Way Too Late

Josh,
I know I am emailing you way too late but here are some ideas I have come up with-

Question at Issue: How do different discourse communities that oppose each other interact? Or In what means do opposing discourse communities interact with one another? Or How do controversial discourse community motto’s affect other similar discourse communities/ the public?

If you don't get back to me in time, which I expect, I am going to go ahead with one of these even though they are not well developed yet.
I am showing these to you just so maybe you have a better way to develop one of these ideas for a better question at issue. And which would help me complete the different aspects of brainstorming.

Thanks, Way Too Late


Dear WTL,

Of the three questions the one that I see as being the most workable starting point is the third:

How do controversial discourse community motto’s affect other similar discourse communities/ the public?

However, this question has gotten about two steps ahead of itself in complicating the terms and phrasing of discussion.

First:
Take a step back and use clear, precise terms in your question. Starting from an readily identifiable point will help the essay/discussion develop. If the question is broached but the terms and referents are unclear, there is no momentum. [As you develop the discussion/essay, more general terms can be used, as it will then be clear exactly what you're talking about.]
So, clarify the terms:

Vague: Controversial discourse community
Specific: [example- the National Socialist party (Nazi)]

Vague: mottos
Specific: [example- (logo/symbol) swastika]

Vague: similar discourse communities
Specific: [example- other political movements]

Vague: the public
Specific: [example- people who may be offended by the expression]

Second:
Try phrasing your initial question at issue as a 'yes/no' question.
This is like the continental divide, determining where you 'stand' as the author, and where your audience stands. This is essential in determining your relationship and approach to the issue and the audience. If nothing else, it is a quick way to find out if anyone even cares enough to have a response to it.

[example 1- Does the use of the swastika by the National Socialist party (Nazis) have any effect upon other political parties and how they utilize symbols?]
[example 2- Does the use of the swastika by the National Socialist party (Nazis) have any effect upon people who would otherwise take no notice of that political party.]

The second example is a stretch and may simply confuse an audience, however, the first may be thought-provoking.

After you have determined that it is viable, find out where you 'stand' and then proceed with the Em-production process.

-Josh G.