The Rhetoric of Public Advocacy: Closing Communication Gaps

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Briyana Storm Baker (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Gia Coturri Sorenson

Abstract: This thesis’ primary purpose is to create solutions for individuals who want animal advocacy rhetoric to include animal agricultural workers. It reviews the ways that animal activists and advocates use rhetoric, including the view that morality is the center of the animal advocacy movements. Additionally, it discusses how politicians talk about animals and how they write related legislation to appeal to potential voters. Then, it shows how farmers discuss animal rights, and how misunderstandings around their roles prevent them from actively participating in animal welfare discussions. Finally, the thesis displays the solutions that individuals discussing animal rights can use to refine animal welfare rhetoric, ensuring that farmers can collaborate with them to propose realistic solutions to better advocate for animals. Such solutions include showing respect for farmers, learning about their perspectives before making assumptions about them, and acknowledging that they have access to knowledge that is unavailable to the public. Making rhetoric more inclusive for animal agricultural workers is crucial for animal welfare reforms because without their voices, animal activists and politicians cannot properly advocate for animals. As the current dialectic often fails to welcome farmers, this thesis serves as a foundation for addressing the shortcomings of animal advocacy rhetoric.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2023
Keywords
rhetoric, animal, farm industry, animal agricultural workers, advocacy, animal rights, animal advocacy, farmers, animal advocates, animal activists, agriculture, welfare, animal welfare

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