“How Dare You”: Greta Thunberg, Parrhesia, and Rhetorical Citizenship
Abstract
This article examines Thunberg’s speech within the context of democratic deliberation, citizenship, and the practice of parrhesia, the rhetorical tradition of speaking truth to power within the public sphere, especially when doing so is risky. Thunberg’s status as a child, especially one with disabilities, makes her outspokenness transgressive within the context of a meeting of adult world leaders and scientific experts. Thunberg’s performance demonstrates how parrhesia can be reimagined as not only the duty of the citizen as it is Classically perceived, but also as a demand for citizenship from those traditionally excluded from that role.
- Journal
- Present Tense: A Journal of Rhetoric in Society
- Published
- 2021-06-22
- Topics
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