Powerful Agency

This has been one of the most interesting classes for me. As cliché as it may sound, it has been an empowering experience. I think one of the most important things that this class has given me is a "savviness" regarding how power operates. To be aware of power, to have the ability to recognize when power is operating, its form and its substance (where, how, and by whom it is operating) means that we are less likely to be negatively affected by its manifestations. Understanding how power operates is a huge advantage in countering it. The resources we have within us, whether its social, cultural, or economic capital, or if they are rhetorical strategies, or anything else, gives us the agency to harness our own power as a force for good. Power is agency, and agency means we have the capacity to be considerable forces in the world, whether that takes the form of agents of change or advocates for justice, or even simply the masters of our own fates.

Drama

Reflecting upon our study of the intricacies of power, I was most impressed by our reading of media. Our 'powerful dramas' serve as ideal illustrations of power at work in almost all of its forms. This has been an excellent practice in recognizing different forms of power (and how our visual culture is transcribed into our quotidian experience and vice versa). Above all, this approach to gaining an understanding of powers directly delivers power by way of its accessibility. The medium becomes the message, and individuals with out any degree of prior knowledge can gain access to a wealth of reflective knowledge. Thus, our study of popular culture, and one as rich as television programming, is our own engagement and harnessing of power- and that was a very effective and impressive exercise.

Everyday Power

Before the start of this semester I had never seriously thought about analyzing power or rhetoric strategies. I may have even used at least some of those, but I was not aware of them. However, since January, this has gradually changed without me knowingly noticing it. Not until I had a fight over phone messages.  When I noticed that the other person was twisting some details in order to change the facts in his favor, I found myself thinking how that person was actually trying to use rhetoric to change the facts we had been arguing about. From that moment on, I knew how this class has had an impact on my everyday life. From now on I will be the one using rhetoric knowingly and more often (in particular to win arguments!).

Claiming Power!

In a world filled with power plays, underhanded deals, and selfish actions, we are repeatedly conditioned to think of power as a negative phenomenon. For example, "people in power" (usually referring to politicians) are typically said to be corrupt, egotistical, and self-serving. But what people do not realize is that they too have power. Every individual is gifted with power....power to think, power to speak, power to write, and the power to act. If only they would claim it for themselves! And that essentially is what this class has taught me. In order to affect change, big or small, you need to claim the power and the capacity to act that has been given to you. Don't let it rot there by your side. Don't pin your problems on someone else. Pick up your agency and use it. Moving forward from this class, that is exactly what I plan on doing: I will claim my power! It is not a thing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, but instead embraced. So go ahead: embrace your power. I dare you.

Power as a Multidimensional Mosaic

While at the beginning of the course, power seemed as a compact entity - something that might have been subjected to certain fluidity and change through the simple power dynamics of the various revolutions, power now seems almost like a mosaic, arching into into various directions and dimensions. I realized that the most effective form of power is that, which is covert and influences potential issues to stay out of the spotlight. I also started to think of power in terms of historical development and processes such as the longue durée, which could be and should be set into a juxtaposition with the Lukes’ three-dimensional model. Finally thinking of power in forms of individual capital of every single one of us and the respective effects, benefits and drawbacks of each one, I tarted thinking about which capital I will endeavor to pursue and what kind of opportunities of influence will this capital enable me. 

Powerful Insights

Being in this class was a powerful experience. I learned that power is something that everyone possesses in some way, shape or form, and is not only a resource belonging to the 'elite'. Being put into specific power positions during the simulations gave me a much better insight into the complexities of power and how agendas can influence the ways that power plays out and how decisions are made. Power is not simple but it is within reach in one way or another. Most importantly, I've let go of my immediately negative associations with power because I've gained a deeper understanding of power's nuances.

The rhetoric of "rhetoric"

How mindful are we of the word "rhetoric" when we use it? 

Since we started discussing the topic of rhetoric, I have noticed every time that the word has escaped my lips. I am also much more aware of its implementation during conversations with others. As Del Gandio says, the power of words is immense and being aware and understanding the word "rhetoric" itself is, I think, the first step towards actually using rhetoric.