Hayes 1 LaShaunda Hayes Dr.

Scott Rhetoric & Civic Engagement 7 February 2012 Unconventional Sponsors of Rhetorical Citizenship Rhetoric and citizenship 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 Kennedy believes rhetoric is the energy inherent in emotion and thought, transmitted through a system of signs, including language, to others to influence their decisions or actions (2). 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 were a craft in order for it to be effectively used. Rhetoric could be considered a language, however it can also be exercised using signs and symbols, which we see in shopping malls and in other aspects of our everyday life. Although it can be used, rhetorical actions require no physical contact; the power of the spoken word, when used correctly is enough to influence the actions and decisions of others. One of rhetorics 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 and Hawhee 1). Roman citizens would assess each sides arguments and then make a ruling on the issue, not only were 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 decisions consciously or subconsciously to become emotionally invested in our

Hayes 2 communities, schools, or clubs. Citizenship is, in my opinion, a reflection of our character and the core values that have been instilled in us during our upbringings. True citizens 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 rhetorical citizenship as: the free willed active participation in society through language or actions, reflecting our core values and identity, as we simultaneously learn. Rhetorical citizenship is not just a one-way street. Even if I am the one volunteering or receiving the message, those who I am helping or the articles I may be reading are my sponsors of rhetorical citizenship, leaving impactful impressions upon me. Deborah Brandt states that our sponsors of literacy can be any agents, local or distant, concrete or abstract, who enable, support, teach, model, as well as recruit, regulate, suppress, or withhold literacy (166). Both of my sponsors of rhetorical 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, rhetorical citizenship is not a one-way street. I believe this because in my first example I was the one who did the volunteering but in the end I benefited more than I could have ever imagined. February 16, 2007 I was young carefree high school freshmen, and the youngest of my parents children. But on February 17, 2007 my life completely changed forever. A little girl Kaylah was dropped off to my house by her homeless- drug addicted mother, with the intention of her only being there only a few months. As of today Kaylah is still living with my family and is now my little sister. Being a fifteen year old freshmen, and

Hayes 3 pretty used to having my parents to myself I had a very hard time accepting Kaylah, not only because she was a five month old baby, but because I never had to make such an adjustment in my life. Prior to her I had little patience, not much compassion, and wasnt fully aware of how blessed I was. Having a little sister whom has mild cerebral palsy shaped my outlook on life and created me into a better citizen. Each day spent with Kaylah, who is now five, is another day that I believe I am becoming a better person. As I said prior to Kaylahs 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 ones 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 am 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. Sponsors of rhetorical citizenship arent just people, but they can also be things. This leads me to my second sponsor of rhetorical citizenship, the I Have A Dream Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This agent has definitely been a model for me, the part that appealed to me the most were 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

Hayes 4 judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. 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 us. I defined rhetorical citizenship as the free willed active participation in society, through language or actions, reflecting our core values and identity, as we simultaneously learn. I believe my sponsors are a mirror image of this definition, primarily because as I started to actively participate and open my arms to Kaylah I began to learn more about myself and what values I had within. I Have A Dream, is a key 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.

Hayes 5 Works Cited Brandt, Deborah. Sponsors of Literacy. College Composition and Communication 49.2 (1998): 165-85. Print. Crowley, Sharon, and Debra Hawhee. Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, (1999): 1-51. Print. Kennedy, George. A Hoot in the Dark: The Evolution of General Rhetoric. Philosophy And Rhetoric. 25.1 (1992): 1-21. Print.