last question of the semester

I'm not entirely sold on the idea of television being a cool medium whereas the radio is a hot medium, as discussed in chapter 11. The text did not adequately address this idea and I found it wasn't articulated in way that fostered a great deal of credibility to the concept; I really don't like when textbooks do that. I also don't listen to any radio so it's a bit abstract to think about radio being hotter and more direct than the medium of television. The author used it as an illustration on mcluhan's theory of the medium is the message but the reader was left hanging on the hot/cool medium tie-in.

this class has been a blast. i'm off to write a history paper. have a great summer everyone!

chapter 13 question 2

One of the concepts I found quite interesting was the concept on the grapevine, an informal channel of communication. In a work context the grapevine can be an important means by which to keep abreast of what is actually going on at one's company. the nature of formal channels of communication makes it such that only the “official word” is given on a particular matter. Through the grapevine one may be able to discover information such as who has been reprimanded and why or whether there will be any layoffs. Many people take this activity as mere gossip, but chapter 8 advances the idea that the grapevine arises out of personal need because of the inadequacy of formal channels; that the grapevine can be an important and useful means of acquiring information and that grapevine information can be quite accurate. (trenholm, 224) Because the grapevine or gossip is frequently attributed to women, it's oftentimes undervalued when in actuality there's a lot of important information to be found in the grapevine.

Another concept of interest was that of withdrawal. Everyone has different ways of managing interpersonal conflict. I feel as though my style is a combination of engaging and withdrawal. Withdrawal was a pattern of behavior I learned growing up with a naughty brother whose actions I was to be accountable for as the oldest. Whenever I was about to do something wrong my immediate response was “I'm not getting involved.” I didn't was to get into a huge conflict with him over his bad behavior and preferred to discuss it with my mother. As an adult I've used withdrawal as a means of avoiding painful topics or as a means of stopping a conversation I don't want to have. I think understanding why people withdraw in interpersonal situations can help mediate conflict.

chapter 13 question 1

The most interesting research methodology seems lilke it would be ethnography where one observes behavior in its natural setting. I think it provides the most stimulating and interesting research possibilities. For example, ethnographers like Zora Neale Hurston was able to study the population of African Americans in Florida around the time of the Depression. While she's mostly known as an author, she was also an ethnographer. Other ethnographers have gone overseas to study primitive cultures which is also interesting. If I wanted to study some aspect of deception I might try and and use a survey with close ended questions and pose the following question: why do you think people commit identity theft? The group of people I would focus on would be individuals convicted of identity theft.

chapter11 question 3

I find mcluhans' idea that the medium is the message to have some merit. While the text sites the use of the media by american presidents dating back to roosevelt, I find that in the most recent presidential election, the power and use of the internet as a medium was unprecedented and irrevocably altered the way in which presidential races will be covered. The internet allows media outlet the means by which to continuously loop particular sound bits or news clips in a way television doesn't allow. The internet also allows more in depth coverage for certain news events that cannot be covered in a similar manner on television.

I'm not entirely sold on the idea of television being a cool medium whereas the radio is a hot medium. The text spends 3 sentences on this concept and I found it wasn't articulated in way that fostered by buying into the concept. I also don't listen to any radio so it's a bit abstract to think about radio being hotter and more direct than the medium of television. i'm interested to read what others think about this concept.

chapter11 question1

i enjoy cyberspace interactions but ain't nothing like the real thing.i have found it awkward to acquire "new friends" online. in the absence of f2f interaction it is virtually impossible to determine if people are being genuine about who they are. one of the good things about f2f interactions is that it gives one the tools to evaluate the whole person and not just words on a screen. body language and eye contact provide important contexts for understanding how someone feels and there's no way to replace that. and in light of the many murders that have occurred as a result of meeting on craigslist, i think my caution is warranted.

i also don't belief online "relationships" are real. as an adult, i think they fall more in the realm of make believe. people create an online persona in order to portray themselves in a given way. when i meet people online i keep in mind that whatever biographical information they give is most likely based in fantasy not reality. i think that there are people who get so caught up in their online community they lose the ability to connect with people in the real world.

