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Mini Essay #3
In his writing of the Antidosis, Isocrates illustrates the liturgy system- a method in
which the wealthy citizens of a community have the civic duty of investing their earnings
into community development (Isocrates I, 2000). This ancient practice has been
translated into present western culture, in forms such as incentive tax breaks for affluent
Americans in return for their contribution of resources to a worthy cause. As ideal as it
appears in theory, in practice, it is not uncommon that these patrons are government
institutions; government officials who are, often, strongly influenced by mighty
corporations. Can they, then, be considered advocates fueled by goodwill if their
community development plans stem from personal agendas? Are they qualified to know
whats best for society because of their position of power? Or are their actions only truly
advancing a communitys best interest if the majority of citizens are in agreement?
A grassroots nonprofit organization that banded together in the battle against the
planning of a massive apartment complex construction by the name of Rethink The
Princeton clearly identifies with the last statement. The considerably costly town
investment has been a matter of concern for the citizens of College Park since the plans
for development were publicized. Residents argue that the new construction will cultivate
traffic congestion, stimulate future high-density construction, and protest the general
violation of current planning and zoning ordinances ("Change.org", 2015).
Through the use of rhetoric, Rethink The Princeton attempts to secure influence
among this present-day liturgy system (Isocrates I, 2000) run by the partnership of the
Orlando City Council and Pollack Shores Real Estate Group of Atlanta, the projects
developer. After some careful analysis of the organizations online presence, it becomes

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apparent that they strategically focus on establishing credibility (ethos), a logical
argument (logos), both always tying back to emotion (pathos) in efforts to drive action
from established and potential supporters.
Isocrates argues that anyone who wishes to persuade others will not neglect virtue
but will devote even more attention to ensuring that he achieves a most honorable
reputation among his fellow citizens (Isocrates I, 2000). Rethink The Princetons
essential first step in portraying themselves a worthy in pursuance of support and, more
importantly, protection of College Park residents against these big monetary bullies. The
organization establishes their credibility by constituting themselves a valuable resource
for citizens. Characterizing themselves as a hub of information, in addition to granting
authority, further educates citizens enough to exercise the extensive background
knowledge in pursuit their own persuasive rhetoric; and, in essence, to become foot
soldiers for the organization. Isocrates would most likely disagree with this statement,
arguing that although these soldiers may be particularly [more] attentive and can
understand the consequences [will] most often apprehend them (Isocrates I, 2000), he
would argue that no knowledge is enough to transform an individual into an adequate
athlete or orator (Isocrates I, 2000). Through their rhetoric, Rethink The Princeton
counters this argument by never failing to mention their growing following of their
originally 60 supporters to the 1,400 that have now signed the petition- proof that the
spread knowledge of this cause is, in fact, influencing a backing ("Change.org", 2015).
Rethink The Princeton, additionally, focuses a great deal of its online content on the
logistics behind the controversial project. In their petition titled, Tell City Officials:
Scale Back the High-Density Apartments Planned for Smith & Princeton in College

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Park the illogical expansion of College Park is detailed as a mere exception to the
citys Growth Management Plan which states that although some Community Activity
Centers may be composed of a single type of use, a mixture of land uses is specifically
encouraged ("Change.org", 2015).The rhetors challenge the expansion in their writing,
first by stating that a Future Land Use amendment will increase the number of dwelling
units from 26 to 79 ("Change.org", 2015), then 79 to 139, then 139 to 228, then another
390 units if parking is taken into account. This escalated language, paired with urgent
messages such as you can help stop or modify this project by signing this petition
("Change.org", 2015) is a fairly effective strategy in mobilizing supporters.
The final step the organization takes in truly evolving College Park citizens into
advocates of Rethink The Princeton is to stimulate an emotional connection. Aristotle
argues there is persuasion through the hearers when they are led to feel emotion by the
speech (Kennedy, 1991). Through phrases such as together, we will continue to fight
passionately for smart growth in our community ("Change.org", 2015) and referring to
College Park residents as friends Rethink The Princeton personify themselves as an
easily relatable group that genuinely cares about its residents, simultaneously inherently
labeling the Orlando City Council and the project developers as a threat to a happy life in
their community.
Sources:
Isocrates, David C. Mirhady, and Yun Lee. Too. Isocrates I. Austin, TX: U of Texas,
2000. Print.
Kennedy, George A. Aristotle on Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. New York:
Oxford UP, 1991. Print.

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"Mayor Buddy Dyer: Tell City Officials: Scale Back the High-Density Apartments
Planned for Smith & Princeton in College Park." Change.org. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
"MCSV | MailChimp." MailChimp. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
Palczewski, C. H., Ice, R., & Fritch, J. (2012). Rhetoric in civic life. State College, PA:
Strata Pub.
"Rethink the Princeton Drops Its Legal Appeal of College Park Apartment Complex."
Orlando Weekly. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
"Rethink the Princeton." Rethink the Princeton. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.