1. Why does the text suggest many people think of Rhetoric as a dirty word? Give examples from the text to support your response.
The text suggests that many people think of Rhetoric as a dirty word because it invokes the feelings of deception, sneakiness, and deceitfulness. This usually revolves around politics with sayings such as: “The rhetoric was flying in Washington today as the President...,” “The voters are tired of empty rhetoric,” and “He’s all rhetoric, no action.” The text also suggests that people believe “Rhetoric” is all about shutting down possible communication and debates with the use of rhetorical questions. “Do I look stupid to you?” is a rhetorical question because the person asking does not expect an answer in return.
The text suggests that many people think of Rhetoric as a dirty word because it invokes the feelings of deception, sneakiness, and deceitfulness. This usually revolves around politics with sayings such as: “The rhetoric was flying in Washington today as the President...,” “The voters are tired of empty rhetoric,” and “He’s all rhetoric, no action.” The text also suggests that people believe “Rhetoric” is all about shutting down possible communication and debates with the use of rhetorical questions. “Do I look stupid to you?” is a rhetorical question because the person asking does not expect an answer in return.