Aspects of Rhetoric and Stereotype Image Essay

Introduction

Different groups of people in every set up all over the world demonstrate different images. The image created can either be innate or assumed depending on the lifestyle of a person, status of an individual, age and so on.

Such characters can thereforebe perceived by other commentators in a way that is diverse in choice e.g. positive or negative judgment usually representing formed opinions. Some of these impressions are synonymous to the image portrayed by an individual at any given time.Examples of such images include; rhetoric, stereotype, prejudice among others (Macdonald, 2005, p.4).

This paper investigates the effects of rhetoric and stereotype image among various groups of persons namely politicians, tattooed persons, feminists and senior most citizens. We shall also look at the different perceptions associated with these images on such persons in the society.

Definition of rhetoric and stereotype image

Rhetoric image is the ability to communicate effectively usually in a way that is Persuasive but also deceitful (Iske, 2009. P.1). On the other hand, stereotype image is the common perception that is associated with a particular group of people due to their image. Let us start by examining the image linked to politicians and how they are perceived in the society. Politicians are in most cases the policy makers of a nation.

It is for this reason that they represent the people’s wishes and interests in the executive arena. Before they get elected to these large and privileged positions, they get back to the people in order to sell their policies. It is during such times that politicians are seen to be liars since they tend to make promises as they campaign but fail to fulfill them after getting in office. Politicians are also sighted to be hypocrites.

This is so, because they align themselves to the elite groups with higher chances of winning even when it is quiet obvious that their policies only favor a particular class of persons. Greed is also common to most politicians. For instance, many politicians represent their own vested interests instead of the people’s will.

Within no time, they swindle public office and thus seen to be corrupt. Politicians are known to be good public speakers who can also dare to carry out character assassination on their rivals through damaging empty rhetoric. Even though they are good orators, their image can also befit a perfect charismatic individual however, with contempt too. Politicians therefore portray both positive and negative stereotypes.

Tattooing is a practice of making body art by piercing, drawings etc.Tattood people are seen as outcasts. This is because they perform such adventures so that they may fit in a lifestyle that is still new to most people. For instance, this is why ladies who practice tattooing can sometimes be seen as sex driven and therefore portrayed as immoral.

On the other hand, tattood persons are daring. This is the case because they are courageous enough to face an already formed judgment by those people around them. Their ambition is what drives them and not the opinions criticizing their intentions.

In addition, feminists are those persons holding equal concepts on economic, social or political interests and many more to both male and female lay out. Feminists have been prejudiced especially if they are of the male gender. As a result, they are seen to be weak since they are sympathizers.

As they embark on creating awareness on equality, their rhetoric and sympathetic voice of reason is found to be an open betrayal to non proponents of such practices. Nevertheless, this is not the case to the lady feminist, she is seen to be so combative and cannot become a good wife. The female feminists are also accused of hiding behind the image of ugliness hence, are dishonest. It is clear then, that feminists are found to be of negative stereotypes from the start.

Effects of such images

Old age is wisdom. The beginning of this rhetoric is the prime age. Senior citizens are those at their peak in age and have heard and also seen it all setting forth wisdom. Even though, it is a stage plagued by many challenges, they are still a force to reckon with. For example, these people can be ascertained to be patient and tolerant.

This is exhibited by the manner in which they solve issues. Take for example, how a parent would react to a stubborn child. They are also a source of security because they are the custodians of our possession when still in sound mind. Unfortunately, these people are prone to sickness. Consequently, being judged as too frail and bereft of new ideas. The stereotypes in this group are a complete revelation of both positive and negative image (Moore and Parker, 2006, p.22).

Conclusion

It is somewhat unmistakable that life judges its subjects either by being positive or negative stereotypes. Nonetheless, the judgment arises from rhetoric patterns exhibited by different people and creates an outlook that is hard to erase thus remaining etched in our mindset. Either way, people are entitled to an opinion or as such, stereotypes of this group of persons would not be noticeable hence, can be true or false depending on a formed idea.

Reference List

Iske, J. (2009). Rhetoric and Stereotypes. Web.

Macdonald, E. (2005). The Rhetoric of Race. Retrieved from http://www.uhu.es/hum676/revista/macdonald.pdf

Moore, B. and Parker, R. (2006). Critical thinking (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.