Feminist rhetoric
It also redefines traditional delivery sites to include non-traditional locations such as demonstrations, letter writing, and digital processes, and alternative practices such as rhetorical listening and productive silence.
[2][5] As a group that had been silenced for 2500 years,[6] feminist rhetors began to gain strength with the Second Wave feminism of the 1960s–1970s, particularly through the writing of bell hooks who used common language and personal experiences as the basis for critically examining academic, cultural, and social issues.
[8] Patricia Bizzell, Karlyn Kohrs Campbell, Lisa Ede, Cheryl Glenn, Shirley Wilson Logan, Andrea Lunsford, and Krista Ratcliffe were all early theorists of feminist rhetoric who made significant advances in the field.
[11] While these academics were initially inspired by feminist scholarship outside of rhetoric and composition studies, they eventually developed a distinctive school within this tradition.
[13] Contemporary leading scholars include Andrea Lunsford, Jacqueline Jones Royster, Cheryl Glenn, and Shirley Wilson Logan.
[11] In present-day feminist rhetoric, a point of emphasis is changing research methods and methodologies to include the discourse of "marginalized Others" such as African American, Chicanx, and Muslim women.
Feminist rhetoric scholars argue that this patriarchal canon and its methods of persuasion exclude valuable forms of public discourse and narrative, and they seek to redefine it accordingly.
Specifically, transnational feminists such as Chandra Talpade Mohanty have addressed "how women's lives are shaped by national boundaries and histories of colonialism.
[27] Furthermore, Hesford and Schell suggest how feminist rhetoric rooted in a transnational lens enables us to re-image historical and archival work within the field.
[37] Glenn’s focus on rhetorical feminism emphasizes empathy and dialogue as tools to foster meaningful participation and challenge patriarchal structures.
Crenshaw argued the experiences of women of color are intersecting patterns of racism and sexism and are often under-represented in traditional feminist and antiracist frameworks.
[35] Scholars have argued that changes in research methods may be needed to better include the voices of those who are disabled, trans, and queer or marginalized in some other way in rhetoric studies.
[31][24] Theory as a research method approaches discourse from different communities as a generalized idea that allows people to participate in the world through rhetoric.
She criticized the prevalent communication styles that frequently neglected or repressed these perspectives and promoted inclusive language and discourse that acknowledged the diversity of experiences that women have.
As a professor, Hooks used her platform to encourage students to critically engage with issues of gender, race, and class because she believed in the transformative power of education.
Bell Hooks' legacy in feminist rhetoric still motivates academics, activists, and teachers to question established communication styles, give voice to marginalized groups, and promote social justice.
Glenn has published countless scholarly works discussing the expansion of rhetorical practices to be inclusive of marginalized groups, particularly the feminist movement.
Additionally, she co-edits alongside Shirley Wilson Logan the Southern Illinois University Press article, "Studies in Rhetorics and Feminisms".
[53] Inspiring Generations of activists to work for a more just and equitable society, Davis' activism and studies have deepened awareness of the intersections of race, class, and gender.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Davis has been active in several community-based groups and campaigns, such as Critical Resistance and the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.
Davis uses her position to elevate marginalized voices and confront oppressive structures as she continues to give lectures across the world on topics related to race, class, and incarceration.
Her reputation as one of the most significant figures in modern activism has been cemented by her lifelong dedication to social justice and her steadfast determination to overthrow oppressive regimes.
Lane dives into the ways in which women utilize platforms like media to question and disrupt deep rooted gender stereotypes that have traditionally marginalized them.
Lane discusses notable examples, including Wendy Davis’s well-known filibuster in Texas and Ellen Pao’s experience as Reddit’s CEO.
Similarly, Ellen Pao endured online harassment when she attempted to moderate hateful content on Reddit, which eventually led to her resignation.
Lane uses these stories to illustrate the difficulties women face online, as both support and harassment intersect, reflecting the power imbalances that exist in the physical world.
She argues that platforms like Twitter and the use of hashtags such as #FemFuture allow feminist activists to build collective voices, organize movements, and challenge the status quo.
These platforms offer women a way to navigate around the barriers they’ve faced in traditional public spheres, opening new avenues for their rhetoric to be heard.
Liz Lane stands out as a key figure in feminist rhetoric because she connects today’s digital activism with the historical fight for women’s voices.
Through her analysis, Lane helps us understand how feminist rhetoric is adapting to the digital age, giving women new ways to challenge oppressive norms and advocate for equality.
