1) The Rhetorical Situation
Bitzer discusses rhetoric all together and poses the questions such as “What really is rhetoric?” Bitzer explains how a work is rhetoric due to its response to a certain situation. He gives the reader a situation with rhetoric, then he analyzes it explaining its effectiveness. Next to that, Bitzer describes exigence, audience, and constraints, the three characteristics of rhetoric and he discusses how each affect a situation and make it rhetorical. Bitzer finishes his argument with another set of statements that help portray his thoughts on why and how a situation is rhetorical.
I think Bitzer shows great understanding of rhetoric when it comes to arguments. He clearly describes how each situation uses it and then explain why it affects the readers so much. He explains the three characteristics so that any reader could develop an understanding of them. Bitzer seems like one who wants to educate audiences across the globe on his topic of choice.
Can the use of rhetoric sometimes be considered manipulation?
2) Emma Watson’s on Feminism
The exigence in Watson’s speech generally targets feminism and the mistreatment or inequality women face in today’s society. Emma’s direct audience was obviously the United Nations, but it was also meant for everyone around the world tuning in to her ideas. The constraints regarding her speech include anti-feminists and those who don’t take her seriously due to her profession.
I do not really believe that rhetoric can sometimes be considered manipulation. I see rhetoric as more of a persuasive means. I can see how you might think it leads to manipulation; since, manipulation uses persuasiveness.