McKenzie Raber
HNL380WX
Col. Miller
Reflective Tag
3 May 2017
Help Received: none
In writing my research essay on An Incognito Control of Power: Portia’s Use of Rhetoric to Gain Superiority in The Merchant of Venice, I was particularly intrigued by how women worked within the societal confines of their gender to gain control over their situations. They conspicuously manipulated those around them in order to acquire greater influence. Typically, women used rhetoric as the device for their plans such that to an outside source looking in, it would seem as if they were acting as nothing but subservient, obedient women. I believe this is important for women to understand even in the 21st century. While women have equal rights, there is still an inherent embedment of sexism that not only lingers from centuries past, but seems to be hardwired into the brains of many men. For example, a woman in the business world who demands results from her employees may be called degrading names, but a man doing the same thing would be praised for his good leadership and ability to uphold the standard. I recognize that it is nearly impossible for such sexism to be eradicated in my lifetime which is why I think it is particularly important for women to understand how to use rhetoric to their advantage. If we can emulate Portia’s behavior, gaining control of a situation without seeming brutish, overbearing, or controlling then we may gain greater influence on everything from the small issues within the home to the workplace to even issues of national interest.