How can a person distinguish between the prejudicial and nonprejudicial use of rhetorical devices?
Here are references and responses to this question or variations of it in the past on Jiskha:
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1159917320
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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
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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 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.
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Distinguishing between the prejudicial and nonprejudicial use of rhetorical devices can be challenging but not impossible. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you differentiate between the two:
1. Understand the definition of rhetorical devices: Rhetorical devices are techniques used in language to convey specific meanings or evoke certain emotions. Examples include metaphors, hyperbole, irony, and parallelism.
2. Recognize the purpose and context: Consider the purpose behind the use of rhetorical devices. Nonprejudicial use typically aims to enhance communication and persuade through logical reasoning, while prejudicial use tends to manipulate emotions or perpetuate bias.
3. Evaluate the content: Look closely at the content in which the rhetorical device is used. Nonprejudicial use would typically rely on factual evidence, reasoning, and logical consistency, promoting fairness and inclusivity. Prejudicial use, on the other hand, might employ stereotypes, misinformation, or inflammatory language to promote bias or discrimination.
4. Assess the impact on different perspectives: Consider the effect of the rhetorical device on various groups or individuals. Nonprejudicial use should seek to engage and respect diverse viewpoints, fostering healthy dialogue. Prejudicial use, however, may marginalize or harm certain groups, perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing discriminatory beliefs.
5. Seek additional information: If you're uncertain about the prejudicial nature of a rhetorical device, conduct research or seek multiple perspectives. Understanding the historical and cultural contexts surrounding certain devices can provide important insights.
6. Analyze the intentions of the communicator: Consider the motives of the person using the rhetorical device. Nonprejudicial intentions often involve promoting understanding, empathy, or a call to action in pursuit of equality and justice. Prejudicial intentions, on the other hand, may seek to manipulate opinions, incite fear, or perpetuate discrimination.
Remember that distinguishing between prejudicial and nonprejudicial use of rhetorical devices can be subjective to some extent. It requires critical thinking, the ability to analyze content, and an awareness of one's own biases.