chapter11 question3

one concept i found extremely interesting was that of the influence of television, which was covered in the beginning of the chapter. i've always had a love-hate relationship with television. as a woman of color whose worldview doesn't always coincide with the dominant culture, there are times i find television to be EXTREMELY troubling. i suppose i'm believer in the powerful effects model which theorizes that receivers of television are relatively passive, accepting the many messages tv is feeding them which in turn informs how one thinks. i think it important to remain vigilant and maintain an awareness of the biases involved in the production of television programs which is a for profit endeavor. i think the powerful effects model is ESPECIALLY true for children and young people, many of whom have yet to develop the critical thinking skills needed to negotiate the powerful messages television bombards them with.

i think it important to also mention the media in light of the u.s.public health emergency over the swine flu. the initial television reports i've seen are contributing to community panic. i've seen several reports suggesting that the best protection is to take tamiflu, a pharmacutical antiviral whereas the cdc website is offering measures such as washing one's hands, the use of hand sanitizer and the avoidance of public spaces where exposure might be high.

chapter8 question2

Cellular phones: My pet peeve is having to listen to overly loud and sometimes inappropriate cell phone conversations while commuting. It seems as though far too many people seems to forget the public is not their private home and maybe, just maybe other people are not interested in their private life. I also detest the number of people who attempt to drive and talk on their cellphones (HELLO HANDSFREE BECAME THE LAW LAST JULY) and act offended when you politely remind them not to run you over.
Answering machines: I have less of a problem with. As long as the message isn't more than 30 seconds I'm fine.
Conference Calls: I use them infrequently but through the use of Eluminate I generally remember to identify myself before speaking.
Faxes: I rarely fax.
Timing Communications: I detest telemarketers who conveniently call during the dinner hour. Very lame.
Screen names and ring tones: I think it's a good idea to have have multiple email accounts in order maintain one's individuality. I think there's a way to balance one's creativity with a more polished and mature image.
Call waiting doesn't bother me provided the person on the other end gives a heads up that they need to take another call and provided the conversation doesn't last more than a few minutes. If it does I simply hang up. Unless I'm talking to someone out of state, I don't place a real premium on lengthy phone conversations.

chapter8 question 3

One of the concepts I found interesting was the section on the grapevine, an informal channel of communication. In a work context the grapevine can be an important means by which to keep abreast of what is actually going on at one's company. the nature of formal channels of communication makes it such that only the “official word” is given on a particular matter. Through the grapevine one may be able to discover information such as who has been reprimanded and why or whether there will be any layoffs. Many people take this activity as mere gossip, but our text advances the idea that the grapevine arises out of personal need because of the inadequacy of formal channels; that the grapevine can be an important and useful means of acquiring information and that grapevine information can be quite accurate. (trenholm, 224)

chapter8 question 1

Organizations depend on their surroundings for resources and energy. The Silicon Valley region comes to mind. This region is able to attract the best and brightest talent to local companies because it's know as a hub for companies that create hardware and software for computers. In turn, local universities supply both students and faculty in support of this private industry. There is a reciprocal relationship at work between Silicon Valley companies and local universities. Universities must remain sensitive to the benefits and draw backs of their presence within the community. For example, as the number of students a university serves increases, so too does noise and traffic which has can have a negative impact on the environment. It might be fitting for the university to support biking and alternative means of transport.

chapter6 question3

One concept of interest was that of withdrawal. Everyone has different ways of managing interpersonal conflict. I feel as though my style is a combination of engaging and withdrawal. Withdrawal was a pattern of behavior I learned growing up with a naughty brother whose actions I was to be accountable for as the oldest. Whenever I was about to do something wrong my immediate response was “I'm not getting involved.” I didn't was to get into a huge conflict with him over his bad behavior and preferred to discuss it with my mother. As an adult I've used withdrawal as a means of avoiding painful topics or as a means of stopping a conversation I don't want to have.

