Juxtaposes Kenneth Burke's rhetorical theory (an exemplar of mainstream rhetorical theory) with Starhawk's rhetorical theory (an exemplar of feminist rhetorical theory) to suggest ways in which the patriarchal bias of many rhetorical theories limits an understanding of rhetoric. Suggests boundaries that circumscribe the rhetorical theories of both…

Proposes an alternative to the patriarchal bias in most traditional rhetorical theories--invitational rhetoric, grounded in the feminist principles of equality, immanent value, and self-determination. Argues that its purpose is to offer an invitation to understanding and that its communicative modes are the offering of perspectives and the…

The Equal Rights Amendment controversy is studied as a conflict between two world views that are created by the rhetoric generated by proponents and opponents. Descriptions of the settings, actions, characters, and motivations of the opposing worlds reveal little common ground on which traditional argumentation can occur. (JMF)

Suggests that Garrison Keillor's radio monologues create a preferred spectator position that relies on traditionally feminine competencies. Shows that the monologues refuse to privilege vision, dismantle the male gaze, create Lake Wobegon as a feminine setting, and use feminine speaking style. Argues that Keillor provides an opportunity for…

The failure of the supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment to understand the rhetoric and world view of its opponents resulted in the defeat of the amendment. The opponents of the ERA had six arguments: women are not discriminated against; women will be drafted; protective labor laws will be eliminated; the ERA will destroy tradition regarding…

Presents a syllabus for the study of contemporary feminism focusing on feminism as a rhetorical movement as well as on the major topics that currently are being debated by both feminists and the general public. Summaries of lectures, sources, and sample discussion questions are included. (JMF)

Discusses (in a special issue on criteria for the admissibility of evidence in communication research) the use of personal experience in feminist scholarship. Discusses two tenets of feminist scholarship: women's perceptions, meanings, and experiences are taken seriously; and such information cannot be understood within theories developed without…

A course was designed around three major questions: (1) what is the relationship between rhetoric and its context; (2) how does the message construct a particular reality for the audience and the rhetor; and (3) what does the rhetorical artifact suggest about the rhetor? Feminist criticism is used as one of the three methods that focus on the…

Surveys and summarizes the research published in speech communication journals on (1) historical treatments of women (2) sex differences; (3) images of women in the media; (4) education and pedagogy; and (5) surveys and integrative works. (PD)

The purposes of black feminist Pauli Murray in her feminist discourse are to help individuals gain self-awareness about their personal and social histories and about their potential for action, and to direct the energies of all oppressed people toward working together against oppression. Murray's discourse is addressed to successful professional…