Welcome to Harlot's fourth issue! With the special theme of "Rhetoric at Work," this collection offers fresh insights into our everyday experiences through a lens of work-related issues. Included are a chaplain shaping her spiritual identity and/as professional development; a sculptor gently refusing to explain what her art "means;" two professors not-so-gently poking fun at J.CREW's catalog of gender norms; a doctor shedding light on the high stakes of rhetoric within (not just about) health care; and finally, a police officer explaining what's really going on when you get pulled over.
Teachers, Artist, Doctor, Cop, Chaplain — it's like Harlot's very own Village People. This diversity of professions is matched by the diversity of approaches to discussing the way persuasion flows throughout our everyday work experiences. Harlot's consortium chose these pieces because they are as entertaining as they are edifying but also because the arguments within are provocative. So go ahead and dig into this issue with the same work ethic these creators displayed in constructing their pieces: laugh and learn, discuss and debate!
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Harlot's own education and expansion continue. We're incredibly proud to announce the addition of the glorious Sheila Bock to the editorial board. Through her work as a folklorist, Sheila seeks to explore the artful ways people communicate meaning out of the stuff of everyday life, from the stories they tell to the food they eat. With a particular interest in cultural forms and perspectives so often marginalized in "official" records, she is excited to participate in Harlot's mission of inclusivity and accessibility. And you're excited she's here; trust us.
We've also invited some new voices to join the Harlot blog. You'll remember Ben McCorkle, whose "The Annotated Obama Poster" has been a popular favorite among Harlot fans. Ben is the genius behind Glossa Technologia and one hell of a bass player. Heather Lee Branstetter, whose "Why the Duke Lacrosse Scandal Mattered — Three Perspectives" demonstrates an all-too-rare kind of rhetorical listening, has also come on board. Born and raised in a rural mining town out West, Heather has a libertarian streak, doesn't care much for social norms and, luckily, enjoys the taste of her own feet. Paul Muhlhauser — whose collaborative piece appears in this issue — will be offering up some of his trademark wit and wisdom on the blog as well. Paul is known for his incisive take on texts, sure, but he's also known for bringing overalls back to the style-laden streets of NYC. Fresh voices on the blog mean it's a good time to set up your RSS feed, or you can get easy access to our blog through Facebook by following this step-by-step guide.
And finally, a hearty thanks to the man brave enough to become Harlot's editorial assistant, Marc Robinson, who has faced the technological learning curve head-on and with good Goth cheer during the construction of this issue.
Have we mentioned we'd like you to get involved, too? If Harlot has piqued your interest and you want to join the fun, please inquire within at harlot.osu{at}gmail{dot}com. You'll be amazed at the variety of ways you can play.
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