Abstract
The advent of social media has provided an arena where barriers to entry are low. Individuals may persuade, question others and defend both their philosophies and their actions. This study examines the classic role of rhetorical criticism as it may apply in new media venues. A blog written by a public figure was examined through a synthesis of rhetorical criticism analyses derived from Ware and Linkugel, Vartabedian, and Downey. Four strategies and associated positioning in the practice of apologia were identified in selected blog posts, indicating the genre of apologia applies to social media apologies and extends the genre of apologia. Rhetorical criticism was found to be an effective tool in identifying rhetorical postures and strategies used in social media.
Degree
MA
College and Department
Fine Arts and Communications; Communications
Rights
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Wheeler, Ramona Dee, "Blogging in Defense of Themselves: Social Media Implications for Rhetorical Criticism and the Genre of Apologia" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 3940.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/3940
Date Submitted
2013-03-19
Document Type
Thesis
Handle
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd6083
Keywords
social, media, internet, blog, interaction, discourse, apologetic, apologia, rhetorical, criticism, generic, genre, denial, bolstering, differentiation, transcendence, reformative, transformative, strategy, strategies, justification, vindication, explanation, absolution, defense, posture, self-exoneration, self-absolution, self-sacrifice, self-service, self-deception
Language
English