Topoi

Topic, stemming from the Greek word topos, was described by Aristotle as a general argumentative pattern out of which arguments about specific subjects can be generated. Topics contextualize a message or argument through definition, division, comparison, relationship, circumstance, and testimony, all aiding the audience to develop their own opinion of the argument with certain information presented.

In the documentary “Diversity: What does it mean?” various topoi are put into effect to aid the viewer to see diversity more in-depth. An example of definition being used is seen in the first interviews of four students, describing their definitions of diversity; this defines diversity as something that cannot easily be put and that everyone has their own definition of. This also lays a foundation for the complexity that is about to be explored concerning diversity. Defining a subject in one’s argument creates a clear message for the audience of what is being discussed.

The tool of dividing the topic of diversity from its whole to individual parts was a necessity in making the documentary. As previously mentioned, since everyone has their own view of diversity, every student at the University of Denver will notice different types of diversity that are prominent on campus. Exploring what diversity is as a whole and then dividing what kinds of it each student sees helps the audience member imagine the University of Denver, even if they have never seen the student body before. This sets a setting and a background for the examination of diversity at DU. Division allows the argument to be viewed on various scales, making it easier to understand as it goes more in-depth.

Comparison was essential in investigating diversity on a macro and micro scale. When hearing the students’ views on the diversity they see on their campus, it was also necessary to see how these views were shaped by taking a look into their pasts and comparing them. For example, someone from a religiously diverse environment may come to DU and see it as completely homogeneous; someone from an all-white neighborhood may come to DU and see multiple kinds of diversity. Comparing the backgrounds and current views help us understand the different definitions and opinions considered in this video. The kinds of diversity seen at DU were also compared with the students’ views of what they didn’t see at DU; this paints an even clearer comparison for someone who has not been to the University of Denver. The use of comparison in any argument provides more than one view of the subject, and evaluates similarities and/or differences.

The topic of relationship was used to further explain diversity at DU as the students and Jesús Treviño described the multiple types of diversity that exist. This contradicts the norm of what society usually thinks when they hear “diversity,” usually imagining race or ethnicity. However, all of those interviewed discuss how it reaches beyond visible boundaries, such as race and gender, to diversity not seen, such as religion, political ideology, and more. Jesús also contradicts what most people think would be hurtful towards creating unity, by describing how the celebration of similarities and differences equally is what unifies us. Relating causes and effects, contradictions to truth, and more allow the listeners to view the entire picture and make connections within the argument.

Circumstance would be most prominent when discussing the racial statistics at the University of Denver. Sam White compares a current fact to what could be in the future by stating that students of color only make up 18% of the student body, and that he wishes there could be so many races that diversity wasn’t discussed in numbers, but that it was “just there.” This not only compares the current state of DU to what it could be, but represents the opinions of some of the student body who wish the race issue weren’t so prominent. Using circumstance to compare what is and what could be is essential in helping the audience envision your argument or goal.

Lastly, testimonies make up the entire documentary and shape it into the story it has become. Witnesses such as students and staff discuss rumors, statistics, opinions, and more, and allow the audience to build their own perception of the microcosm that is DU. Without these testimonies, there would be nothing for the documentary to explore. While there is only so much the narrator can say, various testimonies confirm what the argument is trying to portray and provides concrete evidence.

Engaging your viewer in your argument through tactics such as these will not only get them to agree, but to aid them in understanding why they are thinking this way as well.