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Old Dominion University ODU Digital Commons English Theses & Dissertations English Winter 2014 From Viva La Revolutión-ish to the Free Space: Toward a Theory of Guerrilla Rhetoric Cheri Lemieux Spiegel Old Dominion University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/english_etds Part of the Rhetoric and Composition Commons Recommended Citation Spiegel, Cheri L.. "From Viva La Revolutión-ish to the Free Space: Toward a Theory of Guerrilla Rhetoric" (2014). Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), dissertation, English, Old Dominion University, DOI: 10.25777/shhd-6506 https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/english_etds/66 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the English at ODU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in English Theses & Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ODU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FROM VIVA LA REVOLUCION-ISH TO THE FREE SPACE: TOWARD A THEORY OF GUERRILLA RHETORIC by Cheri Lemieux Spiegel B.A. December 2004, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University M.A. May 2006, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Old Dominion University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY ENGLISH OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY December 2014 Approved by: Kevin Eric DePew (Director) Louise Wethf rbee Phelps (Member) UMI Number: 3662381 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Di!ss0?t&Ciori Publishing UMI 3662381 Published by ProQuest LLC 2015. Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 ABSTRACT FROM VIVA LA REVOLUCION-ISH TO THE FREE SPACE: TOWARD A THEORY OF GUERRILLA RHETORIC Cheri Lemieux Spiegel Old Dominion University, 2014 Director: Dr. Kevin Eric DePew This project addresses the need for a rhetorical theory that is appropriate to the unique needs of certain groups who “write” (in a broad sense of the word) from a position of desperation that results from some kind of tension between their needs or values and the dominant culture. These rhetors demonstrate a suspicion toward mainstream channels through which they might have their voices heard, are often subversive, and tend to be community-oriented. To develop an appropriate rhetorical lens for studying these groups, I bring notions of guerrilla warfare from a precise point in the historical narrative of the guerrilla (that of the modem guerrilla articulated by Emesto “Che” Guevara) together with key rhetorical constructs: rhetorical situation, exigence, kairos, audience, community of practice and techne. This synthesis allows me to articulate a preliminary theory of guerrilla rhetoric. I then test that theory against two case studies, both set in Washington, DC, that represent contexts wherein I initially hypothesized guerrilla rhetoric might occur. The first case study explores the work of a graffiti writer who has done illegal and legal works in Washington for more than thirty years. The second case examines the work of a foundational figure in the District’s Hardcore punk movement, who has contributed to the scene through multiple bands since 1980, as well as the founding and operation of an independent record label. As a result of these case studies, I revise and propose a refined theory of guerrilla rhetoric and then discuss the implications for this term to additional rhetorical groups. Copyright © 2014 Cheri Lemieux Spiegel. All rights reserved. This dissertation is dedicated to my partner and inspiration, Eric Charles Spiegel. “Inspired me truly you did from the start, to not be afraid and to follow my heart. There’s a piece of you with me they can’t tear apart, forever.” --Dropkick Murphys vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This dissertation is the result of a long journey marked with great successes but also many difficulties. I am blessed to have walked this path with the love, support and humor of great family, mentors, colleagues, and friends. Although it would be impossible to cover the depth of my gratitude entirely here, I will do my best. First and foremost, I thank my case study participants, Asad “ULTRA” Walker and Ian MacKaye for being available, willing, and kind throughout this process. I’m grateful for your readiness to share your lives and your passions with me. Thanks also to Ian MacKaye and Amy Farina for The Evens; their albums were my writing soundtrack throughout the writing of the pages before you. I thank both my parents, Tippie and Frenchie, and my parents-in-law, Clara and Chuck, for their endless encouragement throughout this process. Mom, you never cease to be my biggest cheerleader. Your passion and compassion for the plight of others is reflected in the causes that resonate with me, and which ultimately inspired this project. And Dad, this project would have never been possible had you not shared your passion for music with your children. My chapters begin with music, some that you first gave us and some of the music we grew into as teenagers and adults. Robert, my dear brother and truest friend, I thank you for always being proud of your little sister and for being my go­ to fountain of knowledge in all things historical. I thank Paul Heilker of Virginia Tech for the tough love and mentoring that first helped me see my potential as an academic. To this day I keep a small sign that says, “What would Paul Heilker do?” on my desk. I thank my committee, Kevin Eric DePew, Louise Wetherbee Phelps, Rochelle “Shelley” Rodrigo, and Geoffrey Sire, for the wisdom and insight they have shared as we walked through this process together. 1 greatly admire each of you and am infinitely grateful that you invested so much of your time in my work. To know that such incredible scholars support me has been an amazing gift. Thank you, especially, Kevin, for believing in this project from its earliest conception and helping to shepherd it through. I never could have imagined the product before us now and I am grateful for your guidance and mentorship that made these pages possible. I thank my colleagues at Northern Virginia Community College and my peers at Old Dominion University. To my colleagues, thank you for your kind words and your patient ears. It was such a wonderful experience to have a team of cheerleaders surrounding me each day. I thank the women of my writing group, Erin Pastore and Carmen Christopher. You were my inspiration and my accountability. I appreciate you sharing your writing, your struggles, and your successes. Mark Blaauw-Hara, my rock star academic brother, I know this journey would have been infinitely more difficult without you. Thank you for the emotional support and steadfast friendship. I thank my friends, new and old, who have believed in me and supported me through this journey. Sarah Jacobson, you are the bestie. Thanks for listening, reminding me to live, and always being honest with me when I need it. I thank my muse, Shawn Hartley, for his word count challenges that pushed this document to completion. To all my gaming comrades, thanks for creating spaces (worlds even) wherein I could vent, relax, and refresh my brain throughout this epic quest. Most of all, I owe so much to the punk I dedicate this project to: Eric Spiegel. Eric, you are my partner, my best friend, and my hero. I cannot ever hope to adequately capture my gratitude for all you have been to me. You were the boy who made me fall in love with literature and who inspired me to major in English. You are the reason I discovered punk rock. You believed in me when I could not believe in myself. You know me fully and support me endlessly. 1 could not have done this without your humor, flexibility, patience, and tenderness. I hope you understand my deep appreciation for everything you are. I love you dearly. ix TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................... xi Chapter 1. PROLOGUE.......................................................................................................................... 1 2. AN INTRODUCTION: WHY GO GUERRILLA?......................................................... 4 3. TOWARD AN INITIAL THEORY OF GUERRILLA RHETORIC..........................46 GUERRILLA RHETORICAL SITUATION............................................................ 55 GUERRILLA EXIGENCE............................................................................................62 GUERRILLA KAIROS ................................................................................................. 66 GUERRILLA AUDIENCE......................................................................................... 71 GUERRILLA COMMUNITY..................................................................................... 78 GUERRILLA TECHNE................................................................................................ 84 METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................96 DATA AND PROCEDURES.....................................................................................100

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