Exigence is an issue, problem, or situation that prompts someone to speak out.

In short, the exigence is

the reason a text exists. Understanding the exigence requires understanding the current rhetorical
situation.
 What happened?
 To who?
 Why?
 What will speaking out do?
 How does a text address exigence?
 How should it?
                                                                                           
For this activity, you will look at how memes have become a popular form of speaking out – a type of
“image event” designed to respond to a specific situation.
 
Background
Earlier this week, we have been discussing how writing connects to a rhetorical situation, but also
how writing circulates. Writers use images, audio, and text to create and remix persuasive
messages, addressing original concerns and adapting messages to speak to a different audience or
issue. They incorporate writing “moves” and changes to explain, argue, summarize, and persuade.
To understand how to write to an audience and with an evolving issue, we need to understand the
current conversation as well as the original argument.
 
Directions
In partnerships, you will pick a popular meme and find the original exigence – the first time your
meme was used as a meme. Remember to practice good research methods for finding good sources
and supporting your ideas. You are welcome to find the source image, but we are looking for the
first time the image was used as part of a specific argument, as a meme. What situation did the
meme address? Consider the following questions of exigence:

Key Questions
 Why did a writer create the text?
 What is the writer responding to? Why are they speaking out?
 What does the meme point out?
 What possible solutions might the writer be suggesting?
 What is missing from the meme to create a clear argument?
  How can additional knowledge about the rhetorical situation/ecology help frame the
argument or response?
 
Remix and Redress
Once you have found the original use, find three more times your meme was used to address a
specific issue. Research the exigence for each time – what is the background? Who is the audience?
What is the situation? What does the author hope to achieve? What is missing from such a
simplistic argument form? Can you spot any logical fallacies?

Create a slide show sharing each requirement and your commentary. Be prepared to share with a
small group and upload/submit the slideshow to our new Canvas site.
 
Know Your Argument: Fill in the Gaps
Good writers often create argument by noticing gaps in logic or using clear research to create a
causal chain. Using one of the memes you found and the exigence, create your own claim or thesis.
Consider the resources you found about the issue or situation. What are the key components of the
issue? What kind of support would you need to make a claim? What kind of gaps did you notice and
how could you develop an argument to address the exigence?
 
DUE: Friday, Oct. 2nd, 2020 at the beginning of class