Assignment #5, Blog #2

The audience play maybe the most integral role in the ethics of a rhetorical situation because the audience might as well be a judge in this context.  Participants in a discussion clearly outline the points and foundations of the argument and discussion and provide the material to judge whether or not the discussion is rhetorically ethical, however it is the audience who ultimately decides how positive or negative the discussion was because they represent the public.  The audience is vital in creating the tone of the discussion because if one member of the discussion steps out of line, it is up to the audience to criticize this member and ask for a more positive contribution.  Also, for those who act in detrimental way in discussion, it is the audience and public who reprimands this individual for their insensitivity.  In part, the audience guides the discussion because many who face the public are afraid of stepping over the line of political correctness and refrain from points that may upset the public opinion of the individual.