Pro-/Anti-

Pro-/Anti-

1.      Definition:

a.       Pro-: A classification of rhetorical movements with the goal to “arouse public opinion to the creation or acceptance of an institution or idea” (Griffin 11).

b.      Anti-: An alternate classification of rhetorical movements whose rhetorical attempt is to “arouse public opinion to the destruction or rejection of an existing institution or idea” (Griffin 11).

Gaulich, Richard. A Trump supporter snuck into a rally for Hillary Clinton in West Palm Beach, Fla., carrying a sign that read "The silent majority stands with Trump." Digital image. NY Daily News. N.p., 16 Feb. 2016. Web.

2.      Example: A simple example would be supporters at a rally for a particular presidential candidate clashing with supporters from the opposite candidate.  One is obviously protesting with the goal of direct support for his/her candidate while the “anti-“ group (in support of the alternate candidate) seeks to promote rejection for the established first candidate.  In the image, the “anti-“party is most clear as the unnamed protestor is projecting his rejection of the support for Hillary Clinton.  In addition, Bill Clinton’s recognition of such a protest stating, “You took his money!” can be seen as the defending stance as the pro-party.

3.      Context: The purpose of distinguishing pro- vs. anti- is to initially establish and isolate the different parties and their goals in a protest in order to analyze them.  In doing so, Griffin suggests that a “working hypothesis” can be made regarding protest rhetoric (Griffin 11).  Griffin also points to the usefulness of defining each group (along with other theories) in order to understand “fundamental issues, the successive emergence of argument, appeal, counter argument and counter-appeal and the sanctions invoked by rhetoricians of both sides…” (Griffin 12).
Works Cited:
Griffin, Leland M. "The Rhetoric of Historical Movements." Readings in the Rhetoric of Social Protest. Browne, Stephen Howard, and Charles E. Morris III, eds. State College, PA: Strata Publishing, Inc., 2013.