
regal supra-human power in the middle of the jungle
performance.The deed where there is no human
of the donkey: display of being.
divine strength.
Resulting state King and population respond with a no-recognition strategy
to the display and claim of royal power and status.
Source: Created by the author.