On NPR this weekend, the show "American Weekend" had a story on the tactics of political rhetoric, complete with specific examples of rhetorical figures from American political speeches and discussing the origins of rhetoric in ancient Athens. You can listen to the show online. The webpage also has links to some rhetoric-related websites, including one that illustrates a large number of rhetorical figures through audio examples from American political speeches.
It's worth a listen.
Some questions:
What do you think about the characterization of ancient Athens in the piece, particularly in its alleged difference from contemporary America vis-a-vis rhetoric?
Republican pollster and spinmeister Frank Luntz is interviewed in the piece. Is what he does "rhetoric?" If so, is it good rhetoric? Bad rhetoric? Good rhetoric used for bad purposes?
At times, it seemed to me the piece suggested that "rhetoric" as it was defined in this context is a practice of putting style before substance and persuading people in at least as semi-underhanded way. How do you think rhetoric came across in this piece?
It's worth a listen.
Some questions:
What do you think about the characterization of ancient Athens in the piece, particularly in its alleged difference from contemporary America vis-a-vis rhetoric?
Republican pollster and spinmeister Frank Luntz is interviewed in the piece. Is what he does "rhetoric?" If so, is it good rhetoric? Bad rhetoric? Good rhetoric used for bad purposes?
At times, it seemed to me the piece suggested that "rhetoric" as it was defined in this context is a practice of putting style before substance and persuading people in at least as semi-underhanded way. How do you think rhetoric came across in this piece?
No comments:
Post a Comment