Rhetorical Situation Tags Used in Events

Intro music starts and transitions to actual start

Long story short this isn’t about stopping development. It’s about steering it. About making sure that our city grows in a way that respects and includes the people who built it. Because, if we let profit drive everything, we’ll wake up one day in an Austin that’s shiny, new, and completely soulless. So what do we do now? We must act. We must speak up.. We must push city officials and developers to commit to affordable housing, rent protections, and cultural preservation. This isn’t just a housing issue, it’s about equity, identity, and the kind of future we want for Austin. Thanks for listening. I’m Noah, and this has been the Austin Avengers. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a neighbor. Talk about it. Bring it to your next city council meeting. Because protecting Austin starts with you. - In this closing, I use a powerful call to action, emotional appeals, and inclusive language to leave the audience with a sense of urgency and responsibility, framing the fight against gentrification as not just a policy issue but a moral one tied to Austin’s future and identity.

Outro/Closing music for podcast

Explain gentrification to pao and asked her for any personal encounters.

Explaining how that incident affected our community becasue of the lack of things to already do in the valley. Intro to solution and research to support.

Still talking about the CLT's and benefits

Closing words and Thank you to pao for joining and thank you to listeners.

An introduction to both sides of the fight, one that supports gentrification while the other side that fights against it. This allows us to be more credible as we are not kjust focused on one side, and we acknowledged the other side.

Call to action, we push for a smart house style plan that ensures houston citizens safe, and afforable housing.

"This is gentrification in real time, and it’s displacing people every single day. But we have a secret weapon called SMART housing.". This explains the exigence of the podcast as it shows the issue of displacement and the solution of SMART housing being used to combat it.

"SMART stands for Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably-Priced, and Transit-Oriented housing. It’s housing built for those who are lower income as a way to provide lower housing prices, decrease homelessness, and promote diversity and population growth.". This portion of text explains what SMART housing is, and what it stands for, as well as introducing the main stakeholders and audience for this podcast.

"Local and Federal governments can offer things like tax breaks, fee waivers, or density bonuses, which allow developers to build more units or save money if they include affordable housing in their projects. It's a win-win for the government if they lower homelessness at the same time.". This gives the call to action for politicians as well as shows the true message that we want to get across through this.

"We can’t keep pretending that gentrification is just the price of progress. It’s an epidemic. And SMART housing could be a real part of the solution, If we push more from our local leaders and our federal government, then real change is much closer than we might think.". This final paragraph brings us back to our message and genre of the entire story, and gives our story a very nice purpose.

Introduction: I will introduce what we are talking about

What is gentrification? We will define gentrification in summary

Interviews: There are 6 questions regarding gentrification, their experiences, and the plans that I would like to ask them about, with a bit of background noise

Hi everybody, thank you for listening. Today I'd like to discuss a topic that is, specifically for me, relevant. I am from Sugar Land, Texas, a suburb of Houston. After all, my hometown has started changing rather quickly. I mean really quickly. In the past ten years, the city of Houston has seen quite the jump in prices... housing, rent, etc. So, it makes sense that people are looking to move away from the city, and find something more reasonable. Some of them go to Sugar Land, TX. On the one hand, that sounds like growth—more people, more buildings, more jobs, more hospitals, more lanes on the freeway. But on the other maybe not... because behind all of this growth is a word that has become somewhat more common in and around cities alike, gentrification.

This is not just a Houston or Sugar Land problem. This is happening everywhere. So I challenge you to take a look at your community. Is this happening where you live? If yes, please consider joining a local organization. Speak up at town halls. Chat to your neighbors. Advocate for the policies that protect the people who made your city what it was. Because the future of our hometowns should belong to everyone, not just the people who can afford to move there.

