“The Rhetoric of Agitation”^[1]

 

 

“Agitation exists when:

1)  people outside the normal decision-making establishment

2)  advocate significant social change and

3)  encounter a degree of resistance within the establishment such as to require more than the normal discursive means of persuasion.”  (Bowers and Ochs, p. 4)

 

The rhetoric of agitation can be viewed as a continuum of behaviors which range from persuasive speaking (normal argumentation) to outright revolution (non-symbolic, instrumental action). According to Bowers and Ochs, agitation movements typically progress step by step through the continuum from the persuasive toward the confrontational.  Their model is based on and describes protest movements including the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and Vietnam War Protest Movements.

 

 

STEPS IN THE RHETORIC OF AGITATION

 

1.  Petition of the establishment.  This strategy includes normal discursive means of persuasion (speeches presenting “the case,” reasoned discussions, petitioning).

 

 

2.  Promulgation.  Once step 1 has met with suppression or avoidance step 2 is likely to occur.  It involves tactics used to win social support for the movement and expand the base (informational picketing, handbills, protest meetings, exploitation of the media, etc.).

 

 

3.  Solidification.  The strategy of solidification occurs primarily within the agitating group.  Its purpose is to unite the group and increase motivation.  Tactics include: songs, slogans, in-group publications, movement symbols.

 

4.  Polarization.  If the movement is still being resisted substantially after solidification, tactics which polarize (that is, force people to clearly choose sides - “us or them”) the relevant publics usually are adopted.  Tactics include: flag issues and individuals, derogatory jargon, non-violent resistance.