Terms of Engagement

     Part I of Feminist Rhetorical Practices proved to be an easier--or at least more engaging--text than the introductions in the Rhetorical Tradition anthology.  It was interesting to see how women have been belittled in the history of this very specific philosophy, and how their presence has yet to be fully noticed.  I've heard of measuring the female brain and linking menstrual cycles to intellectual inferiority, but never really took it seriously because it is in fact so ridiculous.  I suppose my lack of concern also ignored what repercussions arose from such ignorant practices.

     While the feminist background was enlightening, the principles formulated in the first section of the book are what truly stuck with me.  The four primary terms of engagement--critical imagination, strategic contemplation, social circulation, and globalization--are more than just feminist theories.  I think they resonate in the much large sense of the class, that is the Rhetorical Theory.  The four terms are excellently defined, but find greater application than even the text provides.  These are my thoughts on each of the four terms.

     Critical Imagination.  I really liked how they paired such often contrary terms with one another.  If someone says imagination, it is usually assumed to fall on the creative side of the spectrum, perhaps not as professional or academic as those fields would require.  Of course imagination has a role in pretty much any discourse, but commonly does not have any sense of critical requirement.  Royster says imagination is "a commitment to making connections and seeking possibility (19)."  I like how she makes imagination the basis of rhetorical practice.  Before observations can be had and decisions made, there must be some linkage.  Those who critically assess must also be imaginative or their responses will lack relevance.

     Strategic Contemplation.  This is where the imagination is applied.  It was interesting to read how once given the tools, the evidence, one can take into account what they know and decide what they want to do with it.  I enjoyed this section primarily due to the discussion on the importance of the experience.  This is not the sort of thing that can be learned simply by seeing, reading or hearing about.  People always ask me why it took so long for me to get through college.  As about a fifth year senior, I am happy it has taken this long.  I took my time, made a lot of mistakes, got sidetracked, lived life.  I am the person today because of the experiences I've had.  Had I graduated exactly four years after I finished high school, I wouldn't know what to do.  I have so much more to write about because of the delay and everything that has happened.

     Social Circulation.  Royster and Kirsch considered this term as being heavily influenced by the generational factor of its rhetors.  As almost an intra-cross-cultural condition (if that is such a thing), different subcommunities overlap within greater society.  This is impossible to avoid.  Each will have a distinct influence on the others.  As I understood, this is where perspectives are born by way of comparison and discussion.  Each of us are socially responsible in this regard.  Our engagement is required, otherwise what would become of rhetoric?  Perhaps a stretch, but this reminds me a bit of experiences in the service industry.  I'm a bartender in his mid-twenties engaging a various group of people who are as diverse in their lifestyles, but anchored by at least relatable interests and motivations.  Here is where perspectives are shared, ignored, born, etc.

     Globalization.  How do we apply our personal and shared perspectives globally?  This was an issue for Royster and Kirsch as it is an ongoing issue in this and other areas of the world.  This section was all about information transference on a much larger scale.  The authors argue this is perhaps the most challenging part of engaging feminist and other rhetorical practices.  I would agree there must be a medium in place that more people can access.  The internet is the most obvious choice, but places outside of the United States are not blessed with free Wi-Fi hotspots at every turn.  The opening question of this section is an appropriate closing, how do we apply our perspectives?  Or is this already being done without any direct action?