Blog 1

In the book “Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric”, authors Sonja K. Foss, Karen A. Foss and Robert Trapp describe rhetoric as, “the human use of symbols to communicate”(1). I think they are saying rhetoric is the use of words by humans to communicate a message.

First, Foss, Foss, and Trapp describe humans as being the only animals capable of communication by arbitrary symbols. The arbitrary symbols humans use are words. Although not all words are arbitrary many are and as an example the book used the word kitchen.  Kitchen is used to describe where we cook our food but it really does not tell us anything.

Next, they explain the difference between signs and symbols.  When the two are used as rhetoric and when they are not. The example that clarified the differences for me is the tree.  A tree in and of itself is not a symbol. However a Christmas tree is a symbol to many people.  An important part of the readings is that the symbol does not have the same meaning to everyone. Miscommunication occur because everyone has their own ideas of what certain symbols represent.

I personally have seen this happen many times. Since I have lived all over America I have learned each region has their own ideas as to what is acceptable to discuss, what words should be used, and when it is appropriate to have discussions. The cultural difference can be vast even within our country.

In my anthropology classes we have learned that for one culture of people being quiet unless you have something important to say is the norm. Other cultures are loud, boisterous, and even obnoxious to the outside world.  If you want to communicate effectively to people you must know what acceptable behavior is in their society.

Recently, in my biology class we had a discussion board about evolution. As a science minded person when someone would post that “evolution is just a theory“I would cringe and try very hard to explain what a “theory” is to me and in the science field. I finally realized what they understood about evolution came from their cultural background and I would not be able to sway them. My only hope was to make these students think about things a little differently. 

Rhetoric Definitions:

"Rhetoric is the art of framing an argument so that it can be appreciated by an audience."
"American Rhetoric: Definitions of Rhetoric." American Rhetoric: The Power of Oratory in the
      United States. Web. 24 Aug. 2010. <http://www.americanrhetoric.com/rhetoricdefinitions.htm>.

The literal meaning of the word in English is the art of speaking or writing effectively.
"Chapter 1: Origin and Definition of Rhetoric." Brightrock Press Homepage. Web. 25 Aug. 2010. 
      <http://www.brightrockpress.com/popsample.htm#chapter1>.