In this paper I unravel the limits of a (classical) realist account of social life. More particularly, I focus on the universes of meaning surrounding a public actor/event: F.W. de Klerk and the 2 February (1990) opening of parliament speech. The results suggest different sources of meaning and a multi-form to personhood which opens the meaningful possibilities exchanged during communication. As an object of meaning, this actor/event is understood by others in ways which underline the possibilities for role conflict; not only between persons but also within a person.
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