From previous answers to this question:

-------------------
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
-----------------------

Posted by Ms. Sue on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 6:25pm.
Check this site.

http://www.jessanderson.org/doc/rr_lingo.html
----------------------
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
----------------------
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 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.

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?

The role of rhetoric in influencing people's attitudes and beliefs is to use language effectively and persuasively to shape their opinions. Rhetorical devices are tools or techniques that are used to enhance persuasive communication. These devices appeal to emotions, logic, and credibility to influence the audience's perception and understanding of a message.

To distinguish between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices, readers need to critically analyze the content and intent of the communication. Here are some ways to differentiate between the two:

1. Evaluate the use of language: Prejudicial rhetoric often employs loaded or biased language that promotes stereotypes and discrimination. Non-prejudicial rhetoric, on the other hand, uses neutral or balanced language that focuses on presenting facts and reasoned arguments.

2. Assess the evidence and reasoning: Look for logical fallacies or manipulative tactics in the argumentation. Prejudicial rhetoric may rely on fallacious reasoning, emotional manipulation, or cherry-picked evidence to support a biased viewpoint. Non-prejudicial rhetoric presents well-supported evidence and employs sound reasoning to present a balanced argument.

3. Consider the intent and audience: Prejudicial rhetoric often seeks to marginalize or exclude certain groups based on biased beliefs or prejudices. Non-prejudicial rhetoric aims to inform, persuade, or engage the audience in meaningful and constructive dialogue.

4. Reflect on personal biases: Recognize your own biases and prejudices, as these can influence how you interpret and evaluate rhetorical messages. Being aware of your own biases can help you approach the analysis more objectively.

By attentively considering these factors, readers can differentiate between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices and better understand the influence rhetoric has on people's attitudes and beliefs.