Rhetorical Narrative

This week's theme was imagery and narrative. The idea of using a narrative as means for social construction was one I have covered before in other classes. It is a very interesting concept. If you can make your point by telling a story you are not only more memorable but less threatening. Narratives can also play in social constructs that are ingrained into citizens, such as The American Dream or Big Brother issues. Because the LWV does not use pictures and heavily relies on printed media and releases to spread its messages, narrative framing is a large rhetorical tactic of theirs. To highlight this point, I cite and article they posted last week about an 84 year old women not being able to vote. (http://floridaindependent.com/71154/blocking-the-vote) They tell her narrative of being a dedicated citizen who votes in every election, when suddenly new voter id laws keep from it. Her stories pulls at your heartstrings, hearing about her rude treatment at the DMV (something everyone can relate to). All of the stress leading her to cry. The LWV uses this narrative to get their point across. Several general US narratives are embedded in it; the elderly needing protection, the loyal voting citizen, and exhausting bureaucracy. I think it is a successful tactic. It is relateable. You feel sorry for her, and in the end you generally want to help her. How can you help her? Campaign against the new voter id bills, the LWV's mission. I think it is a good use of pathos, one they should probably use more often.
A huge success for LWV this week. A press release revealed they have been chose to support the US government this year in their job at the G8 president. A huge accomplishment that emphasizes their obvious top down approach to social change.