Rationality Premise: meaning the belief that the majority of people are adept to discovering the truth through logical analysis based on the idea that the average person can be trusted to make good decisions.
Perfectibility Premise: based on the old Puritan platform, humans are born in sin but are capable of attaining goodness through effort and control.
Mutability Premise: assumes that human behavior is molded by environmental elements and the way to enhance humans is to improve their physical and psychological conditions (a belief in universal education follows this assumption).
We use the rationality premise to live out democracy, trial by jury or free enterprise; entrusting ourselves to make the right decision when called upon. The perfectibility premise is practiced by believers, religious humans who hold truth to purging their sins through life make them good. The practice of the mutability premise means our education and environment define us as the humans we become. These three premises are just the foundation to the way our minds see truth, meaning, good and bad. I do believe to an extent that we use these techniques to guide us through life's events and feel that understanding them is important to good decision making.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Not the Exception & Not the Rule
Stereotypes are a love-hate relationship, in my opinion.
Defined, they are generalized biases we create based on what we can make sense of, in our given surroundings. This generalization eases feelings of uncertainty regarding the unknown and help make predictions about people, places or objects. However, stereotypes can be broken, they aren't always correct and it's important to remember they are a generalization- not the exception or rule.
I believe that when we are younger we feel more entitled to pass judgment and act on decisions. Middle School would be the peak of these years: discovering your adolescents and changing your image. Becoming a joke, cheerleader, gothic, preppy, punk, emo, etc. are all examples of stereotypes in the school distract, every class has them and every stereotype has people to keep it alive. I feel like we partially learn these stereotypes based on our own assumptions as well as learning them from movies, siblings and TV series. The former list relates to our surroundings, what we take in and how we translate it.
Stereotypes can me very hurtful and demeaning, but then they can also be humorous and truthful. Hence my love-hate relationship idea. I grew up playing all kinds of sports and loved to be outside, being a young girl only interested in sports I was considered a tomboy. But I didn't 100% fit that stereotype because even in a summer dress and flip flops (looking all girly with my hair curled and nails painted) I would still kick a ball and run around.
But as we grow up our stereotypes change like our image, but I think stereotypes help us animate our image. We know what we like from what we have seen and experienced, and we know what we don't. We associate ourselves with others like us and in some cases avoid those who fit a different stereotype. But like I stated before, I think it's important when categorizing stereotypes to remember it's a generalization (second-hand foundation) not the except and not the rule.
Defined, they are generalized biases we create based on what we can make sense of, in our given surroundings. This generalization eases feelings of uncertainty regarding the unknown and help make predictions about people, places or objects. However, stereotypes can be broken, they aren't always correct and it's important to remember they are a generalization- not the exception or rule.
I believe that when we are younger we feel more entitled to pass judgment and act on decisions. Middle School would be the peak of these years: discovering your adolescents and changing your image. Becoming a joke, cheerleader, gothic, preppy, punk, emo, etc. are all examples of stereotypes in the school distract, every class has them and every stereotype has people to keep it alive. I feel like we partially learn these stereotypes based on our own assumptions as well as learning them from movies, siblings and TV series. The former list relates to our surroundings, what we take in and how we translate it.
Stereotypes can me very hurtful and demeaning, but then they can also be humorous and truthful. Hence my love-hate relationship idea. I grew up playing all kinds of sports and loved to be outside, being a young girl only interested in sports I was considered a tomboy. But I didn't 100% fit that stereotype because even in a summer dress and flip flops (looking all girly with my hair curled and nails painted) I would still kick a ball and run around.
But as we grow up our stereotypes change like our image, but I think stereotypes help us animate our image. We know what we like from what we have seen and experienced, and we know what we don't. We associate ourselves with others like us and in some cases avoid those who fit a different stereotype. But like I stated before, I think it's important when categorizing stereotypes to remember it's a generalization (second-hand foundation) not the except and not the rule.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Creature of Culture
Yes, I fully agree that our habits, beliefs and impossibilities are shaped by our culture. Culture defined is that part of the environment made by humans, including material objects or possessions that a social group invents or acquires; alongside items intangible like customs, values and beliefs that give them a sense of commonality. Materials and possessions made important to us are done so through culture. Maintaining good grades, being a talented athlete, going to college, having a lot of friends; all ideal values created through the culture I grew up in. Granted these are good values to be apart of and not necessarily something to break through.
But an individual living in a culture they don't fit in to or no longer want to be apart of are faced with a difficult task of breaking through the limits. I think many students accomplish this break through with academic scholarships or through their athletic talents. Opportunities arise every day for many people, it's having the courage and determination to discover and commit to them. We watch so many inspirational movies and read books about a person starting with nothing and creating something. Becoming who you want to be instead of being molded into a creature made by the culture your society practices. The answer will always be no if you never ask the question. We are told to think outside the box, push ourselves, and I think that's is best way to break free. Another break through source could be imagination: believing and wanting something greater for yourself. The power of imagination can take us anywhere.