Hello, my name is Sunny Bell, and welcome to another episode of Keepin' Austin Austin. For those of you new to the podcast, this is a place where people who love Austin's unique qualities think about ideas to keep Austin special, even while it is growing like a weed. --- Ethos is used here to establish both the speaker's and the podcast's credibility. This episode is part of an ongoing series, not just a single occasion. The specialization of the podcast on growth issues. contributes ethos to this episode

As you all know, Austin's population is exploding. We're up 30% in the last 10 years, and we've doubled in the last 20. We're always talking on the podcast about where to put all these people. Today, we're going to talk about one particularly difficult group of newcomers, the wealthy ones. ---- This passage uses logos by quoting concrete numbers. It also uses pathos in making the listener imagine the crowding and perhaps having an emotional reaction to wealthy newcomers.

The corner barbershop becomes a little lemon, and the community institutions weather under a flood of half-caffeinated lattes. And worst, the existing residents get squeezed out of their own neighborhood. If we want to keep Austin Austin, we've got to find a way to stop this gentrification. --- Pathos is at work here trying to create the emotion of indignation at the unfairness of gentrification.

Let's welcome our newcomers, but put them where they are happiest, among their peers. Don't get me wrong, if someone new wants to live in a traditional neighborhood and loves it for how it is now, that's great, but let's keep out those who just want to destroy and rebuild. Here at Keepin' Austin Austin, we think we have one solution to this problem. --- This passage introduces the logos of the podcast, generally mentioning the podcast's solution. At the same time, it continues to use pathos to disparage the newcomers. The reference to the authority of the podcast inspires ethos.

Let's creatively use City of Austin zoning to address these issues. We will ask that the Planning Department and the Planning Commission consider these proposals and recommend that the City Council of Austin enact them into law. Our plan has two parts. Logos here introduces the argument.

First, we will change zoning to relax restrictions on development in wealthier areas. We will aim for allowing more luxury, high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new construction, and rezoning nearby land to allow for an expansion of the rich areas. Then, we will also use zoning to restrict certain types of development in traditional low-income neighborhoods. --- Logos is used here in adding detail to the proposal.

Specifically, we'd forbid developers from making affordable housing into luxury. Let's talk about what zoning is and how the City can use it to implement these policies. According to Kenton, writing in Investopedia, zoning refers to municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. Ethos is used by referring to the published expert's definition. Logos is used in the further advancement of the proposal.

Kenton goes on to explain that municipalities create a master plan and petition the City into neighborhoods and districts. Different rules will apply to different petitions in order to achieve goals such as creating certain types of living space for residents or promoting economic development. A crude example would be that you can't build an oil refinery in a residential neighborhood, but a more subtle example would be that certain neighborhoods are only for single-family homes with yards, not apartment buildings. --- This passage entirely uses logos to give details of how zoning works to provide a foundation for the proposal.

But in practice, the rules are created and defined by the Planning Commission, a pointed group of volunteers, and the Planning Department, a division of the municipal government. We propose that Austin use overlays to selectively relax housing restrictions in some trendy, wealthy districts. This could include allowing more high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new constructions, and rezoning nearby land to make it part of the wealthy areas. --- Logos is further used to give details to the plan. This section also uses Ethos, because the legitimacy of the idea is demonstrated by the speaker's deep knowledge of zoning.

But so that these areas stay desirable, the City can, in effect, require that only new upscale housing be allowed. This can be achieved by, for example, requiring a certain size floor plan for new apartments. Even specific materials for construction and faucets could create more of the type of housing that would attract the wealthy newcomers. -- This section is entirely focused on logos as more details of the proposal are presented.

With more of this housing available, prices would be less likely to spiral out of control. The other part of my proposal is to make novel use of overlays to protect the low-income nature of certain existing traditional neighborhoods. This is turning traditional zoning on its head by using protections normally deployed in the service of the privileged to benefit the underprivileged. --- This section uses further logos to further describe the proposal. In addition, there is an element of ethos involved because the assertion of novelty implies that the speaker has expertise in the subject.

To support my point, Austin already has embraced this approach, in certain ways through the creation of a category called Homestead Preservation Districts, as described by the Mount Bonnell Project. But this has only happened in one place in East Austin, and was narrow in its goals, as described by the City on its website. My proposal aims for the broader use of Homestead Preservation Districts. --- This section entirely relies on logos in describing the context for the proposal.