chapter6 question2

There's a fairly long list of things I theoretically would dismiss in a potential partner but in the proper context I might consider. For example, I'm a Leo and would characterize myself as independent whereas my husband, who is a Cancer, can be a bit clingy. Ordinarily I wouldn't be interested in someone like that, but we've managed to work though that particular character flaw (lol) In the past I've eliminated men as potential dating partners due to preinteraction cues such as their physical appearance. I don't think I'm shallow but at times I've felt some people in San Francisco try, and succeed at looking as ugly as possible. Being a native New Yorker this is not acceptable to me. But once this guy looked kinda trashy in appearance but upon talking with him I found we shared common interests and values.

chapter6 question1

Of the 3 patterns of dominance I think it's a tie between competitive symmetry and submissive symmetry. They are opposite sides of the same coin. Being really submissive or really dominant are extremely difficult characteristics to overcome and for many are traits fundamental to one's personality. When someone falls into the extreme of either pattern, it's possible to lessen or soften the extreme but not entirely eliminate those characteristics. And I think in adult relationships either competitive symmetry or submissive symmetry are relationship killers because compromise is the part of the foundation of a healthy relationship. It would take a lot of counseling and a willingness to change a fundamental part of one's personality and I personally don't see that happening with the majority of adults. I think those who have submissive symmetry in their relationship would have their self-esteem hurt the most. I perceive extremely dominant personalities as a bit self involved and inflexible enough to feel justified in their behavior. Whereas submissive people I feel are more sensitive and therefore more likely to have their self-esteem damaged as a result of their submissive symmetry.

chapter 12 question2

I'm a believer in the mutability premise which assumes human behavior is based upon one's environment. The best way to improve man is to improve man's environment. While I don't feel it's possible to prefect man, use of the mutability premise can be found in the ways in which the government has addressed the issue of childhood nutrition and education. In providing government assistance in the form of food vouchers, the idea is no child should go hungry which in turn will make them better prepared to participate in their own education. The mutability premise is the basis for the public education system in the united states. The rationality premise is the basis the trust given to the average joe's ability to make good judgment and the perfectibility premise is the basis for Purtian religious ideology.

chapter12 question 1

Yes, I agree that we are creatures of our culture and our habits and beliefs are shaped by our culture. I think of things as mundane as my evening meal. It is not uncommon for me to prepare our meal which we generally have while watching tv or doing some task on our computers. In many families, the evening meal is the time for family members to come together and discuss one's day. Oftentimes my husband and I have school or work tasks that require our attention such that we rarely eat at our dinning room table. Although this is different than the way in which I grew up, I feel as though this behavior has become common place in American culture especially since many of us are seemingly always busy. In order to break through the limits of our cultures we first must become aware of our different habits and beliefs and then we need to develop greater openness and understanding which facilitates one's ability to work well with those of other cultures.

chapter12 question3

one concept in the reading i found very helpful was that of acculturation-the process of adapting to a new culture. as a traveler, i find this process extremely important if one is to truly partake in the culture. one of the first times i traveled abroad it was kind of a culture shock to be in a foreign country, belgium, not speak the language and being a teen, initially i didn't know how to relate to the culture i was experiencing which made me unhappy. but my openness and overall resiliency allowed me to overcome linguistic barriers and enjoy the experience on its own terms. once i was able to appreciate the cultural exchange as just as enriching although different from my own culture i was able to relax and enjoy.

chapter 5 question 3

One thing I found interesting was the discussion surrounding cultural difference when it comes to concepts of time. One sees this difference when traveling. I go to Mexico and the Caribbean almost every year and there is a more laid back approach to timeliness. I think of it more of an approximation. More often than not 3 o'clock means 3:15 or 3:30. Westerners are viewed as high strung when it comes to our obsession with timeliness. It's a long running joke among my friends, many of whom people of color, that “we” have our own way of looking at time that is different than the dominant culture. I think that perspective is kind of true and can be funny unless one is waiting for a chronically late person, one of my personal pet peeves.

