Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Exam 1 Review
Happe
HEADS UP!!! There are still some questions that are not fully answered! If youre reading
through and notice this, please contribute to make the answer complete! It looks like this totally
filled out but there is still information missing! Make sure youre paying attention to this! Dont
depend of just the information posted to be enough for the exam!
Note: for each of these you should also answer the following questions: What is an
example? Why is this an example?
Chapter 1:
What do we mean when we say language is a form of symbolic action?
The book defines symbolic action as the property of language and other acts to do something
as well as literally to say something; to create meaning and orient us consciously to the world.
Essentially this formal definition means that language helps to construct the reality by which we
all think and act with regards to particular rhetoric. An example of this is reality TV wilderness
shows like Man vs. Wild. Shows like these help to construct words like nature and wild in
particular ways that mold how we think and talk about them. This is an example because
viewers of this show may think of Bear eating bugs for instance when they hear the word
nature. This connection is made because that is how the show symbolically portrays the word
nature, which in return, causes the viewers of the show to associate the word nature with those
actions. (Added by Amber Johnson 1:21 PM)
Define and explain both the pragmatic function of language and the constitutive
function of language. Why is it important to distinguish these two functions?
The pragmatic function of language uses pathos and considers whether or not advocates (and
opponents) use paths in appropriate ways where the constitutive function considers how the
language of proponents and opponents constructs nature in a particular way. Its important to
address and distinguish between these two functions because they define language as a
symbolic action. To elaborate: pragmatic function PERSUADES people to think and act. An
example would be to getting together a pr campaign for a environmental campaign, shapes our
attitudes to serve interests. Presumes Intentionality. Constitutive function CONSTRUCTS the
reality of by which people think and act. Does not presume intention. An example would be the
animal or nature shows we see on tv-Bear Grills.(Added by Amber Johnson 1:21 PM)
Define and explain the concept public sphere
Public sphere is defined as a realm of influence that is created when individuals engage others
in communication-- through conversation, argument, debate, or questioning-- about subjects of
shared concern or topics that affect a wider community. Public sphere is not just words, but also
visual and nonverbal symbolic actions. Public sphere does not have to be formal, but can also
be in everyday conversations. Examples include sit-ins, banners, film, etc.
Identify, describe, compare and contrast two of the voices/interests of the green
public sphere. How do they participate in the public sphere? How does their
participation demonstrate the importance of a green public sphere?
There are seven major points of view in the green public sphere including: citizens and
community groups, environmental groups, scientists and scientific discourse, corporations and
business lobbyists, anti-environmental journalism, media and environmental journalism, and
public officials and regulators. Two of these voices/interests include citizens and community
groups and m
wn officials and attempt to organize their neighbors to take action when environmental change
is needed. They are one of the most common and effective sources of environmental change.
Media and environmental journalism on the other hand not only act as their own voices in their
coverage of issues and events but also conduits for other voices, like citizens and community
groups, who seek to influence public attitudes. Media and environmental journalism have a big
role in agenda setting and influencing the publics perception of the salience or importance of
issues. These two voices participate in the public sphere by sharing their opinions and
broadcasting opinions of others with hopes of shaping the concerns and topics of the
community. Their participation demonstrates the importance of a green public sphere because
they are vital in introducing and supporting environmental initiatives. An example of these forces
at work is the recent protests at the White House regarding the tar sand pipelines from Canada.
Citizens and community groups protested and were even arrested and the media and
environmental journalists covered the events, although in this case not heavily, in order to bring
awareness to the issues at hand. To elaborate: One can see the voices and interests as
rhetor/text relationship. The voices or the rhetors are the citizens while the interests and the
texts are the community group.(Added by Amber Johnson 1:22 PM)
Chapter 2:
What are the 4 main antagonisms that opened up space for new types/modes of
environmental communication? What was the rhetorical significance of each of these
moments in the history of environmental communication in the US?
1.) Preservation and conservation of nature versus human exploitation of nature
Early American settlers held a belief that it was Gods will that man exploit nature
for his proper ends. This idea began to change in the 18th century when the view of nature as
exploitable began to be challenged in three ways, Romantic ideals in art and literature, a search
for U.S. national identity and transcendentalist ideals in writings of people such as Henry David
Thoreau. Transcendentalism as a philosophical perspective proved to be important for the
reevaluation of wild nature. In the 1880s arguments for the preservation of nature began to
arise. Preservation sought to ban commercial use of these areas to preserve wild forests and
other naturals areas for appreciation, study and recreation. John Muir, one of the leaders of the
preservation movement, wrote essays that evokes a sublime response from readers through his
description of the rugged mountains and valleys of the Sierra Nevada. By 1890, the effects of
Muirs essays resulted in the creation of Yosemite National park. Preservation and the efforts
associated with preservation began to soon class with a competing idea that sought to manage
Americas forests and other natural resources for efficient and sustainable use. These
preservation efforts were influenced by the idea of utilitanarianism, what would bring the
greatest good to the greatest number of people. The efforts of conservation promoted a plan of
being wise and efficient with the use of natural resources. The term conservation is principally
associated with Gifford Pinchot, President Theodore Roosevelts chief of the Division of
Forestry. An example of conservation would be managing public forest lands as a source of
timber. Pinchot instituted a sustained yeild policy, according to which logged timber lands were
to be reforested after cutting, to ensure future timber supplies.
