how can readers distinguish beteen prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices
This is an excellent site on propaganda techniques:
http://www.propagandacritic.com/
Be sure to also check out the links here -- all from previous postings of the same question:
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Posted by Ms. Sue on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 9:47am.
Check these sites to help you answer your question.
(Broken Link Removed)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetoric
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Posted by Ms. Sue on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 6:25pm.
Check this site.
http://www.jessanderson.org/doc/rr_lingo.html
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http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1157494639.1157499174
Posted by PsyDAG on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 7:32pm.
Although prejudice is often defined as a negative attitude, we all have prejudices (biases) toward almost everything we consider. Differences occur in terms of how extreme our bias is and how much it influences our actions - including our language. If we are aware of our biases, we can often minimize them.
I will give you some sources dealing with influencing others, but, since rhetorical devices are not in my area of expertise, I will leave it to you to relate the material to them.
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceAntecedents.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceMorePrinciples.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceStillMore.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/MeanNewsMedia.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/Persuasion.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/QuestionFrame.html
To distinguish between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices, readers can consider the following steps:
1. Familiarize yourself with rhetorical devices: Understanding the different types of rhetorical devices and how they are used can help you identify their purpose and potential biases.
2. Evaluate the intent behind the use of rhetorical devices: Look for the overall purpose of the text and consider if the rhetorical devices used are intended to inform, persuade, manipulate, or provoke emotions. Prejudicial use of rhetorical devices often aims to manipulate or influence the audience's thoughts or beliefs in a negative or biased way.
3. Analyze the language and tone: Pay attention to the language and tone used in the text. Prejudicial use of rhetorical devices may employ emotionally charged or derogatory language, generalizations, stereotypes, or exaggerated claims that promote bias or discrimination.
4. Consider the context and audience: Examine the context in which the rhetorical devices are used and the target audience. Prejudicial use of rhetorical devices can exploit existing biases or prejudices within a particular audience or manipulate the context to create a false or distorted representation of facts.
5. Seek multiple perspectives: Gather information from diverse sources to obtain a broader understanding of the topic. By comparing different viewpoints and analyzing the rhetoric used, you can identify if a particular source is presenting a fair and balanced argument or is employing prejudicial tactics.
6. Consult reliable sources and experts: Use reputable sources and consult experts in the field to gain insights and different perspectives on the use of rhetoric. Reading academic articles, books, or consulting websites dedicated to studying rhetoric can provide valuable knowledge and guidance.
In addition to these steps, the provided links can also be helpful resources for understanding propaganda techniques, rhetoric, and how language can influence others.