Rethinking Code as Communication
When reading chapter 1 of “Rhetorical Code Studies: Discovering Arguments in and around Code” by Kevin Brock, readers are able to see that it challenges the idea that code is just purely technical. But, the chapter instead argues that code is deeply rhetorical. Code can persuade people, direct people in different ways, and also influence people, kind of like how language does. With this perspective, it pushes readers to see beyond what code can do, and look further into what it means/asks people to do. Digital systems are able to communicate with people without having to use words, which then shapes people’s behavior every time they might click, scroll, or log in.
Why Does It Holds Power?
The chapter talks about how code can make different arguments without having to use any words. One example of this would be certain rules behind an app, a website, or even a game to help guide its users toward certain actions, and pull them away from others. Having these encoded structures within the platforms help to reflect its values, assumptions, and intentions. Of the people who created them. By studying code in a rhetorical manner, people are able uncover these hidden decisions. They also can see how power operates within digital environments.
Bridgings Technical and Human Worlds
Brock really emphasizes is the need to bring in the gap thats between technical literacy and humanistic inquiry. He encourage his readers to treat code as part of larger cultural and social systems. So when people do this, they are able to recognize how digital tools impact fairness, access, and identity. Understanding code rhetorically gives us the ability to question who benefits from certain technological designs. While being able to see who might be excluded.
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