The Rhetoric of Social Justice

I'd hoped to talk about the "look" of social justice sites in class, because here on the blog I'd like you to focus on the rhetoric of social justice. If you recall from our first day of class, rhetoric can be described as "the art or science of using words effectively to influence or persuade." Comparing the site you chose with EFF, how do they convey the importance of their missions in words? What key phrases can you identify as working to persuade the reader -- and how? Explain the effect of specific terms or phrases on the reader. What sort of emotions or realisation are they meant to provoke? What is particularly effective (and what is not)? How do the visual elements (color, images, spacing, relative size, etc.) enhance the message?

Once you're done -- enjoy your spring break!

Social Justice

As young adults that are constantly exposed to Commercial Websites, we are all familiar with what these sites have to offer. Whether it is the latest social networking page or search engine website, most likely everyone knows the main goal the site is trying to portray. What about Social Justice Websites though? Have you ever taken the time to check out the latest news on PETA or the HRC? Have you ever personally contributed to a Social Justice website? Before this assignment, I never have but I am happy that I finally did. After taking the time to check a few out, I discovered the ways that these websites keep in contact with their contributors; add new volunteers and how they do it without seeming like a cheesy advertisement. First off, they are very clear about their organization and how to get involved. These sites all offer information about the social issues the group is fighting against or for, the community they have built throughout the years, how you personally can get involved and updates on the latest news to keep you informed. The site that I took most interest in is the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) website. Not only does the page have informative articles, tools and videos that make you want to get involved but it also gives you ways to stay involved. By adding hyperlinks like their Facebook page, Twitter, YouTube and even a Blog page, this Social Justice Site knows how to keep people’s attention through the media which is important when targeting people via the internet. After looking through a Social Justice Site of your own, how do you feel its importance is shown through a world full of commercialized sites? How do these sites try to differentiate themselves from a Commercialized Web page? Do you think that these sites should be publicized more than a commercialized site or do you think that they already are?

-Caroline