There are constant discussions revolving around rhetoric, what it is, and what it’s part of. I’ve discussed varying types of rhetoric multiple times in past blog posts of mine. Today, I’ve come into contact with a new type of rhetoric. Procedural rhetoric. Kevin Brock, in “Toward the Rhetorical Study of Code”, discusses rhetoric in code, what it is, and what it means. My understanding of code is very limited, so it took time to read what Brock was saying and interpret it.
What is Procedural Rhetoric?
Brock brings up procedural rhetoric. He implements the voices of others in order to portray a meaning and definition behind the term. As stated by Bogost, procedural rhetoric is “the practice of using processes persuasively.” There is a purpose behind the ways in which algorithms are curated and it’s meant to have an effect. It’s not meant to lie stagnant, doing nothing. Code is meant to have persuasive elements in order to appeal to an audience and guide people into a certain direction.
Grand Scheme of Rhetoric
I’ve talked about rhetoric so much this semester that my brain has kind of become mush in terms of it. In one of my more recent blog posts, “Content, Medium, and Rhetoric in Media”, I mention rhetoric ten times in an attempt to prove my point. Adding procedural rhetoric into the mix definitely wasn’t the easiest thing but it ultimately makes sense. A type of rhetoric with persuasive abilities, meant to guide an audience in a certain direction. It makes sense, especially when tying it into digital rhetoric and how persuasive different elements of the digital realm are. I mean, just going onto social media websites caters to a certain demographic of people, pushing certain content, and promoting specific ads based on a person’s perceived likes and dislikes.
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