The Rhetoric of Transnational Feminism: Practicing Bridgework

• In Event: Building Bridges between Transnational Feminisms and Critical Intercultural Communication Studies

Abstract

This essay identifies a rhetorical style specific to transnational feminism as an emergent theoretical approach in contemporary feminist thought. Like Karlyn Kohrs Campbell’s explication of Women’s Liberation rhetoric, I contend that transnational feminism bears specific stylistic markers. As transnational feminism is concerned with issues of the body, violence, and transnational-economic exploitation with regard to women, so does its rhetoric. As an exemplar, I conduct a critical reading of Bonnie Kerness’ speech “Speaking Truth to Power.”

Author

• Amber Turner, Univ of Texas, Austin