The Lozano and Cloud article titled "The Uncivil Tongue: Invitational Rhetoric and the Problem of Inequality", expresses a multitude of reasons as to why and how the concept of using what is presented as invitational rhetoric may at times actually be antagonism. With this being said, the idea behind antagonistic pursuits is expressed as being "undeniable features of society." (Lozano-Reich, Cloud, 222) In addition to the above mentioned concept, another topic that was expanded on within this writing that I found to be interesting and applicable to our everyday life would be the idea behind power dynamics within invitational rhetoric. When there is conversation amongst those who are in power, or oppressors, those who are seen as less powerful in these situations - the oppressed, are oftentimes overlooked when it comes to participating in active discussions. Additionally, when the time comes to include the oppressed in these opportunities for discussion or dialogue, it is more than likely going to be based off of "invitation only" (Lozano-Reich, Cloud, 222), which only reaffirms the notion that those who are in power ultimately hold the key for who will or will not be excluded.
As a woman, and a young woman at that, there has been a number of times where the concept of power dynamics have been present in my daily life. An example of this would be just how often I have gotten shut down from those who are older than me within conversations regarding tense subject matter such as politics or other topics such as healthcare opportunities or lack thereof, like abortion in the United States. While although oftentimes I have been "invited" to these discussions, immediately when I present my stance(s) on the different topics at hand, I have been told that I am "too young to understand" or that "once I get older and out of college I won't be this liberal anymore". While these words are aimed to minimize my personal feelings about certain topics, ultimately I end up only feeling more misunderstood and begin to be able to recognize the inconsistency those who supposedly "hold power over me" actually have.
Cloud, Dana. “The Uncivil Tongue: Invitational Rhetoric and the Problem of Inequality.” Western Journal of Communication, 22 Sept. 2017, https://www.academia.edu/6726470/The_Uncivil_Tongue_Invitational_Rhetoric_and_the_Problem_of_Inequality.
I think frequently we see these types of dynamics play out, where the side with power really refuses to engage with those they see as less powerful. I feel like a lot of the time invitational rhetoric is only really done when both parties involved can get something out of it, because if not then the people in power really don't like lending out a hand. I also have had experiences with some of my older relatives where I have also been invited into discussion only to be lectured on something that doesn't matter. I started my college career off as a design major, and every conversation I had with someone who wasn't a design major, or made a good deal of money always had something to say about my decision. It was almost like because they had an experience, there's was correct, and somehow they knew better than I did about my own life. I think that most of this power structure comes with age in my situation.
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