Unpacking the Layers of “Hidden Intellectualism”: A Rhetorical Analysis

Unpacking the Layers of “Hidden Intellectualism”: A Rhetorical Analysis

As students make their way through schools and universities, they are often introduced to academic discourse and encouraged to assimilate scholarship into their daily lives. However, many young people dismiss the notion of intellectualism as something reserved for professors or bookworms- and consider themselves to be disinterested in such activities.

Yet, according to the article “Hidden Intellectualism” by Gerald Graff, people’s intellectual capabilities are not always what they seem to be. In fact, some individuals who have a passion for sports, fashion, or music might possess an ‘underground intellectualism.’ This ‘hidden intellectualism’ is often ignored or dismissed as being unrelated to academic pursuits, but in reality, it can serve as a rich source of knowledge and inspiration.

In this blog post, we delve deeper into the concept of hidden intellectualism and analyze its rhetorical power.

The Power of Rhetoric in Unpacking Hidden Intellectualism

Looking into Graff’s article, he deploys different rhetorical strategies to make his point clear and persuasive. An example of this is his use of anecdotes. Through his storytelling, he is able to create an emotional connection with his readers. As a result, the argument he is making resonates with his audience.

Another technique Graff utilizes is the use of authority. As a professor of English, he lends credibility to his arguments by drawing on his academic background and vast experience in the field. However, it is important to note that he does not rely solely on his credentials, but rather, he employs persuasive language and valid arguments to construct his analysis.

Moreover, Graff continuously reinforces his points by using evidence from different sources. His use of data from real-life examples and scholarly articles strengthens the validity of his argument. In this way, he is able to present hidden intellectualism as a legitimate concept rather than a mere notion.

The Importance of Examples in Unpacking Hidden Intellectualism

While rhetoric is important in any rhetorical analysis, the inclusion of relevant examples is also crucial. In the case of analyzing hidden intellectualism, real-life examples are necessary to reinforce the argument being made.

For example, Graff gives the case of his own life as an example. As a student, he had a deep passion for sports, but that did not necessarily mean he was disinterested in intellectual pursuits. This example illustrates how underlying passions can represent hidden intellectualism.

Furthermore, Graff cites other examples, such as those of Malcolm X and Richard Rodriguez, to demonstrate how intellectualism can be found in unlikely places. Through these exemplars, Graff highlights the fact that curiosity and an eagerness to learn can be present in anyone, irrespective of their outward interests.

Subheadings in Analyzing Hidden Intellectualism

To present the concept of hidden intellectualism in a more organized manner, breaking it down into subheadings can be highly beneficial. Here are a few potential options:

What is Hidden Intellectualism?
In the opening, the concept of hidden intellectualism is briefly introduced and explained.

Anecdotes as Persuasion
This section focuses on the technique Graff uses to emphasize the emotional aspect of his argument.

Drawing on Authority
Here, Graff’s academic background and experience are shown to lend credibility to his argument.

Support from Other Sources
The importance of evidence to support his argument is highlighted here.

Real-Life Examples
This section takes into account the anecdotal stories of Graff’s own life and the lives of others to illustrate hidden intellectualism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Hidden Intellectualism” is an analysis of the concept of hidden intellectualism which uncovers the power of rhetoric. Gerald Graff presents a compelling argument by using persuasive language, valid reasoning, and relevant examples. Furthermore, his use of anecdotes and testimony from authoritative figures serves to emphasize the emotional aspect of his argument. Ultimately, his analysis clarifies that hidden intellectualism exists in all people and it is our job to uncover it.