Finals week: when people who don't normally come to the library come to the library

The funny thing about rhetoric is that most of the time we don't know it's "happening," even though our lives literally revolve around it. I didn't know what rhetoric was until I took this class - the theory especially was helpful because it clarified what rhetoric is, and at the same time left the definition open for further change. And so I guess I'm still learning what rhetoric is - but I have the tools to be able to pick out ethos, pathos, logos, kairos, etc... it helps to have words to describe the ways in which you're being convinced.

So, now the question: if I could change how rhetoric happens, what would I do? I think it comes down to defining the terms being worked with. (ARGH! I am so annoyed as I'm writing about this because the kid next to me has his headphones up so loud he may as well be playing the music from his speakers! Do I ask him to turn the music down, or is that rude? If I knew the kid it'd be different...but I really have the urge to punch him. Maybe I should ask him nicely to turn it down some before I get really mad and do punch him.)

So, back to rhetoric. A better understanding of rhetoric - the terminology - would help rhetoric to "happen" better. That is, that if kids in school learned the basic elements of rhetoric and their uses, not only would people eventually be more prepared to respond wisely to convincing speeches, but hopefully the speeches themselves would get better because speakers would realize their speeches need multiple elements within them. It helps me now, to be able to say a word in my head and link it to what a speaker is using to try and convince me.

So there's my final blog. I did nicely ask the guy next to me to turn down his headphones, and he said okay...but maybe he's deaf or something because I can still hear the music as well as he can. All you music listeners out there - buy quality earphones so that you don't drive the people around you crazy. If a meaner person than me was sitting here today, that kid might've gotten punched in the nose.

Good luck on the final, everyone - it was fun! If anyone wants to hang out this summer, get coffee and talk rhetoric I'll be around...but with a new, and improved name! 'Bye!

the VERY soon to be Rebekah Pesce