In “The Rhetorical Situation”, Lloyd F. Bitzer examines the notion of the rhetorical situation and provides evidence of why rhetoric is important.  Bitzer exclaims, “A rhetorical situation must exist as a necessary condition of rhetorical discourse, just as a question must exist as a necessary condition of an answer.”(6)  By comparing the rhetorical situation to a question, readers can understand that the situation is a necessary element in writing and analyzing.  Without it, there would never be a solution or understanding.  Bitzer tends to speak out on the rhetorical solution’s behalf, telling readers of it’s importance.  He speaks about the exigence, audience, and constraints; therefore, building up his credibility and announcing the essential and basic fundamentals in understanding the situation.  Rhetorical situations essentially exhibit structures which are simple or complex, and more or less organized.  They can be changed around all due to the writing or the author’ diction; therefore, understanding the rhetorical situation and everything that coexists within is essential in the writing process.  Bitzer states, “Rhetoric is distinguished from the mere craft of persuasion..”(14) which shows readers that in order to be the best writer you can be, you must fully understand the rhetorical situation, the theories, and overall comprehend Bitzer’s own persuasive piece as well.

“The Rhetorical Situation” is an extremely informative, yet persuasive piece.  Bitzer is attempting to “revive the notion of the rhetorical situation”(3) and share his knowledge on the specific information.  While I was reading this, I became intrigued with his diction and how he set up his writing.  He lists his details and numbers them, creating a list of information.  This was easier for me to read because I could sense the importance and value that Bitzer was trying to emit.  Bitzer appealed to the audience’s emotions (pathos) and built up his credibility (ethos) by utilizing specific speeches, like The Gettysburg Address and Cicero’s speeches against Cataline.  Readers that enjoyed those times in history could relate to what he was writing and better understand where the author was coming from.  Also, readers could believe the points he was proving by actually examining the speeches.  Overall, I enjoyed Bitzer’s piece and my knowledge was expanded on The Rhetorical Situation and the major importance and components too.  One question that I have is how can people make sure their rhetorical situation or question is sufficient or suitable for an argument?

In Emma Watson’s speech about feminism, Emma Watson shares her ideas on the topic of feminism and explains how she has become one.  Her exigence is gender equality.  She shares her views on why women should be paid the same amount as men and essentially treated the same.  Men and women are both humans in the world; therefore, deserving the same respect and pay amount.  Emma Watson’s audience is everyone in the UN, and overall anyone that is interested in the topic of feminism, especially other women that feel the same way and have the same views as herself.  Finally, the constraints of the speech is attempting not to be sexist and take favor in the female’s side.  Emma needed to preach equality, all while showing no favor.

For my rhetorical analysis project, I have many ideas in mind; therefore, it is difficult to just pick one.

One possible topic that I can write about is ISIS.  This international issue has spread worldwide and the media has been on high alert in reporting all things going on.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-w-kearn/attacking-the-islamic-sta_b_5868712.html shares their views from the United State’s perspective and how ISIS will result to a long term of terrorism.  Meanwhile, http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119535/isis-pakistan-islamic-state-distributing-flags-and-flyers shares their opinion on how the United States invaded the Muslim land first; therefore, ISIS is just reciprocating and fighting back to protect.

A second possible topic I can write about is Violence against women.  Women are constantly being degraded and disrespected, not only in the United States, but worldwide.  This international issue has grabbed my attention and is very interesting to me.   http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/09/16/the_islamic_state_of_sexual_violence_women_rape_iraq_syria shows readers that The Islamic State has an insanely high violence rate against women, and this act against humanity is barely getting an attention.  Also,  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/26/are-we-listening-to-syria-s-women-and-girls.html not only shares the facts about domestic violence in Syria, but also adds the government’s perspecive on how they are taking action to try to prevent the rates from increasing and the number of women being sexually harmed to decrease.

Understanding writers and the reasons behind the writing is an essential tool.  Aristotle’s theory of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos helps everyone grasp the true meanings of writings.  Through credibility, appeals to the audience, and the overall subject, readers and even writers can gain an abundance of understanding of the ways of persuasion.  Persuasion is a powerful tool because it can essentially win over one’s opinion, influence one’s style, and overall change one’s perspective or views on a specific topic.  If you can grasp these techniques, you are for sure to advance in your writings!

Thank you for using Blogs@Baruch!

This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start publishing.

You are using a new WordPress theme that places widgets such as “Recent Posts,” “Recent Comments” and “Archives” in the footer, leaving you maximum space for publishing in this central area. If you prefer to have widgets on the right side of this page, these can be added by going to “Widgets” under the “Appearance” tab in your Dashboard. You can also choose from more than 100 other themes from the “Themes” menu in the Dashboard.