Feminist Rhetorical Theory

Defining the Key Terms:

1. Feminism: equity or more?

2. Rhetoric: symbol usage and influence

3. Theory: framing a communication event

Our Journey Together

We are entering the flames of feminism, fueled by the ruckus of rhetoric in order to place our hopes on the throne of theory.

Critical Theory, Feminist Theory and Oppression

1. Have you ever been oppressed?

2. Where?

3. How?

4. What did it feel like?

Cheris Kramarae

What part of her life’s story can you identify with?

Cheris’s Central Perspectives

1. Nature of the World: linguistic nature2. Mainstream World: hostile toward women3. Reasons for Hostility:

• Normalization of white men’s perspective• Conversational control by white men• Threats of violence

Kramarae’s Perspective on Women’s World

1. Comfortable : Food groups2. Interconnection3. Safety4. Holism5. Trust6. Mutuality7. Adaptability8. Equal Access to Information

Key Terms

1. Feminism: an ongoing process of disruption of the linguistic and other structures that create a hostile environment for women

2. Nature of the Rhetor: feminist who challenges current structures

3. Rhetorical Options: dismantling, alterations to fit women’s needs

Rhetorical Options Continued

1. Linguistic Practices: • computers as exploitation of a third world women

labor force• laughter at “absurdity of male prejudices

2. Creation of new linguistic knowledge: sewing etc.

3. Enactment of new linguistic practices: • New words• Redefinition

Transformation of Rhetorical TheoryPrimary terms:

1. Rhetor: As rhetors in the mainstream, women are muted.

2. Ethos: Women can gain a new ethos by speaking their experience.

3. Realm of Rhetoric: The traditional realm is in public, a realm hostile for women, so does their realm become a private one?

4. Assessment of Rhetoric: Does it contribute to the qualities of the environment?