Toward a Civil Discourse examines how; in the current political climate; Americans find it difficult to discuss civic issues frankly and openly with one another. Because America is dominated by two powerful discourses--liberalism and Christian fundamentalism; each of which paints a very different picture of America and its citizens' responsibilities toward their country-there is little common ground; and hence Americans avoid disagreement for fear of giving offence.Sharon Crowley considers the ancient art of rhetoric as a solution to the problems of repetition and condemnation that pervade American public discourse. Crowley recalls the historic rhetorical concept of stasis--where advocates in a debate agree upon the point on which they disagree; thereby recognizing their opponent as a person with a viable position or belief. Most contemporary arguments do not reach stasis; and without it; Crowley states; a nonviolent resolution cannot occur.Toward a Civil Discourse investigates the cultural factors that lead to the formation of beliefs; and how beliefs can develop into densely articulated systems and political activism. Crowley asserts that rhetorical invention (which includes appeals to values and the passions) is superior in some cases to liberal argument (which often limits its appeals to empirical fact and reasoning) in mediating disagreements where participants are primarily motivated by a moral or passionate commitment to beliefs.Sharon Crowley examines numerous current issues and opposing views; and discusses the consequences to society when; more often than not; argumentative exchange does not occur. She underscores the urgency of developing a civil discourse; and through a review of historic rhetoric and its modern application; provides a foundation for such a discourse-whose ultimate goal; in the tradition of the ancients; is democratic discussion of civic issues.
#714091 in Books Duke University Press Books 2009-01-16 2009-01-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .64 x 6.13l; .83 #File Name: 0822343037256 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Jessica Saenzmust read for any chicanos out there12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Feminist Analysis of Women in Zoot SuitBy Gerardo LiconThis book is a historical work which covers the topic of Women and Zoot Suits from World War II to the Chicano Movement. Ramirez emphasizes the participation of women in zoot suit culture during WWII making use of the few sources that exist; including some important ones that have been neglected by other academics on the subject. Throughout the book; Ramirez employs feminist analysis; which had not been utilized to understand the female participants of zoot suit culture to this extent. Feminist analysis was popular among scholars and artists during the late 1970s and 1980s to interpret the sources from the Chicano Movement which either neglected or caricaturized the female counterparts of pachucos. In this sense; Ramirez first summarizes feminist interpretations of sources from the Chicano Movement and then adds her own additional level of analysis. Overall; this is an excellent monograph which should be read by all students of Mexican American History; World War II History; and 20th century U.S. History.
