Welcome to our subversive rhetoric lab. Studying rhetoric, much like a sport or a trade, must be practiced. This is our practice space. Be creative. Think outside the box. Practice being open to new ideas, often. Think out loud. Remember, everyone has something to teach you. Invest in yourself. Invest in others. Find your voice.
You will be required to respond to prompted journal assignments about contemporary social movements and you are expected to respond to the contributions of your classmates. However, I would encourage you to use this space as often as you like.
Take this opportunity to explore ideas and talk about things that are important to you. Take the time to find out what intrigues you. Don't sound like a broken record. Take chances. Influence others.
I am looking forward to reading your insights...
Angela
2 comments:
Okay, first post, this is more a question of interpretation then critique. For our first reading assignment, one conclusive thought in particular struck my attention, this was in the Simons article. It reads: The great movements seem capable of combining these seemingly antithetical strategies without inconsistency by justifying their use with appeals to higher principles. The three strategies were synonymous with the peaceful, intermediate and militant types of protest but my question was whether he was referring to principles as in the principles on which the movement was founded or the principles of the reactionary and the ethos or ethics they wish to display. If this stirs more debate that would be intentional, but I have to ask the question, does protest sound the voice of one adamant person, or the concerns of many?
Great question Joe. One of the inherent problematics of social movements is the tendency of advocating positions that are sometimes radical departures from the status quo yet the rhetorical situation calls for movements to frame their advocacy within the logics of contemporary society. In other words, movements must advocate change AND tap into the values people already believe in. That is why the early suffrage and abolitionist movements often used the bible as grounds for change. As we move our way through social movement history in the United States you will see the varied ways in which social movements navigate this particular and sticky rhetorical exigency.
Post a Comment