Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to analyze the rhetoric provided by New Orleans
Saints fans and residents from 2004 to 2007. During this time frame there are two
particularly significant events that influence a rhetorical change within the community
and a shift in the perception of the New Orleans Saints; Hurricane Katrina and the Saints’
return to the Superdome. This study includes a review of previous studies relating to
sports, fans, and media. Building on previous research specific to fan communication, of
which there is little, Ernest Bormann’s fantasy theme analysis is used to reconstruct the
social reality of the community. By reconstructing the rhetorical visions created by the
community’s discourse, the motives, meanings and emotions of the Saints’ fan
community are revealed. This study concludes that the change in rhetoric and chaining of
fantasy themes among communities reflected the transformation of the New Orleans team
from the disappointing ‘Aints’ to the hope inducing Saints.
