As I contemplate what I should study this semester in a course titled Arguing Differently, which focuses on alternative rhetorical practices and methods, I can’t help but turn my attention to Wisconsin. In recent days campaigns for and against a legal proposal to change labor union practices have officially come face to face, both have officially crossed “the line” (if there ever was one), or to say more plainly the debate is playing out in front of us (well those that are on the ground there, have a personal connection to those involved, or at least to those of us who have internet &/or tv access). What I am trying to say is that the debate is live! It is happening! NOW.
One side of the argument, which is fueled strongly by Club for Growth Wisconsin, Inc & Republican Governor Scott Walker, is interested in passing legislation to limit the collective bargaining rights of labor unions. Another side of the argument, which is fueled strongly by Wisconsin labor unions and supported by democratic representatives in the state, is interested in making sure this legislation doesn’t pass and that union rights are protected.
Besides this being one of the (arguably) most important issues going on in this time and space, I believe that the multiple rhetorical acts participating and engaging in this debate offers unique sites for inquiry, especially when trying to identify practices of arguing differently. For example Club for Growth Wisconsin, Inc has launched a television advertisement (1) as part of the effort to act rhetorically in favor of Walkers bill. This ad is an example of argumentation and rhetoric and is certainly part of the debate, but is this traditional or alternative? In addition, the policy itself is a form of rhetoric that shapes this debate, and although this is traditional how does it function in this debate space? There is also Walker, who may be considered the face of this side of the debate. Walker has much to offer because he is being presented as a major rhetor of the message(s) for the proposal. Due to the importance of his role in this debate there is now a compilation of recent performances where he rhetorically positions himself in support of the proposal, in a position of power, and constructs the frames around the policy in which he makes some issues regarding the policy more or less salient. Overall, this side of the debate offers multiple sites for inquiry into argumentation, debate, & rhetoric; therefore, there may be opportunities to identify tensions between traditional and nontraditional forms of these practices.
On the other major side of the debate, the actions by democratic representatives (leaving the state, in effect rejecting a vote) as well as the protests are rhetorical sites for exploration. For example, are these traditional debate practices, non traditional, are they widely accepted, etc?
I feel as though, being a past debater myself, that I could find reasons to say that each text, performance, rhetorical act (however you want to think of them), on either side of the debate, is either traditional or not traditional. But my passions for the side of the union movement, along with some background research into rhetoric, social movements, campaigns, and political communication, together suggests that the actions for the proposal are fairly traditional forms of argumentation. Additionally, those acts that are against the proposal, although they are optional paths available through our form of government and not complete anomalies, I want to propose are not traditional, nor are they widely practiced in every debate, and thus may be understood as forms of Arguing Differently.
For now, as I will go back to doing more research on these issues, I want to give my support for those democratic representatives who are both standing up for the unions and also democratic party values as well as those protesters who are (out in the COLD Wisconsin air) giving their time, voice, and body to this important protest movement.
1. http://wispolitics.com/1006/110211_WCFG_Benefits_TV.mov
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