Tales of a Texas Cynic: Theodore O. Windt Remembered

Abstract

In memory of Professor Ted Windt, this essay considers his significant contributions to rhetorical scholarship and pedagogy. It examines his unique contributions to our understandings of American presidential and protest rhetoric of the late 20th century, highlighting his application of Greek cynicism as explanatory schema for American protest rhetoric and then recounting Windt's framework for analyzing “crisis” rhetoric as appropriated by recent American presidents to advance their agendas. The essay then considers Windt's pedagogical perspectives and argues that Windt's teaching itself was acclaimed because it was rooted in the rhetorical and oratorical excellence. In conclusion, it is argued that Ted Windt was a unique and important rhetorical scholar and critic whose life and work provide lasting scholarly contributions and a robust model for achieving excellence in the college classroom.

Keywords:

• 1960s
• Crisis Rhetoric
• Cynicism
• Diogenes of Sinope
• John F. Kennedy
• Lyndon Johnson
• Presidential Rhetoric
• Protest Rhetoric
• Rhetoric
• Rhetorical Criticism
• Social Movements

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Deborah Borisoff, James Chesebro, Dan Hahn, Robert Newman, and Bradley Wilson for their comments and suggestions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jean G. Jones

Jean G. Jones (PhD, University of Pittsburgh, 1995) is a Professor in the Department of Speech & Communication Studies at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA 16444, USA.