Sarah Kelzer April 10, 2014 Rhetoric & Civic Culture Dr.

Fritch Exam 2: Essay & Short Answers 1) The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis argues that language creates reality. To explore some of the same functions of language, Kenneth Burke develops the concept of terministic screens. In this essay, explore the similarities and differences between the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and terministic screens. Communication is the foundation to our way of life. We are constantly communicating, whether we want to or not, and thus use language as the heart of our social interaction to create meaning and value. Two concepts tied closely to the language and the construction of social reality is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and terministic screens. To compare and contrast both concepts, I will give separate examples when each creates symbolic action. First off, we need to define what each concept is. Catherine Palczewski, Richard Ice, and John Fritch, authors of the book Rhetoric in Civic Life, stated that the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, or the theory of linguistic relativity, is the idea that the structure of a language influences the way people perceive the world, (37). Since multiple social realities exist, we are able to shape our perceptions, lives, and the world we live in by the words we choose to use and the symbols, connotations, and denotations that are attached to them. The second concept, terministic screen, is defined as a screen composed of terms though which humans perceive the world, and that direct attention away from some interpretations and toward others, (39). This means that words encourage us to see certain parts of reality while ignoring other parts of it. Now that we know the basic definitions of each concept, we can continue to further analyze by discovering the similarities between the two. In their own way, the Sapir-Whorf
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hypothesis and terministic screens are able to bring attention to certain ideas and leave out others by the words we choose to use. We focus in on the meaning behind the words and attach reflected meaning. Both terms shape the way we understand the world around us. In essence, they are powerful tools that can be used to influence and persuade other people. Although the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and terministic are clearly similar, but to truly appreciate the value of each concept, we need to delve into what makes them so uniquely different. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis focuses on constructing social reality while terministic screens are about symbolic action. Terministic screens are a way of describing the way a label changes the way we perceive the object of our discussions and focus more on selecting, reflecting and deflecting reality. Palczewski, Ice & Fritch give a great example about the common debate about abortion. Those who are pro-life tend to refer to the reality of the situation as a baby while the pro-choice group refers to it as a fetus. Saying baby conjures up images of a snuggly bally of joy that is happiness in a blanky. Saying fetus reminds people of a bloody, parasitic mess that is lodging somewhere in the woman. By selecting their particular terms, each pro-group is reflecting the point they are trying to get across while deflecting those feelings that would not help in making a point. The linguistic relativity of this situation is that pro-life people do think of the baby as a bloody fetus and that the pro-choice people do think an unborn fetus trumps the choice of an already full-grown woman. Without always knowing it, we use both the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and terministic screens in our everyday lives to understand, add meaning and make points. The value of both is unique and the similarities understood.

Short Answers: 1. Kenneth Burke offers a six-part definition of man. Identify one part of that definition and explain what it means. (5 points) One part of Kenneth Burkes six-part definition of man is that humans are the Inventor of the Negative. In nature, there is no negative; it simply does not exist. For example, cats understand that there is water and drink from it. However, they do not understand the concept of no water. Humans see no as a symbol, which is something else that Burke describes as part of being human. The Inventor of the Negative derives from the Hortatory Principle: as soon as we are told no, we have temptation. When we give in, thats sin and we proceed to feel guilty. To correct this, one can either take the action of mortification (blame yourself) or scapegoating (do something to relieve guilt/ blame others). The corrective action then leads to redemption. 2. In class, we noted a distinction between an actual audience and the target audience. What is the target audience? (5 points) The target audience is those for whom the message of the speech is intended. The rhetor focuses on addressing, persuading and/or affecting this group of people. The target audience does not have to be physically present. The message can also be aimed at part of the exposed audience (those who actually hear the message). Even though they are the intended, they may not be the most receptive. The rhetor must imagine engaging with this audience at some point in the future to ensure success. 3. In class, we noted three different ways in which language creates meaning. Those three ways were through words, grammatical structures, and narratives. Pick one of those ways and describe how it creates meaning. Use an example to support your explanation. (5 points) A narratives, or story, is an element of linguistic structure that creates meaning through language and thus shapes the way we see the world. Characterizations are the building blocks of narratives and consist of the dramatistic pentad: acts, agencies, agents, scenes, and purposes. Narratives direct people to see particular relationships between characterizations and, thus, offer explanations about how reality makes sense and works, (Palczewski, Ice & Fritch 43). Narratives are very important as they can help form and shape public memory while teaching cultural values. For example, a common American narrative is the story of Cinderella and the moral of the story that highlights a classic American belief: if you work hard, you can go from rags to riches. Narratives that highlight classic cultural values are thus more meaningful to the people listening. 4. One critical aspect of Bitzers notion of the rhetorical situation is exigence. What is exigence? Give at least one example of exigence. (5 points) Exigence is something that causes urgency, such as an obstacle or a problem. Bitzer defines exigence as an imperfection marked by urgency; it is a defect, an obstacle, something waiting to be done, a thing which is other than it should be, (203). One famous and horrible example of exigence is when 9/11 took place. The need for revenge, answers, and justice was so great that the nation was willing to stake war without thinking through the possible consequences.

5. In class, we discussed the assumptions of postmodernism. Identify one of the assumptions of postmodernism and explain what it means. The use of an example to clarify the concept may be quite helpful. (5 points) Part of Post-modernism is based on rationality and science and plays off of the assumptions of Modernism. While Modernism is consumed with science, facts and objectivity, Post-Modernism rejects science. It takes the opposite position of Modernism and claims that there are limits to what we can know through science. By this assumption, two concepts come into play: Gadels Theorem, which says we can not prove, but only assume (i.e we assume 1+1=2, we dont really know) and the Heisenburg Uncertainty Principle, which is a physics concept that is concerned with location and speed (the more certain we are of one, the less certain we are of the other). Post-Modernism in general is more subjective and factors in the human element, unlike Modernism. So it comes as no surprise that it does not see science as the ultimate solution to everything. 6. What is the third persona? Use at least one example to help explain the concept. (10 points) If rhetors can call an audience into being, they can construct other people as lacking being. The third persona is audiences not present, audiences rejected or negated through the speech and/or the speaking situation, (191). If the first persona is an I, and the second persona a you, the third persona is an it. The third persona is the group treated as an object and dehumanized and overall excluded. An example would be over the debates about immigration. Instead of addressing the people who immigrate illegally, critics of illegal immigration turn them into a third persona. Media figures dehumanize illegal immigrants by describing them as floods, tides, pollutants and infestations. Once denied humanity, immigrants are also denied human compassion and become an infestation to be fought. In essence, the third persona is denied public voice, power and sometimes even existence.

Bibliography Catherine, Palczewski, Richard Ice, and John Fritch. Rhetoric in Civic Life. State College, Pennsylvania: Strata Publishing, Inc., 2012. Print.