I feel that culture is something you make for yourself. I don't believe in order to be successful you must adopt someone else's culture and values, instead I think we take parts for all types of cultures and build on our own. It's more fun that way :) and the possibilities are limitless!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Too Close for Comfort
Personal Space.
Acts as a kind of portable enclave we carry with us wherever we go. I feel like personal space only exists in America. We Americans like our personal space, it's something we try to control and manipulate and when we don't have it, we have an issue. I used to get so annoyed waiting in line somewhere and the person behind me would be inch closer and closer to me. It's uncomfortable and makes me almost anxious. We are so fast paced in America and can't get something quick enough. In line while the person behind me got closer and closer I would think "just because you stand closer to me doesn't mean you're going to get there any faster." I like to be intimate with the people I like and know well, not the guy standing behind me in line to get a smoothie.
I traveled to Europe a few years ago and realized personal space doesn't really exist there. Taking public transportation or waiting in line at a café, you are close to everyone around you it's unavoidable. But there you can embrace the culture and soak it all in. In America you could start a fight if you bump in to the wrong person at the wrong place.
We establish these barriers but not everyone respects them or notices them. When you first meet someone you shake their hand. After you have spent some time together a hug may be the next step. But the key is to be able to recognize someone's personal space and interpret their behavior towards you as well as others. We give off nonverbal clues all the time, our body language, facial expressions etc. and granted some people are oblivious to these clues which is why we set up our own personal bubble.
You don't want your space invaded so don't invade someone else's. I went to my first yoga class a few weeks ago and didn't really know what to expect, the class was filling up but we all had enough room to engage in the posses. About ten minutes after the class started a woman came in late, couldn't find a space so we wedged herself between me and another woman. I was completely turned off because not only was my space being invaded but at one point her bare foot, un-manicured toes pressed up against my leg. I was thinking "seriously...gross." She didn't apologize and left the class early disrupting all those she hustled passed. To me personal space falls under the same category as respect. Establish your own boundaries and personal space but don't forget that others do the same.
Acts as a kind of portable enclave we carry with us wherever we go. I feel like personal space only exists in America. We Americans like our personal space, it's something we try to control and manipulate and when we don't have it, we have an issue. I used to get so annoyed waiting in line somewhere and the person behind me would be inch closer and closer to me. It's uncomfortable and makes me almost anxious. We are so fast paced in America and can't get something quick enough. In line while the person behind me got closer and closer I would think "just because you stand closer to me doesn't mean you're going to get there any faster." I like to be intimate with the people I like and know well, not the guy standing behind me in line to get a smoothie.
I traveled to Europe a few years ago and realized personal space doesn't really exist there. Taking public transportation or waiting in line at a café, you are close to everyone around you it's unavoidable. But there you can embrace the culture and soak it all in. In America you could start a fight if you bump in to the wrong person at the wrong place.
We establish these barriers but not everyone respects them or notices them. When you first meet someone you shake their hand. After you have spent some time together a hug may be the next step. But the key is to be able to recognize someone's personal space and interpret their behavior towards you as well as others. We give off nonverbal clues all the time, our body language, facial expressions etc. and granted some people are oblivious to these clues which is why we set up our own personal bubble.
You don't want your space invaded so don't invade someone else's. I went to my first yoga class a few weeks ago and didn't really know what to expect, the class was filling up but we all had enough room to engage in the posses. About ten minutes after the class started a woman came in late, couldn't find a space so we wedged herself between me and another woman. I was completely turned off because not only was my space being invaded but at one point her bare foot, un-manicured toes pressed up against my leg. I was thinking "seriously...gross." She didn't apologize and left the class early disrupting all those she hustled passed. To me personal space falls under the same category as respect. Establish your own boundaries and personal space but don't forget that others do the same.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Venus & Mars
On the subject of language I believe men and women use it differently. We do by our choice of words and the message we are trying to convey. In my opinion women tend to sugarcoat certain subjects while men just lay it all on you. I'm not saying that this is always true because as we all know each individual uses language differently. Studies have shown that women tend to be more compassionate and good listeners while men find it difficult to express themselves emotionally, but in the workforce they follow directions very well (also a listening skill, just a different subject). I think men like to keep it simple and women like to upscale words and relate them directly to emotion. On a personal level, I have an inclination to over analyze just about everything. It can be a blessing and a curse, haha but I try very hard not to over analyze because keeping thing simple is much easier.
