Rhetoric - Bitzer Article

In Bitzer's "The Rhetorical Situation," he emphasizes that rhetoric is situational. In order to effectively write and persuade a reader on the topic at hand, the situation surrounding the topic must be observed. The situation decides and commands the diction used, as every situation differs in the proper language that should or should not be used. The terminology differs greatly from one situation to another, and that must be adjusted in order to proper persuade a reader and solidify the credibility of the writer. This driving force, or situation, is also known as the exigence, the issue or situation thats prompts the use of rhetoric as a writer.

Earlier this week, I started the Netflix series Rotten. Each episode analyzes parts of the food industry and the corruption that has soaked into the food we consume. The mode of this series is visual, as graphic video and photos are displayed in order to impact the viewers and leave a lasting impression. The media is digital as it is created and promoted by Netflix, a digital streaming service. A majority of the audience is young to middle aged adults (17-40 years old) that are comfortable with technology. This series leans to the liberal side, as it slams the conservative, corporate side of business in the modern world. It also highlights the health problems arising from mass production of food, appealing to mainly health driven, possibly liberal, adults. Rotten is a nonfiction narrative, but is also highly persuasive. The harsh diction toward the corporate food industry pushes the audience to analyze what foods they are eating and where they are sourced. With this arrangement of intense visuals (videos, photos) as well as many interviews with credible professionals in the food industry, the viewer is persuaded by science and fact. Overall, Rotten uses science and visuals to convey the central message.