2.) Human health versus unregulated business and manufacturing activity
By the 1960s people began be concerned with the effects of environmental
pollutants on human health. The main concerns people focused on at that time were pollution by
factories, refineries, abandoned toxic waste sites, exposure t pesticides used on crops as well
as radioactive fallout from above-ground nuclear testing. In 1962, Rachel Carson was credited
with voicing the first public challenge to business practices that effect the natural environment in
her book, Silent Spring. Although Carson received credit of being a pioneer in the field, there
were earlier voices, beginning in the 1880s- 1920s various others warned of the dangers to
human health from poor sanitation and occupational exposures to lead and other chemicals. On
January 1, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act which
requires every federal agency to prepare an environmental impact statement for any project that
will affect the environment.
3.) Environmental justice versus a vision of nature as a place apart from the places
where people live & work
This section is rather lengthy about studies and what not but I would guess that with this
third point it is talking about how people are attached to regions and places and how important
there are to certain groups. Like we associate coming from the South. The rhetorical
significance of the environmental justice movement was that it redefined the term environment
due to the studies that came about- and then it also coined the phrase environmental racism,
linking environmentalism with civil rights and social justice.
4.) Health of the global commons (and climate) vs. business as usual growth
i.
Across the globe, tons of local and regional
groups have challenged dominant practices in their societies. These
groups defend against corrupt politics and climate change, corporate
predation and the death of oceans, governmental indifference and
pandemic poverty, industrial forestry an farming, and depletion of soil and
water.
ii. there is a growing recognition of the limit or
inadequacy in societies economic systems. this concern is that the health
of the global commons is threatened by business as usual growth.
iii. there have been several warnings about global
warming. in response, a global climate justice movement has emerged,
urging local and world leaders to take immediate action.
What is genre and why do we study it to understand how language is rhetorical? What
are some examples from environmental communication? Use the film Food, Inc. for
examples of genre.
genre: distinct forms or types of speech that share characteristics distinguising them from
other types of speech.metaphor: carrying over (or transference) of meaning from one word to
another
a trope is a figure of speech. Figures of speech, mother nature.
a) apocalyptic rhetoric
b) jeremiad: refers to speech or writing that laments or denounces the behavior of people or
society and warns of future consequences if society does not change its ways (pg 61)
c) melodrama- ex. Trade Secrets documentary
(Added by Sarahtemple Stevenson 9/21 4:34)
Define and explain dominant discourse and insurgent discourse.
dominant discourse (the taken for-granted)-bravado for Growth is good for the country, taking
on a stance that is decursive tradition that has sustained attitudes of human dominance over
nature.
insurgent discourse (those which challenge dominant discourse)
(Added by Sarahtemple Stevenson 9/21 4:29)
How is common sense an example of symbolic legitimacy?
For example, that health care delivery should be market-driven; that environmental change
should be consumer-driven/based on individual behavior.
Why do rhetors employ visual rhetoric? How is visual rhetoric an example of both the pragmatic
and constitutive functions of language?
visual images persuade, usually more pathos-driven
their meaning changes over time...? i dont know if thats answering the second part of the
question?
(Added by Sarahtemple Stevenson 9/21 4:26)
because right of public comment (by way of publication of intended action in the Federal
Register) was not sufficient; need records, documents relatefd to the decisions of federal
agencies.
One of the legal rights of the public is the right to know. Describe the Freedom of
Information Act and how it is used by the public to exercise this right.
(example of a sunshine law - require most government bodies to hold meetins in public, have
access to documents.)
FOIA 1966, passed because right of public comment (by way of publicaiton of intended action in
the Federal Register) not sufficient; need records, documents related to the decisions of federal
agencies.
(added by SarahTemple Stevenson 9/21 3:09)
What is the Toxic Releases Inventory? What are some of its limitations? Why has it been
effective in getting industry to reduce the pollution they release into the air, water, and
soil?
TRI- 650 different chemicals are reported; used to require industry reporting for as little as 500
lbs of releases; now only have to report if more than 5,000 lbs.
Limitations of TRI- relies on self-reporting; no control over quantity of data. toxic releases have
decreased but waste pollution has not.
Effectiveness of TRI- ended the silence about toxic releases was huge. some companies on the
worst toxic offenders immediately entered into voluntary programs to reduce their emissions.
several communities began using local data to force more industries to follow suit.
(addedf by SarahTemple Stevenson 9/21 3:22)
What is the Right of Public Comment? How are Environmental Impact Statements
produced and circulated in such a way as to exercise and protect this right? What more
could be done?