In this part of my proposal, zoning would be deployed to significantly limit the expansion of housing stock in traditional neighborhoods. By restricting growth, there wouldn't be enough places for the wealthy newcomers to live, even if they wanted to. --- This passage continues to use the logos to describe the proposal and then use logos in another way to make a logical argument to support the proposal.

However, there is a potential pitfall here. Fewer apartments that are harder to find could create scarcity that makes traditional low-income housing more so often, and even more expensive once they are remodeled into luxury. We propose to attack this problem by limiting the ability of developers and new residents to make existing rental units more upscale and desirable. Nothing can be built in Austin without a building permit that describes the work and the cost of the work. The City could set a limit on how much you could spend upgrading apartments and avoid these pitfalls. --- Logos is deployed here to highlight a possible problem and then demonstrate the proposal has a solution. This also invokes this because the speaker is shown to have carefully thought through the implications of the proposal and therefore the speaker has more credibility.

But hey, we know these proposals may not work for a lot of reasons, but let's try to use zoning overlays and building permits to fix this. We here at Keep an Austin Austin are always optimistic that we can keep the vibe, no matter how many people move here. --- This section uses logos in a different way, using logic to describe some reasons why the proposal may not work. Showing that the proposal may not work is using ethos to bolster the credibility of the speaker because she has thought through various scenarios and has a real-world practical approach. It also has pathos in that it tries to affect the emotions of the listener and have them feel upbeat.

This is Sunny Bell, and that's all for this time. Hit that subscribe button so you can be the first to know about the next one. Thank you. --- This conclusion uses ethos to further bolster the speaker's credibility because this podcast is part of a series that is concentrated on topics related to this proposal.

Here, the definition of the term 'rhetoric'. We introduce the idea with several of the class' discussion post ideas from the beginning of the year, in response the question "what is rhetoric?". In this case, we hadn't learned the academic definitions yet.

Jodie Nicotra provides the academic definition of 'rhetoric'. In many ways, rhetoric acts in a set of modes- here, one audio, one writing. This annotation is a mode- this audio is another.

There are various modes and biases associated with rhetoric- all contained within one person, with a baseline that extends and bounces around cultural, societal, and personal biases. Altogether, it can change the way we see things- our world is our basis for understanding.

Rhetoric surrounding gentrification has becomes outdated- referencing Eliot Tretter's article, we have approached our understanding of rhetoric in the same way for decades. Why shouldn't there be a resurgence?

Gentrification is a long-standing topic of debate, and, as proven in Whitman's writing, one that exists to persist. How can we change something which has continued to persist throughout time, and which acts not only as an antagonist but a catalyst for modern change?

We introduce a proposal- making gentrification viral. With virality, discourse becomes key, and change is imminent.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote arises from a sermon he made at Columbia University, which presses that change requires action in order to occur.

There are several downsides to organised virality- and many past examples of attempts at virality that didn't work out. Unorganised virality, however, can have it's own downsides. In this case, we aim to find the true benefit of virality.

Introduction & Context, Establishes the setting (Taipei), introduces the central topic (MRT expansion), and subtly introduces the core problem (gentrification) as a negative consequence. Sets the Exigence for addressing this "shadow."

Introducing the Nuanced Solution: Community-Focused TOD

Addressing Potential Objections & Conclusion

Thesis: How introducing a bill to protect local businesses from being displaced is a step toward preserving Austin’s history, culture, and community. The part of the podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local shops while recognizing the value of growth, encouraging listeners to see that both local shops and high-end retailers can coexist. Through a calm and informative tone, I aim to persuade without alienating those who support new development.

How Austin’s “weird” factor has always been a point of pride, especially in areas like South Congress that helped shape its identity. In this part of my podcast, I use a reflective tone and cultural references to show how gentrification is slowly erasing the city’s unique character. This rhetorical approach connects with long-time residents and listeners who value Austin’s culture, encouraging them to think about what’s being lost as the city continues to prioritize new high-end retailers.

