Post 5

What's interesting about being in Athens is that we are not exposed to many forms of rhetoric that are the most prevalent in other, more cosmopolitan places. Rarely do I stop at the CVS on Court Street and browse the magazine stands, the only time I encounter a billboard are the one or two times a quarter I decide to venture home to Cleveland, and I'm almost too busy with school and activities to watch enough TV to see a political commercial, or any commercial for that matter.

 Although we are sheltered from some obvious examples of rhetoric, as college students we are targets for media on campus every day. For example, an Ohio University student passes many rhetorical messages when just walking through the Baker Center on any given day of the week. Many clubs and organizations stand outside of Baker passing out fliers and handouts or offering baked goods or treats to students as they pass by. As a student, or pedestrian, you have to decide whether or not you will choose to participate in these organizations or support their group and how you will choose to respond to the messages they are sending.

These clubs or organizations consider different factors in order to draw attention to the audience they are aiming to persuade. Many offer food to poor, busy, hungry college students, or try to convince them that participating in their event or club will enhance their college experience or future. "Great resume builder" "For a good cause" "Be a part of the best organization on campus" "Free Pizza at our first meeting!" these are all slogans that are commonly the main part of their fliers. This rhetorical discourse is responding to different problems these organizations may have. These can include a club looking to recruit new members, an organizations trying to raise money to help feed hungry people in Athens County, or throwing a bake sale to profit their own organization because of lack of funds. These are all possible examples of exigence. The audience is college students or passing faculty that could potentially join these organizations or offer money for donation. Constraint can be whether or not these people have any money, if they believe in the cause being supported, or if they are interested in any of these organizations. Another constraint is whether or not a passing student is eligible to join these organizations. For example, an education major probably wouldn't stop to hear about or support the psychology club.