I am slightly intimidated because I have never formally studied rhetoric. Although, after reading the first two chapters of the book, I quickly realized that I do have more experience than I originally thought because rhetoric is everywhere! So essentially, I have more “street” experience with rhetoric as opposed to formal education on the topic. These chapters opened my eyes to how broad and diverse this topic is. I am questioning whether we intentionally incorporate rhetoric in our daily lives, or due to 21st century societal demands is rhetoric unintentionally woven within our regular routine. By day, as a teacher, I purposely include rhetoric within the classroom for various reasons. I use rhetoric when I introduce a new unit to spark excitement about a new subject that we are about to study for the next however many weeks. It also builds interest in the subject as the students think, talk, research and write about it. Rhetoric helps to generate curiosity and ultimately assists in creating higher level thinking among students. However, these chapters opened the door and I realize how much of an impact rhetoric has on my personal life as well. Rhetoric is present during dinner conversations with my family and friends and well as in the television shows that I watch. There were a few key points in the reading that I wanted to comment on.
As a high school teacher, I definitely agree with the author’s claim that “opinion as identity stands in the way of rhetoric exchange” (5). Many teenagers (as well as adults) are egocentric and quick to judge others. They are not willing to be open minded enough to listen and absorb a differing opinion, which destroys an intelligent rhetoric exchange. On the other hand, I absolutely agree with the statement that the author makes in regards to how people change their opinion when they lose respect for someone with that opinion or they change it when they meet someone that they respect with a different opinion. I teach in a rural school district in a very conservative county. However, one of the civics teachers, who is well respected among the students, is quite liberal and often expresses his personal beliefs to his classes. After having this teacher, I am shocked by how many students who grew up in conservative households wanted to register as a democrat. Gaining respect can be quite a valuable persuasion tool.
I also found the information on kairos in Chapter 2 incredibly interesting, especially the arguments and interests section. After reading Ted Nugent’s article I was quickly reminded of a local incident that rocked the community and school where I teach. Last year the brother of a student of mine broke into a beer distributor. The owner, who lives next door, arrived on the scene and shot the intruder dead. Before all of the evidence was revealed, the community was divided on whether or not the owner was protecting his business or if he was taking the law in his own hands. The intruder’s brother was very upset because he felt that the media was portraying his brother as a monster.
Overall, I feel that these chapters established the role that rhetoric plays in our daily lives, both professionally and personally. Its involvement varies from positive to negative; however, whether you like it or not rhetoric has sustained since ancient times and I do not foresee it is going anywhere.