DEFINITION OF RHETORICAL CRITICISM:

“Rhetorical criticism refers to a process in which an individual analyzes

symbolic artifacts (including words, phrases, images, gestures,

performances, texts, films, and "discourse" in general) to discover how,

and how well, they work: how they instruct, inform, entertain, move,

arouse, perform, convince and, in general, persuade their audience,

including whether and how they might improve their audience. Rhetorical

criticism puts the focus on what a piece of work does, not what it is.[1] In

short, rhetorical criticism seeks to understand how symbols act on people.”

THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF RHETORIC

The ancient Greeks believed the four elements of rhetoric were;

• Verbal

• Expositional

• Discrete

• Hierarchical

HISTORY OF MOTORCYCLES

Around 1865 the first model was introduced, the “Steam Velocipede.”

First motorcycle made was in 1885, which was simply a wooden bike

with a motor attached.

The first American motorcycle was made in 1899.

In 1903 was when William Harley, and brothers Walter and Arthur

Davidson created the famous Harley Davidson.

1907 New York Police Department started using motorcycles.

TRENDING OF MOTORCYCLES

World War 1 was where you saw the first major trend where they were

used at first as an emergency means of transportation to bring the

paramedics quickly.

Soon motorcycles were used more commonly in the military scene.

Today they are mostly for material reasons, considering they are not the

safest means for transportation.

WW1 MOTORCYCLE MACHINE GUN

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

In the United States, we have this representation of motorcycles which

is very different to if we were to look at another area. For example if we

visited Europe, the streets are smaller and many people ride

motorcycles that stray far from our stereotypical motorcyclist.

Motorcycles are cheaper in means of gas, making them more

economical especially in poorer countries.

The idea of motorbikes are represented much differently then they are

here, and do not have the “sex appeal,” as they do in the United States.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES CONTINUED

TODAY’S REPRESENTATION

• Motorcycles today have taken on the rebel stereotype.

• Often connected with tattoos, leather and the “bad,” persona.

• The entertainment world shows criminals using motorcycles.

• Along with the “bad guys,” the “good guys” meaning police also ride

motorcycles who have the tough exterior.

• There are some extreme sports using motorcycles, including;

motocross, bike racing and doing tricks for entertainment.

SONS OF ANARCHY

This was a popular television show with a biker gang, here is a clip from

the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QZJxVKzNmQ

AMERICAN CHOPPER

This is anther TV show where they customize, and rebuild bikes. The main

character is a perfect example of what is the typical motorcyclist is

represented in today’s media.

CONTINUED

The way that Americans have continued this tradition of what cyclists are

“supposed,” to look like has been going on for years. Not only is the

image what I’ve described before, but also a majority of riders are male.

Women are typically shown modeling the bikes in bikinis, holding the

flag at races, riding on the back behind a man and are a sex symbol.

CONCLUSION

The motorcycle is no longer just a bike with a motor, but also has its

own representation. Over the years there are traditions such as Sturgis,

and a whole world that revolves around these bikes. We have built our

own ideas around motorcycles and through the media and

entertainment we have imprinted what we believe a rider should look

like. For example, in the future if we showed women riding in movies

with a softer look, then the representation could change. For now if we

all close our eyes and picture a motorcyclist, the image may have some

differences but mostly similar.

SITES THAT WERE USED

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_criticism

http://inventors.about.com/od/mstartinventions/a/motorcycle.htm

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=soa+motorcycle+scene

http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/stories/history

http://blog.esurance.com/a-brief-history-of-the-motorcycle-from-boneshakers-to-

superbikes/#.VT6Zx864nVo