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ENC 3331
Rhetorical Citizenship
harder, as a normal American would. This is where the definition of citizenship gets complex and
controversial because there are American citizens that believe undocumented citizens should
not be allowed to stay in the United States because they did not follow the law in entering
legally. Amy Wan, in her article challenges the way people perceive the legal definition of a
citizen. She believes rhetorical citizenship begins in the classroom, and students have the
opportunity to broaden their horizon in understanding what being a citizen truly means. In In
the Name of Citizenship, Wan provides multiple definitions of citizenship, she even said the
term citizen has not one definition but multiple, citizenship theorists have expanded thinking
about citizenship beyond legal status to understanding citizenship as cultural identity, standing
and status, civic virtue, and everyday habits, and participatory action (Wan 33). Not only are
you a citizen by practicing these everyday activities that are, for the most part, second nature to
someone, but they are also participating in rhetorical activities.
United States as an undocumented person, it means that you have to work harder because you do
not have the privilege or assistance, such as voting or being eligible for financial aid.
Being rhetoric has been around since the era of Plato, where rhetors were highly known
in society, Haas, et als article, Rhetoric, they describe the definition of rhetoric of the different
time periods. The overall summary that they concluded was that Rhetoric is concerned with
how individuals know, create, and invent within the ever shifting and dynamic social, political,
and economic contexts in which they operate (Hass, et al 4548). Going back to Stephanie, she
is standing up, and being proactive with the belief that children of undocumented immigrants
should be granted citizenship. One way rhetorical citizenship was produced was through
Stephanies video. She informs the public that she too is an American because she does
everything a normal citizen would do, go to work, go to school, etc. She is also being active in
the community by promoting positive aspects on this on-going debate this country had with
citizenship for years. Using social media, videos, pictures, or songs can be an easy way to grab
the publics attention if you are trying to spread awareness to some sort of cause, like Stephanie
and granting citizenship to children of undocumented citizens.
has been a big topic in todays issues because women have been voicing their opinions on how
we feel we are being treated. Society has listened to what they are saying, and voice their opinion
back, whether people agree or disagree, they are still being active.
Listening and voicing opinions is an important part not only in a community, but also as a
nation. Being punished by the government because of a strong, scandalous opinion, then you are
not part of a democratic society. Being a part of a democratic society, such as America, gives a
leeway to being a rhetorical citizen because in a communist country, it is possible to go to jail or
even shot if attending a protest or any other form of opinionated expression.