Affirms Jeffery Bineham's general position on consensus theory (presented in a previous article in this issue), but identifies several problems in what Bineham sees as a consensus theory of rhetoric. Questions the necessity of prior truth for a genuine rhetoric, the relationship between consensus theory and independent existence, and the role of…

Offers a critique (incorporating several tenets of Afro-centric criticism with traditional rhetorical theories) of the lyrics of the activist rapper KRS-One, which address the issue of violence and presents a message to both African-American and white audiences. Finds that KRS-One's work sets the foundation for empowering African-American youth by…

Examines Students for a Democratic Society's recruitment efforts through public, mass, and interpersonal communication channels. Concludes that scholars investigating movements should look beyond public and mass communication if they seek a general theory of the rhetoric of movements. (SR)

Analyzes Betty Friedan's crucial feminist document, "The Feminine Mystique," arguing that Friedan strategically employed an androgynous rhetorical style. Maintains that Friedan thus, without explicitly advocating androgyny, created an audience which accepts an ideology transcending oppressive gender dichotomies. (SR)

Studies the rhetorical aspects of "Reaganomics," describing Reagan's rhetorical skills in promoting a vision of economic prosperity: a vision of America as a shining city on a hill, deemphasizing negative economic occurrences. Examines Reagan's rhetorical strategies in 10 speeches spanning his 8 years in office. (SR)

Follows particular parallels between oralist and electronic mediation to explore narrative or storytelling as a rhetorical form that transcends mediation. Reviews how writing-based cognition may bind progress in rhetorical practice and theory. Examines how narrative is media-transcendent. Reflects on the nature of media shifts. (SR)

Analyzes John Corigliano's "Symphony No. 1" to explicate its communicative value for the AIDS crisis. Contends that music without lyrics can serve as an argument by functioning as a form of enthymeme. Discusses enthymeme's relevance to music, identifies the premises established in Corigliano's work and analyzes how they are developed in…

Refutes David Tukey's argument that the consensus theory of epistemic rhetoric reduces spiritual experience to a social construct which denies the possibility of a divine reality. Examines Walter Rauschenbusch's "A Theology for the Social Gospel" to prove that consensus theory accounts for religious beliefs, providing a useful framework…