rusp -h ve_ Uiin:thotls.

(..,
0.\ed

LaShaunda Hayes
ENC 3331:
Dr. Scott
0{ t'>
7 February 2012
CLlllcUJe1tt lY1 tt f v rzs o-P
Rhetorical Citizenship
0
and are two words in the English language that are constantly
around us and defined so broadly depending on the individual and situation, but they still

manage to remain connected. George . ; S 'I( \\
itt emotion and thought, transmitted through a system of signs, to * '(>\
others to influence their decisions or actions." I agree with this, primarily because
-
anything that is successful involves energy and emotion. Rhetoric is a form of persuasion
that one must perfect as if it where a craft in order for it to be effectively used. It could be
considered a language, however rhetoric can also be exercised using signs and symbols,
-- -e------------ -----------" -'--- -
which we see in shopping malls and in other aspects of our everyday life. Although it can
used correctly, is enough to influence the actions and decisions of others. One of
rhetoric's first uses in ancient Rome was to "help people choose the best course of action
when they disagreed about important political, religious, and social issues"(Crowley
Hawhee 1). Roman citizens would assess each sides arguments and then make a ruling on

the issue, not they being influenced by rhetoric, but this active participation in
society could be viewed as part of their citizenship .
. ':)'(;\ _our citizenship is within us, although it can be taught we personally make the
->t: consciously or subconsciously to become emotionally invested in our


t\l
'<0
communities, schools, or clubs. Citizenship is jn my opinion f reflection of our character \
\j -A.'\;
and the core values that have been instilled in us during our upbringings. True citizens \)\J'
actively participate in their communities, whether it may be by voting in the latest
election, walking for a cause, or simply donating blood. When combining these two
notions-rhetoric and citizenship, rhetorical citizenship is created. I personally define
J or
rhetorical citizenship as: the free willed active participation in society, throughlanguage
. GODO point I QOOd
or actions)Reflecting our core values and identity simtrl.taneously learning.
Rhetorical citizenship is not just a one way street.Although I maybe the one volunteering
It-
or receiving the messageihose who we are helping or the articles we may be reading are
our sponsors of literacy, leaving impactful impressions up us.
Deborah Brandt states that our sponsors of literacy can be "any agents who
\,____./enable, support, teach, or model literacy" (166). Both of my sponsors of rhetorical
c1?) (}

citizenship have been models for me as well as teachers who have given me the support
and major tools that I will continue to need throughout life. As stated earlier fhetorical
citizenship is a two way street. I believe this because in my first example I was the one
who did the volunteering but in the end benefited more than I could have ever imagined.
February 16, 2007 I was young carefree high school freshmen, and the youngest I I \
hOW
of my parents' children. But on February 17, 2007 my life completely changed forever. A jq\
little girl Kaylah was dropped off to my house by her homeless- drug addicted mother, D(lClQ rou
I e ' (I v b lJ n r
with the intention of her only being there only a few months. As of today Kaylah is still i" \r1 \ \ d
\._)I }{ II
living with my family and is now my little sister. Being a fifteen year old freshmen, and C (}J t Q,t
pretty used to having my parents to myself I had a very hard time accepting Kaylah, not
only because she was a 5 month old baby, but because I never had to make such an
7
adjustment in my life. Prior to her I had little patience, not much compassion, and wasn't
fully aware of how blessed I was. Having a little sister whom has mild cerebral palsy
.-._ _.......---....
created me into a better citizen. Each day spent with
--------
Kaylah, who is now 5, is another day that I believe I am becoming a better citizen. As I
said prior to Kaylah's arrival I did not have much patience and it did not come right away
either. But dealing with a child who could not walk until two, form sentences until three
"
in a half, but has one of the best spirits I have seen, truly changed me. I began to not look
at her as a burden, but instead as a blessing because although my family may have been
the one's doing all the work, she was teaching me so much about myself and helping me
to improve my weaknesses. The function of this sponsor was simply her arrival but the
effects are everlasting and something that I very grateful for. Without her I doubt that I
would be aware of the unique circumstances that every person goes through, I not only
learned just from living with her, but also by accompanying her to doctors appointments
and events for children with similar disabilities who are in far worse conditions. I truly
believe people come in and out of our lives for a reason, and I know we needed Kaylah
just as much as she needed us. _ B
00
o "\ o ~
Sponsors of rhetorical citizenship aren't just people, but they can also be things. \.lf\ \ 0 ~ ~
0
~ ,
\.I - - ~ - . '\' 0 ~ \ l \ ~ . ~ t
This leads me to my second sponsor of rhetorical citizenship; the I Have A Dreani ~ ~ \) \0 O '/. , \} fl\ ~
Speech by Dr. Martin Luther Ki g Jr. pus gent has definitely been a model for me. The Q ~ (\ \ n
''") .
part that appealed to me the m\lsVwhe e the logos appeals throughout the speech. "I have
a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be
.-,
judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" (citing?) This line
~
along with the rest of the speech puts emphasis on the way we should live as citizens and
how we should treat those who we come in contact with. This speech functioned as a
guide not only to me, but-also to many Americans during a crucial point in our nations
history. I feel as though this speech challenged the nation to reassess their morals and
treat others like they would like to be treated. I use this sponsor of rhetorical citizenship
as a guide through life, remembering why it started and where it can and has already
taken.
I defined rhetorical citizenship as the free willed active participation in society, , . ') c <;>, t:) (J \)
') 0 '<:0\)\\
. language or actions. Reflecting our core values and identity, while \ "<, \ '\:} 't \\ 'V. \
cfd, learning. IJl.eliev_e my spo'!""'S are defini_ti<l!l, \()
primarily because as I started to participate and open my arms to Kaylah I began to learn
-------------..
more about myself and what values I had within. The I Have A Dream /peech, is a key
- 7 '
example of participation in society through language, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was the

vehicle that rhetorical citizenship arrived in and we as citizens chose to accept the
message.
Although my sponsors may be unconventional they have been a model for me. I
whole-heartedly believe we can learn from anyone and anything. Children can learn from
parents and parents can learn from children. What sets each individual apart is our
\
character, values, and what we learn from each experience we encounter in life.