Blog # 1

      1.     The following advertisement illustrates Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. In the accompanying advertisement, Pepsi contracted the highly respected and esteemed Beyoncé Knowles to promote their product, hence establishing the products credibility (Ethos). Moreover, the advertisement depicts Beyoncé dressed in her performance outfit pushing a grocery cart overly stocked with Pepsi boxes. This appeals to the audience emotionally (Pathos) in two ways: (1) It establishes the common connection as a working citizen going grocery shopping, (2) It emphasizes Pepsi’s popularity and it’s high consumer demand. Therefore, the advertisement evokes sentiments of relatability and desirability towards Pepsi. Subsequently, this advertisement also exemplifies (Logos) through the word “Pepsi” and its universally known logo.

      2.     An example of a rhetorical situation from the public sphere is gender inequality. Gender inequality is defined by the unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender. The belief that females are naturally weaker and inferior sex to men has been subconsciously ingrained into the minds of both men and women, thereby generating immense disadvantages for women. The exigence of gender inequality is that gender discrimination is to be abolished. Moreover, the audience for this rhetorical situation includes the men and women who have been subjugated to either the advantages or disadvantages that their associated gender fosters. One constraints of gender inequality includes our male dominated legislature. For instance, how can women gained rights if they are not being properly represented in the government? Another constraint of gender inequality is that most individuals fail to realize that gender inequality still exists. Most people have the mentality that gender inequality was solved with the passing of the Equal Rights Amendments.

      3.     At first, I gathered that Rhetoric was a means to influence, inform, and inspire the audience through the use of literature. However, after our class discussion, I now perceive Rhetoric to be limitless, and not constrained by the bounds of literature. Rhetoric is a concept utilized universally and ubiquitously, and can range vastly from literal (direct) to metaphorical (indirect) standpoints. We should study Rhetoric to become more efficient and effective communicators.