chapter 5 question 2

One thing that comes to mind is the American practice of looking people in the eye when expressing oneself. Overall I tend to look people in the eye because I was raised in this country. But I know in other countries this is deemed as inappropriate and potentially disrespectful especially if one is of a lower social standing than the person one is addressing. American take not looking someone in the eye as dishonesty while other cultures consider it a respectful means of communication. In this country touching someone who is talking to is deemed inappropriate whereas in other country this type of gesturing is okay. One other thing came to mind as I was typing which is the practice of allowing personal space when talking with people. When I was in the Caribbean I noticed that many people would get into my personal space, 18 inches or closer, which was a bit disconcerting. I had to remind myself that different cultures have different norms.

chapter 5 question 1

I remember dating this guy I really liked, we'll call him Andrew. I'm a verbal person; if I'm asked a question I'll respond to it thoroughly or I'll decline to answer but I'll verbalize that. When things were on the decline in our relationship his responses to any inquiries were either tepid or non-committal. Maybe because it was because I'm an optimist or maybe it was because at that point in my life I wasn't very good at reading people's non verbal communication but I didn't know that he was in the process of breaking up with me until I could no longer get in touch with him. I didn't recognize his unwillingness to verbalize certain feelings as a means of communication. I thought it cowardly of him to not simply say something which I guess he did but not verbally. It taught me a valuable lesson in regards to understanding non verbal communication of people when compared to their base line behavior. Andrew's evasiveness was marked by fidgeting which is one means of evaluating someone's message. Overall Andrew was communicative but when it came to making the decision to break up he used non verbal communication to communicate this.

chapter 3/4 question 1

I don't think its possible to perceive others without judging or categorizing them. From my perspective that goes against the basic nature of man. Whenever I meet someone for the first time, I notice diction and physical characteristics. Those things help me make sense of who they might be. For example, if the person is clearly homeless, I might be a bit more guarded in what I talk about and even if the conversation went well, I wouldn't ask to meet up for coffee the following week. I think that evaluating and categorizing helps provide some context as to the type of person they might be. I think it important to realize one's biases before creating fully formed feelings one way or another about someone. And I also think a little compassion and understanding helps as well. For example, if I come across someone who doesn't speak English well it's helpful to give them the benefit of the doubt that they would like to have a better command of the English language, sense it is the official language of this country, but there may be a good reason they do not speak as well as I think they should. But more importantly, that does not make them less than as a person nor does it make them less intelligent. I've traveled a lot and no one enjoys having a poor command of the dominant language.

chapter 3/4 question 2

One concept I found quite interesting was the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that the nature of our language affects the nature of our thought. I was thinking specifically about the concepts of linguistic determinism and linguistic relativity as applied to people for whom English is not their 1st language. I have a love/hate relationship with the literalism of the English language. For those of other cultures or ethnicities who speak English, it stands to reason there are thoroughly American ideas that they may understand linguistically, but can be difficult to grasp conceptually because they do not really understand the context of the idea. I think of the expression it's as American as apple pie. One might understand the sentence but there can be a gap in understanding the cultural context of the expression.

question2/chapters 3&4

There are no innate characteristics that make men and women use language differently but rather the social construct, gender, plays an important role in the different use of language among men and women. Overall women and men are socialized in ways that have a real impact on the language used by each group. If the stereotypical man is self assured, aggressive and competitive, women are the opposite: passive and group oriented. This in turn has an impact on the language choices of each group and the social dynamics found among the groups. The example used in the text suggests that girls playing with one another place emphasis upon everyone getting a turn and a fairly non competitive environment whereas when boys play the group infrequently suggest fair play for everyone and is generally involved in competitive type sports. The gendered language difference between men and women is exemplified by a women's willingness to reach out and ask for help when lost whereas many men maintain an independent stance and try to find their way without asking someone for help. Oftentimes women will ask more descriptive details from an encounter whereas men are at a loss because they did not notice the details being asked of them.

chapter 9 question 3

one concept not discussed in the questions that i found helpful was the discussion of communicating in the public sphere that focused on the efforts of more ordinary people whose public communication bought light to important social issues. i think of candy lightner, whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver and who would later form MADD. her advocacy not only helped change laws around drunk driving but also opened up a public discourse on this important social issue. oftentimes we think of public communication happening by celebrities or politicians when sometimes the most powerful and influential public communicators are ordinary people whose very human story has the ability to touch the lives of so many people.

