Joe's rhetoric: Finding authenticity at starbucks

Greg Dickinson Colorado State University

Abstract

Abstract In this essay, I explore the materiality of rhetoric through a close analysis of one Starbucks coffee shop. Starbucks' rhetoric works to suture individual bodies and subjectivities into a seemingly natural world through the practices of production and consumption of coffee and through the use of "natural"; colors, shapes and materials. This turn to nature is augmented by a claim to authenticity made by the coffee itself and is further reinforced by the rituals surrounding the buying and drinking of coffee. These rituals provide sanctifying performances that strive to cover the sins of postmodern consumer culture.

Journal
Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Published
2002-09-01
DOI
10.1080/02773940209391238
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cites in this index (2)

  1. Rhetoric Society Quarterly
  2. Rhetoric Review
Also cites 17 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.1080/10417949809373096
  2. 10.1177/026327690007002010
  3. 10.1080/00335639109383960
  4. 10.1017/CBO9780511812507
  5. 10.1525/9780520353237
  6. 10.1080/10417949809373103
  7. 10.1080/00335630109384347
  8. 10.1080/00335639709384169
  9. 10.1353/rap.2010.0067
  10. 10.1080/10417949509372968
  11. 10.1080/10417949809373102
  12. 10.2979/3270.0
  13. 10.1080/00335639409384052
  14. 10.2307/466626
  15. 10.1080/10417949809373105
  16. 10.7312/robi11292
  17. 10.7591/9781501717604
CrossRef global citation count: 51 View in citation network →