A rhizomatous metaphor for dialogic theory

Communication shapes both reality and thought. Communication is also influenced by the metaphors and paradigms that individuals and groups adhere to. This essay describes an alternative, dialogic, metaphor of public relations as a rhizome, or non-linear model of knowledge, communication, and culture. The rhizome is described in contradistinction to the more common arboreal or tree metaphor found throughout Western culture, as a means of changing how students and professionals reify public relations practice. The essay calls for educators to tend to the development of the rhizome by modeling the conduct of compassionate and empathetic interactions in the classroom, and contingent, negotiated, dialogic, knowledge and beliefs.