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LaShaunda HayesENC 3331:

Dr. Scott ~ . \ ' " ) 0{ t'> 7 February 2012CLlllcUJe1tt lY1tt f 5 t X ' I r \ ~ vzs o-PRhetorical Citizenship, ~ v t Y - - ) p \ ~ V ' , t J ~ 0

R h ~ t o r i c and c i t i z ~ s h i p are two words in the English language that are constantlyaround us and defined so broadly depending on the individual and situation, but they still

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manage to remain connected. George K e n n e d y _ _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - ~ - E ! ? : e t ~ r i ~ _ i s " t h ~ o ~ ! ! ~ E g y i ~ e r e n t . ; SI( \ittemotion and thought, transmitted through a system of signs, i n c l u d ~ ~ ~ - - 1 ~ ~ - ~ _ ! l ~ e , to * '(>\others to influence their decisions or actions." I agree with this, primarily because- ~ l t l l t 1 D n anything that is successful involves energy and emotion. Rhetoric is a form of persuasionthat one must perfect as if it where a craft in order for it to be effectively used. It could beconsidered a language, however rhetoric can also be exercised using signs and symbols,

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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 ofrhetoric's first uses in ancient Rome was to "help people choose the best course of actionwhen they disagreed about important political, religious, and social issues"(Crowley ~ n d Hawhee 1). Roman citizens would assess each sides arguments and then make a ruling on

\ ) _ ) ~ \ ~ the issue, not o n l y ~ they being influenced by rhetoric, but this active participation insociety could be viewed as part of their citizenship

. ':)'(;\ \ \ ~ _our citizenship is within us, although it can be taught we personally make the->t: ~ \ ' \ l ~ e c i s i o n s consciously or subconsciously to become emotionally invested in our

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7adjustment in my life. Prior to her I had little patience, not much compassion, and wasn'tfully aware ofhow blessed I was. Having a little sister whom has mild cerebral palsy.-._ _.......---....

created me into a better citizen. Each day spent with--------aylah, who is now 5, is another day that I believe I am becoming a better citizen. As Isaid prior to Kaylah's arrival I did not have much patience and it did not come right awayeither. 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 lookat her as a burden, but instead as a blessing because although my family may have beenthe one's doing all the work, she was teaching me so much about myself and helping meto improve my weaknesses. The function of this sponsor was simply her arrival but theeffects are everlasting and something that I very grateful for. Without her I doubt that Iwould be aware of the unique circumstances that every person goes through, I not onlylearned just from living with her, but also by accompanying her to doctors appointmentsand events for children with similar disabilities who are in far worse conditions. I trulybelieve people come in and out of our lives for a reason, and I know we needed Kaylahjust as much as she needed us. _B00o\ o

Sponsors of rhetorical citizenship aren't just people, but they can also be things. \.lf\\0\. I - - ~ - . ' \ ' \ lThis leads me to my second sponsor of rhetorical citizenship; the I Have A Dreani \)\0 O/. ,

Speech by Dr. Martin Luther Ki g Jr.pus gent has definitely been a model for me. The (\\''") .

part that appealed to me the m\lsVwhe e the logos appeals throughout the speech. "I havea 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 linealong with the rest of the speech puts emphasis on the way we should live as citizens and

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how we should treat those who we come in contact with. This speech functioned as aguide not only to me, but-also to many Americans during a crucial point in our nationshistory. I feel as though this speech challenged the nation to reassess their morals andtreat others like they would like to be treated. I use this sponsor of rhetorical citizenshipas a guide through life, remembering why it started and where it can and has alreadytaken.

I defined rhetorical citizenship as the free willed active participation in society, , ') c ;>,t') 0 '