Abstract
This study aims to understand how Chinese writers, poets, and artists use artistic outlets and expression to advocate for social change regarding the treatment of women in response to the Chained Woman. Four art pieces were analyzed to further understand the use of metaphor, pathos, and perspective by incongruity in the persuasive efforts to promote social change. Recognizing China's cyberspace is heavily monitored, Chinese citizens have used rhetorical strategies of juxtaposing incongruities to hold the government accountable for truthful information, circumvent censorship, and engage in activism. The messages crafted by citizens who were outraged by the Chained Woman incident express dissatisfaction in reference to personal emotions to exemplify the cycle of tragedy that will occur if changes are not made. Social change within Chinese society is most effective when multiple rhetorical tools are utilized and can be most useful when combined with rhetorical questions that prompt observers and readers to pause.
Advisor
Bostdorff, Denise
Second Advisor
You, Ziying
Department
Communication Studies; Chinese Studies
Recommended Citation
Shelton, Kennedy, "A Rhetorical Analysis of Chinese Netizens' Use of Artistic Expression to Advocate for Social Change in Response to the Chained Woman Case" (2024). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11146.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11146
Disciplines
Asian Studies | Chinese Studies | Civic and Community Engagement | Gender and Sexuality | Mass Communication | Politics and Social Change | Social Influence and Political Communication | Social Media | Speech and Rhetorical Studies | Women's Studies
Keywords
Chinese feminism, pathos, metaphor, perspective by incongruity, human trafficking, art activism, social change, censorship
Publication Date
2024
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2024 Kennedy Shelton