A lifelong Austin resident shares her opinion on the cultural shift in the city. Including her voice adds authenticity and emotional appeal, which allows listeners to hear directly from someone who has seen these changes. This personal statement and conversational tone can strengthen the podcast’s connection to the audience, especially long-time residents who may share the same opinion.

City planners and local government: Addressing city planners and government officials directly shows how their decisions can shape the future of Austin’s identity. By contrasting two possible outcomes, it persuades listeners to care more about policy choices. This encourages community engagement, urging local leaders and community members to take action before Austin loses its unique history, culture, and image.

Proposal: Encouraging both new and long-time residents to get involved through community-led engagement like petitions and city council meetings. By directly addressing this issue, it invites listeners to see themselves as active participants in change, not just bystanders. My proposal helps engage the audience, especially stakeholders who care about preserving Austin’s local identity while still encouraging growth.

Conclusion: Restating my thesis that gentrification is threatening Austin’s cultural identity, and proposing a bill as a solution, serves as a call to action. This shows how the bill could help protect local businesses and preserve the city's culture and image. The conclusion helps the audience understand what’s truly at stake and why it's so important to not only protect these local businesses but also maintain Austin’s culture.

Policy recommendations and required backed up by examples from other cities.

Local business protection and personal memories (D.C. business grant)

The downsides of gentrification explain why the problem needs to be solved, because of reasons such as displacement, harm on families, connect to Pathos, as the audience sympathize with residents facing these issues

Sad music that relates to pathos, as the viewers listen to the sorrowful music while understanding the struggles of the families, the effect of Pathos will be enhanced

Present solution, where a Housing Assitance Program is created, to provide stipend for renters qualified, which means they must make wages below a certain point

Explain why it matters to stand up and show support for anti-gentrification efforts, why there needs to be a solution, this acts as a conclusion to the video

The possibility of a CLT is in the hands of the city.

Housing is about the people of Austin not just money purposes.

CLT's are like a group project, everyone needs to chip in their fair share.

In order to see true growth the city needs to come together with strength.

Visualization of gentrification provides context and generates sense of empathy.

Clear call to action and motivates the audience to help immediately.

Hey everyone. Thanks for being here. Today, I want to discuss something that I find extremely important. We talk about it, it is an issue that has been overlooked, so I am here to change that. Today I will be talking about South Congress Avenue. If you live in Austin or have spent any time around here, you know the area, and you already know it's not just another street. It has always had its own culture. Live music, local artists, taco trucks, vintage stores, families walking around, small businesses that have been there forever.

It's always been one of those places that make a city feel unique, in this case Austin. But lately, it's started to change significantly. You walk down South Congress now and you still see some of the old spots, but they're surrounded by luxury apartments, high-end chain stores, and places clearly designed for tourists. I use a personal and honest tone to connect with people who know Austin, building trust while showing how South Congress has shifted from a unique, local space to something more commercial.

It feels like the neighborhood is shifting from being a place people live and build lives in to a place people visit and spend money. And this isn't just about a couple of new stores or buildings being created. What's happening on South Congress is part of a bigger issue, and that issue is gentrification. That's exactly the reason why, today, I want to break down what gentrification actually means, how it's showing up on South Congress, and what Austin can do to address it in a fair way. So let's start with the basics. Gentrification occurs when a neighborhood begins to attract wealthier people, and as a result of that, prices increase.

That might sound simple, but the impact is complicated. The people who already live there, often working-class families, people of color, and older residents, find themselves priced out. Rent goes up. Property taxes go up. Small businesses can't afford their leases anymore. So even though the neighborhood might look “nicer” on the surface. I explain gentrification in a way that's clear and easy to follow, while also using emotion and real-life examples to show why this issue matters and how it's changing South Congress for the people who live there.

It's coming at the cost of the people who built that community in the first place. That's exactly what's happening on South Congress. It was once a working-class neighborhood with deep ties to Austin's Black and Latino communities. It was full of local businesses, affordable rent, and longtime residents who had been there for decades. But as Austin has grown, so has the pressure to develop. The city's booming, real estate prices are rising fast, and South Congress has become one of the most desirable areas in town. That makes it a target for investors and developers. They're buying up property, renovating buildings, and marketing the area to people with more money.

