As I made my way through this week's readings, I was yet again struck by the manipulative nature of rhetoric. Even physical movement and facial expression is included in the art form. Despite how contrived and manipulative rhetoric is, I suppose it is the nature of the pesuasive beast.
So I spent time looking for connection to current theory, and I see a bit of Marxist thought emerging especially in the opening of Rhetorica ad Herennium within the descriptions of our Direct openings. "We shall make our adversaries unpopular by setting forth their violent behavior, their dominance, factiousness, wealth, lack of self-restraint, high birth, clients, hospitality, club allegience, or marriage alliances" (165). Sounds like the poor proletariat has some issues with the Roman bourgeoise. This makes me appreciate the power of rhetoric as it pertains to giving a voice to those who are oppressed.
Another bit of Marxism that emerges is with Quintilian who when discussing arguments, says that rank can be employed in the "defense of the accused, or...may be employed to prove his guilt on the ground thathe trusted to his rank to secure impunity" (219). While this in no way secures Quintilian as a Marxist, it does show the social stratifications based on wealth and how those same divisions in society have been used to the advantage of those in power (for most of us a big duh). This also reminds those who are studying/ practicing/ philosophizing about rhetoric the power of speech in rectifying those social injustices.
Packaging doesn't seem to matter when it comes to human nature-it simply can't be fooled. We are what we are. Yet, there are enough of us optimistic types who really do believe there are still some virtuous men (and women) out there who can pursuade in the interests of the greater good and an equally like-minded audience who will follow. Or maybe the gods on Mt. Olympus will just declare us an experiment gone very bad. Wonder how we'll talk ourselves out of that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this section, I was reminded of how competing advertisers attack each other through their commercials. The new Carl's Junior commercials come to mind since the advertisers have their new sandwich ridiculing a sandwich that clearly represents McDonalds version of the same sandwich. One would hope a product (or person for that matter!) could speak for itself, but tearing your opponent down is a method that hasn't lost any of its appeal.
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