chapter 9 question 2

president obama is an extremely intelligent man and i feel that the combination of his charisma and ability to convince me of the truth of what he is presenting are his strongest characteristics as a speaker. but ultimately, i think that is a combination of credibility, attractiveness and power that make him an effective speaker. i think of the keynote speech he gave at the 2000 democratic convention, and how electrifying his speech was. although he was little known outside of chicago many pundits and average joe's felt he was someone to watch within the democratic party. he has grown tremendously from the presidential debates and is in his element when presenting a well thought out speech to large crowds. i think the area president obama needs to build ethos would be in the area of power. ethos in the area of power is something presidents achieve through the positive management of their role as president. it's only through setting and achieving goals that this will come about. in regards to credibility and attractiveness, i think this was achieved by the victory of winning the electoral votes of states such as pennsylvannia and indiana which frequently go republican.

chapter 9 question 1

one of the better speakers i have heard was angela davis, university of california professor and civil rights activist. i was drawn in by the topic of her speech which was the prison industrial complex and by the fact that she is a living legend insofar as well known black activists who remain active in speaking out against the continued injustices going on in this country. i was impressed by her ability to provide an historical context for her argument and beliefs. the timeliness of her speech was also a factor because she spoke on the problems surrounding the corporatization of prisons and the impact on black and latino men at a time when few were publicly talking about this issue.

one of the worst speakers i have ever heard was a seminar instructor i had at san francisco state who has thankfully retired. maybe it was the age difference and generational differences insofar as what i expected from a professor lecturing but i found his presentations dry, not insightful and outdated. it didn't help matters that he did not like to be challenged by divergent views. i think the main thing i remember from this instructor was that his area of historical expertise had evolved and changed in ways his lectures did not reflect and therefore his message was no longer relevant.

chaper 2 questions 2&3

I think there is some value in thinking of communication as patterned interaction especially as one grows older. what come to mind to me is dating. there are certain roles each gender tends to play in relationships such that there is some predictable behavior. for example, most people will become upset if their paramour is overtly flirting with someone else in their presence. but to equate communication with a game is a mistake and minimizes the potential seriousness of playing the game poorly or even equating communication with something frivolous. everyone is unique and one is not always able to predict how someone will react to different moves. there is some truth to male stereotypes that women are unpredictable. i would agree with this because no matter how well versed one is with the game, there is no predictive element or definative pattern.



3).
i enjoyed the part of the reading that dealt with the evolving perspective of cultural studies. in this post modern world it's ironic how one takes certain perspectives for granted and this is one of them for me. i never really thought about how influential the cultural studies perspective has become because i had never given it a name. this perspective has had a tremendous impact on the social sciences, history and ethnic studies to be more specific. the later mentioned disciplines place the struggle for equality in america within the context of the continual struggle for power which is very different than the i started out in my study of history. i think the 'old study' of history frequently obscured the connections between social forces and opression which i have found useful in understanding various historical events.

chapter 2 question 1

i was thinking about the communication that took place between white settlers and Native peoples in the New World. (i hold a ba in american history) if communication is used to create group ideas about oneself, one another and the world one lives in, it's easy to understand why there was so much miscommunication between the 2 groups. with each group having it's own distinct and rather different cultures, their perception of reality were understandably quite different. the cultural contexts each group held for understanding the world, made it very difficult for each group to transend or find common ground. the worlds that each group built were very different which made coexistance rather difficult and problematic.

recently, the term staycation has come into use. with the economic downturn many americans are unable to afford to travel but will use their vacation time to explore the city or area they live in. there is certainly value in taking time off from work and enjoying the simple pleasures in one's city but i'm certain this term is unheard of in countries where a vacation is an activity reserved for the well-to-do.

introduction

hello out there,
this is nyp and i hold a ba in american history from san francisco state. i enjoy the spoken word so decided to enroll in this course. i think it's always good to develop foundational understanding for subjects like communication which we tend to take for granted. i hope to become more adept at blogging and learning from our instructor and from one another.

intro

hello there,
this is nyp and i'm an open university studio, recently registered. i look forward to lots of great blogging!!