Kirsch, Royster, and Paradigms

Here's an intimidating quote: "We emphasize that indeed feminist rhetorical studies is moving beyond the fashioning of presence in the master narratives of rhetorical history toward the renegotiation of the paradigms by which we account for rhetoric as a dynamic phenomenon" (Kirsch and Royster 132).

Obviously, Royster and Kirsch have been intensively discussing paradigms.  If I'm not mistaken, 'paradigm' refers to a philosophy or mindset which not only forms a baseline for outlining research methods, but also more general frameworks followed when seeking information, weighing and interpreting new discoveries, and declaring these discoveries worthwhile or significant.  Kirsch and Royster wish to expose invisible paradigms which allow for "Western, white, elite maleness within public domains" (Kirsch and Royster 134); therefore they propose an enhanced inquiry model.

What probably interests me most about Royster and Kirsch’s book how the authors seek to 'lift a veil' (to bring up the metaphor quoted at the start of chapter nine) which cloaks preexisting, prejudiced paradigms of thought.  Royster points out the unseen strength of ingrained viewpoints by addressing "disciplinary habits" which she says "often feel natural rather than constructed" (Royster 165)

The comparison she also draws to the process of landscaping (subjectively 'shining a spotlight' on certain aspects of a natural scene while pushing the others aside) made me think that all lenses of perception are inevitably going to suffer from limitations.  But I suppose that major problems can arise when one, restrictive, unflinching paradigm is imposed over everything and everyone.  While the different viewpoints of varied people in unique situations (if all of these individuals are given a voice) may clash and result in conflict, they also result in conversations.