Journal #2

Bitzer believes anything can be determined as rhetorical situation with the limitations of audience, constraints, and exigency. Bitzer treats rhetoric as a distinct element.A rhetorical situation does not have to be something formal such as a speech addressing world hunger, but it must have "a clear instance of rhetoric and the presence of a situation. A good example of Bitzer's rhetorical situation at work would be Jesse Williams BET awards speech while accepting the Humanitarian award. He did not only acknowledge the award and his appreciation of it, but he brought up a rhetorical situation that is happening in America. Jesse Williams speech brought forth the situation of unarmed African Americans being shot by police officers and how we must stand together and be strong as a country. In other words, a call to action which exhibits audience, constraints, and exigence. Noticeably, Bitzer focuses on persuasion with constrictions. An informal example would be the numerous ads of teas (especially on Instagram) that claim to make your tummy flat with celebrity endorsements and testimonials. Edbauer views any factors connected to that rhetorical situation as signs of "an ongoing social flux." She believes those ongoing relations must be analyzed so we can effectively make sense of what happens. In response to Blitzer's rhetorical situation, Edbauer explains each of those components does not exist apart and independent from other opponents. She notices the outside factors that contributes, which we don't see or realize at first.An example would be the many memes of the internet. Someone takes a rhetorical situation and creates a new one that eventually gets millions of shares, likes, and tweets. The new rhetorical situation that is created can be based off a variety of things such a experience, time, place, etc. Edbauer acknowledges this new process and wants to analyze how it comes to form. In tterms of who I agree with more, I believe they both have essential points that we must all consider. Edbauer, however, seems more modernized and relatable to today's society. All in all, both Bitzer and Edbauer contribute to the field of rhetoric.