Understanding Rhetoric: The Power of Words in Politics and Why It Matters
When we think of politics, many of us picture debates, campaign speeches, or glossy ads promising a better future. But underneath the polished presentations lies a powerful tool: rhetoric. It’s not just for scholars or politicians—it’s something we all encounter daily. By understanding rhetoric, we can become more confident, informed voters, particularly as women whose voices shape the future.
What Is Rhetoric?
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. It’s how people use language to influence, motivate, or inspire others. Politicians use rhetoric to present their ideas in ways that appeal to your emotions, logic, or values. For example:
Emotional appeals (Pathos): “We need to act now to protect our children’s future.”
Logical appeals (Logos): “Studies show that this policy will reduce crime by 25%.”
Credibility appeals (Ethos): “As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices required to serve.”
While rhetoric can highlight important issues, it can also be misleading. That’s why learning to recognize it is so empowering.
Why Does Rhetoric Matter?
Decipher Politicians’ True Intentions Politicians often package their policies in ways designed to win your approval. They might use buzzwords like "freedom," "security," or "opportunity" without explaining how they’ll deliver on their promises. By recognizing rhetoric, you can separate flashy words from substantive plans.
Protect Yourself from Manipulation Emotional appeals are powerful, but they can distract you from the details. For instance, a politician might use a moving story to support a proposal, but if the policy doesn’t make financial or practical sense, the emotional appeal becomes a smokescreen.
Empower Your Voice Understanding rhetoric equips you to participate in conversations about politics with confidence. Whether you’re discussing candidates with friends or advocating for a cause, knowing how arguments are built makes you a stronger communicator.
How to Think Critically About Political Rhetoric
Here are some strategies to cut through the noise and analyze what politicians are really saying:
Ask for Specifics: If a candidate promises "economic growth," what’s their plan? Are they addressing systemic barriers like the gender pay gap or childcare affordability? Specifics reveal priorities.
Identify Emotional Appeals: Pay attention to when a politician uses fear, hope, or anger to make a point. Ask yourself: Are they offering facts, or are they trying to sway you emotionally without evidence?
Follow the Money: Campaign funding often reveals who stands to benefit from a candidate’s policies. Are they prioritizing big corporations, or are they addressing issues that affect everyday women?
Research Their Record: Look beyond campaign promises. Has the candidate followed through on similar commitments in the past?
Engage in Conversations: Discussing politics with others helps refine your understanding and exposes you to different perspectives. Confidence comes from practice, so don’t shy away from these talks.
Why Women’s Voices Matter in Politics
As women, our experiences shape unique perspectives on healthcare, education, workplace equity, and safety. Politicians often craft rhetoric aimed directly at women voters, knowing we’re a critical demographic. By recognizing rhetorical strategies, we can demand better answers, ensure our concerns are addressed, and make informed choices that reflect our values.
From Words to Action
Rhetoric is everywhere, from campaign ads to social media posts. By learning to analyze it critically, we can transform from passive listeners to active participants in the democratic process. Our voices matter, and when we think critically, we empower not only ourselves but the communities and families we care about.
So the next time a politician makes a big promise or delivers a stirring speech, take a moment to look deeper. Your ability to see through rhetoric might just be the key to shaping a brighter, more equitable future.
What I Wish I Knew Starting Law School
I, like most women my age growing up in the United States, grew up in a time when women weren’t openly discriminated against, but there were undertones of micro-aggression. We’ve come such a long way but we have further to go. Rather than lament about a situation, I prefer to do something about it. Which is how we ended up here. So here are four things after one year of law school that I wish I had known starting out.
Completing my first year (or 1L) of law school has been a transformative experience, leading me to reflect deeply on my reasons for pursuing a legal career. Why did I leave behind a successful career as a songwriter and performer to step into the demanding world of law? The answer is simple: I wanted to prove a point.
As a woman, I've often felt confined by societal expectations. While overt discrimination may have lessened over the years, subtle microaggressions still persist. Like many women my age who grew up in the United States, I've felt the undercurrents of these attitudes. Instead of merely lamenting these challenges, I chose to take action—and that's how I found myself in law school.
Here are four key lessons I’ve learned after one year of law school that I wish I had known before starting:
1. Law School Will Test Your Self-Confidence, Not Just Your Knowledge
Law school is more challenging than you might anticipate, not just because of the workload but because of the self-doubt you'll experience. The good news? You can do it! Those moments of crying in your car on the way to class will eventually fade as you realize you’re capable of handling the rigorous assignments and intense academic pressure.
2. Grades Aren’t Everything—Balance is Key
I entered law school without an obsession with grades, and that mindset has been a lifesaver. While achieving A's in every class would be fantastic, maintaining a healthy balance between school and life is far more important. Stressing over grades won’t make you a better lawyer, but managing your stress will help you succeed in the long run.
3. You’ll Want to Quit, But You’ll Be Glad You Didn’t
Throughout law school, you’ll face moments of doubt where quitting seems like the easiest option. You’ll feel overwhelmed, anxious, tired, and frustrated. But every time you push through and complete a challenging class, you’ll feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Legal writing may confuse you at first, and civil procedure might seem like an endless maze of terms and rules. But with perseverance, you’ll find your footing and discover how capable you truly are.
4. Law School Will Reveal a New Side of You
This journey will uncover aspects of your personality you never knew existed. You’ll develop a steadfast determination, learn to be more flexible, and gain a deeper respect for yourself. The experience will make you more humble and more confident simultaneously.
The first year of law school has been tough, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. For anyone considering this path, know that while it may test you in unexpected ways, the growth you’ll experience is worth every challenge.