Typical forms of public comment include testimony at public hearings, exchanges of views at
open houses and workshops, written communications (emails, letters, faxes, and research
reports), and participation on citizen advisory pane
ls. As implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality, the National Environmental Policy
Act (commonly known as NEPA) requires federal agencies to prepare a detailed environmental
impact statement (EIS) for a
ny proposed legislation or major actions significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment. Such actions range from constructing a highway to adopting a forest
management plan. Regardless of the specific action that is proposed, all EISs must describe
three things: 1) the environmental impact of the proposed action, 2) any adverse environmental
effects that could not be avoided should the proposal be implemented, and 3) alternatives to the
proposed action. (In some cases, a less detailed environmental assessment may be
substituted). They shall be written in plain language and may use appropriate graphics so that
decision makers and the public can readily understand them. (More on p. 94)
Gatekeeping: The decisions of editors and media managers to cover or not to cover certain
environmental stories illustrates what has been called the gatekeeping role of news production.
Simply put, the metaphor of gatekeeping is used to suggest that certain individuals in
newsrooms decide what gets through the gate and what stays out.
Two reasons why envir
What are media frames? What do they consist of? How do they function rhetorically to
sustain dominant discourses about economy, nature, and environmentalists?
Media frames are the central organizing themes...the connect different semantic elements of a
news story (headlines, quotes, leads, visual representations, and narrative structure) into a
coherent whole to suggest what is at issue (quoting Rodriguez 2003). Example of framing:
coverage of methyl mercury exposure. Headline: Mercury Damage Irreversable Headline:
Pregnant Women Eating Too Much Fish Frames are often the sites of contention: competing
frames usually at play; example of oil drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Media frames
can also function rhetorically to sustain dominant discourses about economy, nature, or
enviornmentalists. Example: coverage of radical activists; framing ecotage as terrorism.
Why is the norm of objectivity so difficult to achieve? How is it that journalists can
sometimes produce stories that privilege some voices/interests over others, even
without consciously trying to do so?
There is no such thing as objectivity. Values play a role in the decision to publish a story, where
the place the story, sources that are used. Example: Gina Kolata, science reporter for the New
York Times. Coverage of the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project: Science vs. Activism
She is a scientist, so obviously she is going to place value on this study because one of the
things most important to her is science. This study will be viewed by her with a skewed
perception. (p. 166)
Why is potentially problematic to produce balanced reporting when reporting on
pressing environmental issues?
When a left and right position are always assumed, journalists sometimes unintentionally
seek out maverick opinions that discount the other side...they do this in order to make sure both
sides are equally represented. Example: global warming- scientists gave examples of acid
rain, then journalists seeked out other opinions to have a full representation of what people
thought about the topic....opinions were taken from other people (not just scientists) and
because the whole picture of both opinions were presented to the public, the maverick opinion
discounted the scientific consensus.
What are some key characteristics of blogs? What are some of their strengths?
Weaknesses? More specifically, how do they reinvigorate environmental communication
in the public sphere?
Ways for newspapers to save money. Ways to get opinions out there without being
criticized/edited. Quick way to get response to an opinion; sparks debate (unlike other outlets in
this sense, cannot talk things through with your TV). One outstanding weakness it seems is that
it is based on a single perspective most of the time, and if people ONLY read the one blog, then
they are not able to get any form of balance. It also reinvigorates environmental communication
in the public sphere by giving an outlet for those who are seriously involved with enviromental
communication.
How has the Internet opened up space for more environmental reporting? Is it having an
impact? A positive one? anyone have anything for this one.....??
I don't know why but I feel like this is more of an opinion type question. A possible response
being that through the Internet people who have the concerns of the environment as a priority,
they can search out news and media about their interests. Most mainstream news media focus
on hard hitting stories like shootings and things of that nature, but when was the last time you
turned on your local news and saw a hard hitting report on a new windmill being installed in
America. Online resources allow for those out their who are interested to report on the events
pertaining to the environment. It has not necessarily been a good thing because of the fact that
the Internet allows for all sorts of news reporting. It does not have to be fact checked and can
even be a personal opinion.
She also mentioned talking about the use of genre in food inc. I feel like this could be used as
an additional question within the long essay. Can someone explain what she means by the use
of genre in food inc.? Food Inc. is a form of Jeremiad in that it laments the present state of the
food industry and warns against further downfall. It urges audiences to take moral action and to
rethink the conditions and to challenge them. It also demonstrates instances of melodrama such
as the activist mother with her deceased two year old son pushing for legislative changes to
restaurant/plant processing regulations.
--She mentioned in class that one example of genre was melodrama when the mothers two
year old died from eating a hamburger--goes through the drama of the mothers great suffering
and then her fight to take on the food industry. (I think she wants us to draw our own examples,
like this one, about different genres that we saw in the movie which appeal to audiences and get
them to take action; she also mentioned something about pathos so you could include how it
appeals to that notion)