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“When the immigrants faced the Statue of Liberty”: Critical Discourse Analysis of National Narratives in Greek Parliament


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Topos of advantage/usefulness in Varoufakis’ narrative

Topos of Advantage/Usefulness An action should be performed if it is useful from a specific point of view.
Premises Immigrants/refugees were useful in any country (USA, Australia, Greece).
The labor supply rose when we had immigrant/refugee inflows.
Conclusion Immigrants/refugees will also be useful in Greece today as work opportunities will increase.

Topos of history in Varoufakis’ narrative

Topos of History An action, when it is comparable with a historical example, should be performed or omitted in relation to its consequences.
Premises In the USA, all were registered and entered the country, both the prosecuted [meaning those requesting asylum] and the immigrants.
They were not thrown into the sea; they did not prosecute the immigrants.
They were integrated into American society.
Conclusions

Therefore:

• In Greece, all immigrants/refugees should be registered and assimilated.

• The practice of expulsion and exclusion of those who do not fulfill the “institutionally defined” characteristics of the refugee is unacceptable.

Topos of disadvantage/uselessness in Mitsotakis’ narrative

Topos of Disadvantage/Uselessness An action should be rejected when it is more likely to lead to undesired results.
Premises The USA was a country with vast lands.
The USA was a country which needed immigrants.
The USA was a multicultural and multiethnic country built by immigrants.
Conclusions Therefore, since Greece is a small and monocultural country, it does not need immigrants.

Topos of history in Mitsotakis’ narrative

Topos of History An action, when it is comparable with a historical example, should be performed or omitted in relation to its consequences.
Premises Immigrants who would go to the USA knew that they would be registered and identified by the American authorities.
American authorities knew who entered the country and who did not.
Conclusions

Therefore:

• Today, in Greece, immigrants/refugees should know that they will be checked and identified by the Greek authorities.

• Greek authorities should know who enters the country and who does not.

Depiction of analysis tools and research aims

Narrative Analysis Levels Research Aim
1st: Narrative World How do Mitsotakis and Varoufakis construct the immigrants/refugees’ identification on Ellis Island, their selection and admission into the USA?

2nd: Narrative Interaction Argumentative strategies (Reisigl & Wodak 2001):

1) Topos of history

2) Topos of advantage/usefulness

3) Topos of disadvantage/uselessness

What kind of argumentative strategies do Mitsotakis and Varoufakis use to construct a collective identity with the ND and MeRa25 supporters, respectively?
3rd: Broader Cultural, Ideological and Social Context How do Mitsotakis and Varoufakis position themselves toward the national discourse?