How language uses, hides and reinforces power: a critical discourse analysis of an open letter to Senator Cornyn and Representative Cole concerning the Civics Secure Democracy Act

Critical Discourse Analysis is used to look at how language and power forms, uses and transforms discourse around civic ideals and civic education in an open letter to Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Tom Cole. The letter urges them to withdraw support for the Civics Secures Democracy Act which aims $1 million to support 'educational programs in American civics and history, including by establishing grant and fellowship programs and reauthorizing various programs'. The analysis of the letter is important in investigating the discourses of civic education in a piece that opposes one of the biggest, well-funded bi-partisan efforts to expand civic education – in particular to underserved communities. This thesis reveals how language creates meaning, and how Critical Discourse Analysis can uncover the ways that discourse is being shaped and used to enforce political preferences, opinions and outcomes. It also shows how discourses of history, security, identity, expertise and patriotism are constructed both implicitly and explicitly to enforce power.