Modern+Day+Rhetoric

__Political Rhetoric__

Modern day rhetoric is mainly associated with political rhetoric. For most of the general public our idea of political rhetoric is what is portrayed in the video…

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Rhetoric has many different definitions and interpretations. Rhetoric in politics has a reputation with negative connotations attached to it. The reason for this is because politicians are trying to win the public’s approval by twisting words and telling people what they want to hear. However, rhetoric has not always been negative in politics. For example, William F. Gavin (a speech writer for Richard Nixon) believes politicians should ““stop trying to get us to stand up and cheer” and “start persuading us to sit down and think.”” Gavin has a more positive idea of what political rhetoric entitles, “to be uplifted, to be made to feel deeply, to be swept away, and thrilled is the mark of jaded citizens who have forgotten that the major goal of political rhetoric should be to make good arguments, clearly and honestly.” Political rhetoric can be interpreted very negatively, but the basis behind it is much more positive than what the general public perceives it as.

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There are many reasons why political rhetoric has gotten such negative publicity, especially in recent years. One example that has been of hot topic is the shooting of Gabriel Gifford, former congress woman, which occurred on January 8th, 2011. Some speculate that the explanation for the shooting was due to political rhetoric and negative words spoken by former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin. There is no evidence that the reason for the shooting was due to what Palin had said, but this situation shows that if it were connected, how strongly political rhetoric can influence citizens. This video explains the connection between Gabriel Gifford’s shooting and political rhetoric.
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Other Uses of Rhetoric
Rhetoric is used in every part of our lives. Rhetoric of Hanging Ten and Rhetoric to Improve Your Game are great examples of how rhetoric is used in other parts of our lives.

Shesol, Jeff. "“Speechwright: An Insider’s Take on Political Rhetoric,” by William F. Gavin - The Washington Post." //Washington Post: Breaking News, World, US, DC News & Analysis//. Web. 01 Feb. 2012. .

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