What is the role of rhetoric in influencing people's attitudes and beliefs? How can readers distinguish between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices?
Please check out the following posts and links:
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
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Posted by GuruBlue, on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 9:19am
This site will give you the problems with prejudicial rhetoric.
http://epochewiki.pbwiki.com/PburghClarkFinalProposal
The following comes from http://www.answers.com :
First, let’s look at what the word rhetoric means.
rhet•o•ric (rtr-k)
n.
1.
a. The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.
b. A treatise or book discussing this art.
2. Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.
3.
a. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject: fiery political rhetoric.
b. Language that is elaborate, pretentious, insincere, or intellectually vacuous: His offers of compromise were mere rhetoric.
4. Verbal communication; discourse.
Now, let’s say, I am a staunch anti-bubble gum lobbyist. In my rhetoric, I preach against bubble gum arguing (1) it causes bad teeth through excessive sugar, as well as continued pull of the teeth by the gum itself; (2) it is too noisy and disruptive when chewed by teenagers; (3) it is too messy and dangerous when chewed by younger children. They swallow it; they forget to take it out of their mouths at night, and it winds up in their hair and one their clothes or bed sheets.
All bubble gum should be banned! (This is an example of prejudicial rhetoric.)
A non-prejudicial use of rhetoric would be for example arguing the republican position on minimum wage increases versus the democrats position on the same subject. The republican position is that a rise in the minimum wage will be a disadvantage and burden on small business. The democrats state that it has been years since the minimum wage has risen and that low income wage earners need this rise. The truth of the matter is that there are very few jobs in the US that are paying as low as the current minimum wage.
Rhetoric plays a significant role in influencing people's attitudes and beliefs. It is the art of using language effectively and persuasively to communicate a message. Through rhetoric, individuals and organizations can use various rhetorical devices to shape opinions, persuade others, and create emotional responses.
To distinguish between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices, readers can consider the following factors:
1. Evidence and Reasoning: Prejudicial rhetoric often relies on emotional appeals and stereotypes rather than facts and logical reasoning. Non-prejudicial rhetoric, on the other hand, presents evidence, logical arguments, and balanced viewpoints to support its claims.
2. Tone and Language: Prejudicial rhetoric tends to use inflammatory or derogatory language, creating a hostile or biased tone. Non-prejudicial rhetoric maintains a respectful and objective tone, using language that promotes understanding and fairness.
3. Bias and Stereotypes: Prejudicial rhetoric tends to perpetuate biases, stereotypes, and discrimination against particular groups or individuals based on race, religion, gender, or other characteristics. Non-prejudicial rhetoric avoids generalizations, seeks to understand diverse perspectives, and respects individual differences.
4. Context and Purpose: Consider the context in which the rhetoric is being used. Prejudicial rhetoric often focuses on promoting fear, division, or hatred, while non-prejudicial rhetoric aims to foster dialogue, empathy, and cooperation.
By evaluating these factors, readers can distinguish between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices, enabling them to critically analyze messages and make informed judgments.