And while that might bring money into the local economy, it's also pushing out the people who made the neighborhood what it is. That's what gentrification does. It replaces real community with something more polished but less personal. The Liberator explains this clearly. I use a clear and personal tone to show how gentrification on South Congress is not just about development but about pushing out the Black, Latino, and working class communities who built the area, turning a once genuine neighborhood into something more polished but less meaningful.

Booe and Lippman state that "The neighborhood's culture is being erased as higher-income people replace working-class residents and as businesses cater more to tourists than locals." And when you walk down South Congress now, you can see exactly what they're talking about. You still hear music, you still see some color, but the feeling has shifted. It has become more commercial. It's essential to note that change itself is not the enemy. Cities are always going to evolve. People move, businesses open and close, and development happens. But the question is who that change is for. Is it for the people who already live there? Or is it just for outsiders with more money?

Right now, the way things are going, it's clear that the changes on South Congress are not really being made with long-term residents in mind.And the reason this matters isn't just because it's unfair. It also damages the city's identity. Austin is known for its creativity and its culture, I bring in outside sources and personal observation to show that the changes on South Congress are not just physical but cultural, and I ask who these changes are really serving to make it clear that the city's growth is coming at the cost of its identity and longtime residents.

Those opposed to rent control argue that it discourages developers or leads to poorer housing conditions. However, that's not necessarily true if the policy is well-designed and effectively enforced. As Dorazio at the Center for American Progress explains, “Localized rent control efforts can help reduce displacement without halting all new development.” So it's not either-or. We can have growth and still protect residents. Rent control helps people stay. That's what matters. But even rent control won't solve everything. That's why we also need anti-displacement policies.

That means creating programs that support local business owners, especially those who've been serving the community for years. It also means protecting homeowners from rising property taxes, offering grants to renters, and ensuring tenants are aware of their rights. To put this into perspective, I respond to common counterarguments with evidence and logic, showing that rent control can work alongside development, and I expand the solution by pushing for anti-displacement policies that focus on protecting the people and businesses who make the community feel like home.

Portland has already implemented something similar with its Anti-Displacement Action Plan. They offer rent assistance, repair grants, and support for community organizations. They didn't stop development. They just made it more balanced. This could be established in Austin. There are also other ideas we should explore, such as inclusionary zoning, which would require developers to incorporate affordable housing into new construction, or community land trusts, which can keep housing permanently affordable by removing the land from the market. These solutions already exist. We don't have to invent anything new.

We just have to care enough to use them. Beyond policy, though, this is about values. Do we want to be a city that protects its people, or one that only accommodates wealth? Do we want to preserve what makes Austin what it is? And no, this isn't about being anti-business or anti-growth. I use real examples and practical solutions to show that cities like Portland have already taken steps to balance growth with fairness, and I shift the focus from just policy to values by asking what kind of city we want Austin to be.

It's about recognizing that growth without fairness is just displacement. It's about realizing that culture doesn't come from buildings or branding. It comes from people. And when those people are gone, the culture goes with them. So what does success look like? It's not complicated. If rent prices level off. If local businesses are still there in five years. If the neighborhood still reflects the diversity it always had. If people who grew up near South Congress can afford to stay. That means success. Booe and Lippman say it well: “Preserving the character of South Congress means making room for both growth and tradition.”

That's the balance we should be aiming for. Ultimately, this is about the city's future. South Congress is just one example, but it shows us where things are heading. If we want Austin to stay creative, diverse, and real, we have to act like it. That means policy, support, and intentional choices. Thank you so much for listening. I hope this gave you something to think about. In this last part I put everything back to values and community, using a hopeful but urgent tone to show that real success means keeping South Congress diverse and livable, and I end by encouraging action through clear, simple goals and a reminder that the future of Austin depends on the choices we make now.