Bitzer relies mainly on situation
for composition, which leads me to the example of President Thrasher’s speech
to our student body after the Strozier library shooting. His speech was
influenced by a situation that occurred, and he had to address the state of the
student body accordingly. He had to think about what his audience was asking
for in a time of need and as a leader he said what he had to for everyone to
feel safe again. Bitzer explains that exigence is one of the most important
concepts of composition and that writing should mediate change. Presidents have
to write their speeches in this way because they want others to feel safe and
comfortable having them in power. Everyone wants a president that they can
trust to protect them and I think the way that President Thrasher handled the
situation helped mediate our campus as well as helping us look forward to the
future we had while growing together after the shooting. Looking back on that
day, standing at the Integration Statue in complete shock, I felt a sense of
safety and promise hearing him talk. That speech brought change and action to
our campus and that’s why it’s still talked about.
Edbauer focuses on rhetorical
ecologies and explains this in the example of, “Keep Austin Weird.” Many
slogans are used in this concept because it was a way that reached an enormous
audience easily. A good example of this that FSU students can relate to is the
saying, “We ain’t no puppies, we some dogs.” During half time against the Ole
Miss game this season, our football team was losing. Jameis came into the locker room and gave a
speech with the quote. After this happened, the quote blew up. Every game we
lost I saw many tweets and posts saying things like, “I guess we are some puppies.”
A single quote from an influential person made a lasting impression of a
majority of the student body.
I relate more to Bitzer’s theory of
rhetoric and composition because I am more of a situational person. I feel like
I’m not too creative, so most of the time that I write things it’s because of
something that happened in my life.
I think your example speaks perfectly to how Bitzer would define a rhetorical situation. Your example is great in showing the lack of graze area in Bitzer's definition. I relate to lacking creativity and I think Bitzer would too.
ReplyDeleteAli,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your examples because they are very relatable. The President Thrasher address is a great illustration of Bitzer's theory because there was a situation at hand and the speech was a response to that. Your second example is also good because it shows how it only takes one person and forms of technology to get the word about something around. By people seeing Winston's speech- that quote caught on.
I think the example of President Thrasher's speech accurately depicts Bitzer's Rhetorical Situation. I liked that you presented your example and responded to it as well. Your own personal insight and feedback helped me deepen my understanding of the Rhetorical Situation. Bitzer's rhetorical stance is not my most preferred, but I do think that it works for situations when change and persuasion is the desired purpose. It's logical to present an argument and credibility in order to engage the audience to act and understand the purpose of the change.
ReplyDeleteYour example involving President Thrasher's speech was a very good way to describe Bitzer, and helped me understand the rhetorical situation more since I have actually heard that speech. Your other example with Edbauer also really helps me understand what she is saying as well.
ReplyDeleteP.s. I love all FSU examples since we all know everyone here loves the noles!!!