A Rhetorical Responsibility

Language can lead to the manipulation of thoughts and actions of others. This link between language and its influence on thought and action is one that can be interpreted in a countless number of ways. It is one that is omnipresent throughout society, and has a major impact on everyday life. It is this link that gives language importance, meaning. Language is not just a vehicle for communication. Through the use of spoken words and body language, a much more complex task is sought than just getting an idea across to others. Language can be used to influence the way people think and what they choose to believe. This method of altering viewpoints and opinions can lead to alternate behavior and actions carried out by someone. The use of rhetoric is what makes it possible for language to be persuasive. This raises the question, are you then responsible for your use of rhetoric? I believe that rhetoricians should be held accountable for their use of rhetoric because what they say can have major consequences. They can plant seeds in people’s heads that will invoke actions. These actions may be positive or negative, giving the responsibility of how rhetorical skills are used great importance.
Even when no negative intentions are sought by people attempting to influence or persuade an audience, negative out comes can still occur, making it essential to be cautious with ones use of rhetoric. This gives the use of rhetoric a kind of moral responsibility. If this responsibility is not recognized, it could result in unintentional negative consequences. One example of a possible unintended outcome from rhetoric is Sarah Palin’s political campaign and its link to the Tucson, Arizona shooting. Palin has a reputation of using gun references in her rhetoric in order to make her statements more powerful, a kind of rallying the troops affect. She posted a message on her Facebook page stating, "The crossfire is intense, so penetrate through enemy territory by bombing through the... [continues]

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