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Similarities Between Rhetoric And Reality

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Rhetoric and Reality
What is rhetoric? Rhetoric is often defined as “the art or skill of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people” (Meriam Webster). Rhetoric can be an idea; a motivation; an art. What is reality? Reality is, “the true situation that exists” (Meriam Webster). Reality is now; true; actual. What do these two concepts have in common? Both rhetoric and reality played an important role in the American Revolution. The ideas and rhetoric of the early Americans were powerful tools. They could, and did, change the course of the future. What many historians disagree on, however, was if their rhetoric was relevant for the reality. In Gordon S. Wood’s article “Rhetoric and Reality …show more content…

Rhetoric was a necessary tool. Inserted in papers, pamphlets, and articles, these ideas and stories and modes of persuasion pushed the Americans to a Revolution. “All of these notions were neither manipulated propaganda nor borrowed empty abstractions, but ideas with real personal and social significance for those who used them” (Wood 31). The ideas were meaningful, not just rumors and gossip. Not only were they meaningful, but they were relevant. The reality during the time was tyranny; liberties being destroyed; rules being broken; people treated unfairly. What better time was it for such meaningful ideas to come forth? “American exceptionalism refers to qualities that were first observed in the opening century of our history” (Murray 6). Throughout this article, Gordon Wood undoubtedly believes that this rhetoric the Americans possessed was a very exceptional trait. While this rhetoric was exceptional over 200 years ago, sadly it has not remained. Our rhetoric and modes of persuasion today are twisted, manipulated, and mostly propaganda. Our reality today is much different than the reality during the Revolution. However, we still need true, strong, influential rhetoric. If we want a revival in our country, we need ideas. Ideas with relevance and inspiration; just like the Revolution. Samuel Williams wrote in 1794 concerning the early American establishments, “everything tended to produce, and to establish the spirit of freedom” (Williams vii). Is this true today? Perhaps if we take the time to learn about our history, we will learn how to apply those powerful tools of the past. And maybe then, we will have an exceptional future, just like our exceptional

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