Rather, perceptions of danger vary widely and the logic justifying these perceptions is inconsistent and selective. The diagnosis and treatment of phobic disorders illustrates the how custom, socialization, and rationalization create and maintain the social distinction between the dangerous and the safe. Conceptions of Audience in Theories of Rhetoric Rhetor and audience usually appear as occupying the distinct roles of sending and receiving. However, as social actors both are capable of the full range of human communication. I argue rhetor and audience differ not in behavior but in appearance.
Structural factors make some actors more noticeable than others.
We identify as rhetors those whose sending behavior is apparent, and classify less noticeable actors as members of the audience. Such a distinction ignores the complexity of the communication process. I identify several ways actors manipulate social borders to achieve political advantage.