The idea of rhetoric is said to originate in a Greek colony on the island of Sicily in the fifth century B.C. It was originally designed as a method of instruction for Greek citizens who had to speak effectively in court proceedings. Modern rhetoric is defined by Foss, Foss, and Trapp as, “the human use of symbols to communicate (1).” This definition is described as being broad enough to cover many uses of the term. The key components of this definition are human, symbols, and communicate. The definition given involves the use of symbols by humans. Humans use symbols in many elaborate ways and are said to use them to create their realties. Humans may be the only animals that use symbols but there is much debate on the issue and it seems that there is no resolution. Another important concept in the definition given by the reading is, “symbol.” A symbol is defined by Foss, Foss, and Trapp as, “something that stands for or represents something else by virtue of relationship, association, or convention (2).” The final concept in the definition of rhetoric is communication. Unyielding divisions can be made between rhetoric and communication, but rhetoric in this definition can be thought of as another term for communication.
I participate in many online digital cultures. Some of the most entertaining cultures that I participate in are online forums where users share and collaborate on a variety of different subjects. The forums that I find most helpful and visit most often are special make up effects forums where users share their various effects projects. My favorite site is www.theeffectslab.com/ members of this site communicate by making posts of their ideas, and taking and posting pictures of projects. There are a lot of members in this forum that use it to share their projects and their advice. Most communications are responses to shared information and are generally helpful tips and suggestions on how to improve a project.
I think that this is rhetorical because of all of the communication that takes place in this online community. There are many different forum pages on this site, and lots of activity. Users initially bond over a shared hobby and interests but end up sharing a lot of personal information with each other and establish real friendships. When responding to a user’s post effective communication, or rhetoric is essential. Because of the subjective nature of art and the friendly atmosphere of collaboration advice left on the forum has to be convincing but also delicate enough so that it isn’t too critical.
Works Cited
Foss, Sonja K., Karen A. Foss, and Robert Trapp. Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric. 3rd ed. Waveland, 9.
