RBP #2-Ratcliff

  Krista Ratcliff discusses how listening in terms of rhetoric has been somewhat neglected and that one does not really consider listening to be as important as it is within the 20th century. She emphasizes on many great points on how we can better our rhetorical listening and why it is so important. I agree with her point of view on this subject matter because I feel as though people don't really take into consideration on how they are listening to something and why they are listening to it so they can get a full understanding on what they are listening to.

  Incorporating Burke's theory of identification into Ratcliff's piece; She expands on her theory of identification through listening. She feels as though one can gain better understanding of truths through how they listen. She goes on by stating that her particular interest (in listening) lies in how it may help us to hear discursive intersections of gender and race/ethnicity (including whiteness) so as to help us facilitate cross-cultural dialogues about any topic (Ratcliff 196). I took this as a more complex version of the saying "putting yourself in someone else's shoes" in terms of rhetorical listening. Burke's theory is more so focused on the commonality between the speaker and the listener in trying to seek for identification. Where as Ratcliff's theory is more so focused on the in-depth understanding of listening whether it be in a written or oral form.