| This study examines narratives of the Enron bankruptcy and their political, cultural and legal ramifications. People's understandings and renderings of Enron have affected American politics and culture much more than have the company's actual errors, blunders and lies. Accordingly, this analysis argues that narratives about Enron were, are, and will continue to be more important than any associated "facts." Central themes of analysis include the legitimacy and accountability of leadership (both governmental and in business); contestation over who does or does not "understand" business, economics, or the law, and the implications thereof; and conceptions of the American way, the American dream, and American civic culture. The study also demonstrates how Enron narratives fit in to longer patterns of American commentary on big business. |