In my Interpersonal Communication class we discussed the different ways men and women communicate and one lecture I remember was why women would get frustrated with their men because they would never have anything to say, even on the simplest subjects like: how was work? My professor explained a theory that if nothing significant happened to them (men) personally, nothing really happened that day. This makes sense but can also be frustrating when you're just trying to have a conversation.
Language is playful, it can be manipulated and used differently by every individual regardless of their gender. And just because people state some women talk to much and some men don't talk at all doesn't mean they aren't communicating. They can be using body language and using facial expressions which are just as significant as using words. The key is to use language to connect with others, find people using the same type of language you find yourself using.
In my Interpersonal Communication class we discussed the different ways men and women communicate and one lecture I remember was why women would get frustrated with their men because they would never have anything to say, even on the simplest subjects like: how was work? My professor explained a theory that if nothing significant happened to them (men) personally, nothing really happened that day. This makes sense but can also be frustrating when you're just trying to have a conversation.
Language is playful, it can be manipulated and used differently by every individual regardless of their gender. And just because people state some women talk to much and some men don't talk at all doesn't mean they aren't communicating. They can be using body language and using facial expressions which are just as significant as using words. The key is to use language to connect with others, find people using the same type of language you find yourself using.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Judgement Day
I don't believe it's possible to not judge or categorize someone. At least when you first meet them. It's a first impression and your first reaction to the way another human being presents themselves to you and the world. We make these judgements and create categories or stereotypes based on our up-bringing, culture, values, etc. We are taught at a young age to treat people the way we want to be treated and live with an open mind. To be accepting of all types of people, yet we make these judgements anyway. I don't think we can control these judgements but we can control our actions and even though someone is different from us, we can still treat them with respect.
In order to make our judgements more fair we must engage with or try to connect on some level with the individual(s) we are judging, and they must do the same for me. This is difficult because some people don't want to make the effort or they make their judgement and can't move past it. I have a friend with numerous tattoos. He has full sleeves, his back, neck and chest all bare tattoos. He recently told me that when he meets new people; especially someone's family he will hear long-sleeve shirts at least for the first couple of meetings. I asked why and he said because first impressions are important and he believed when he met people for the first time they made unfair and false judgements and opinions about him because of the tattoos. He said they assumed he was in to drugs or partying etc. and didn't take life serious. He was hurt by these judgements, especially since he chose his tattoos for personal reasons and wanted to create art.
It's unfair to make assumptions or discredit others when you know nothing about them. But that's what we often find ourselves doing. We each create an image in life and get along better with those with the same image in mind; with that said it doesn't mean one image is above another or we cannot get along with those who hold a different image. Life is full of people who come and go, and remembering that I feel it's more beneficial to to set aside judgements and get to know someone!
In order to make our judgements more fair we must engage with or try to connect on some level with the individual(s) we are judging, and they must do the same for me. This is difficult because some people don't want to make the effort or they make their judgement and can't move past it. I have a friend with numerous tattoos. He has full sleeves, his back, neck and chest all bare tattoos. He recently told me that when he meets new people; especially someone's family he will hear long-sleeve shirts at least for the first couple of meetings. I asked why and he said because first impressions are important and he believed when he met people for the first time they made unfair and false judgements and opinions about him because of the tattoos. He said they assumed he was in to drugs or partying etc. and didn't take life serious. He was hurt by these judgements, especially since he chose his tattoos for personal reasons and wanted to create art.
It's unfair to make assumptions or discredit others when you know nothing about them. But that's what we often find ourselves doing. We each create an image in life and get along better with those with the same image in mind; with that said it doesn't mean one image is above another or we cannot get along with those who hold a different image. Life is full of people who come and go, and remembering that I feel it's more beneficial to to set aside judgements and get to know someone!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Something Useful
Chapter ten already has a bunch of useful information but what stood out the most to me was the Action Step of the speech. We write speeches to connect with people, teach them something we believe in or just want to share. Every speech should summon some type of action from the audience or at least make their topic stick with them.
The Action Step involves the speaker to call upon the audience to personally get involved with their subject that was previously discussed in the need and satisfactory steps. In my first public speech class I gave a persuasive speech on why we should floss our teeth. I made it funny, informative and ended with asking my audience to make the effort to always floss their teeth. I made it to the finals in a speech tournament and was actually having a conversation with a friend from that class who laughed and actually quoted a line from my speech. I was shocked but they told me it stuck out because the humor I used mixed with facts. He also said he flossed for a little and then forgets to, haha. But, the action step does exactly this; it sends a message that gets received by the individuals in the audience and they act in accordance to your message. It's a pretty cool concept and I feel it's one of the most important when delivering a speech. Calling attention to something, expressing a need and then producing satisfying result all depend on the action step. We can talk and talk and talk but nothing will get done unless we act on it. It's an important step and not something to be overlooked in my opinion.
The Action Step involves the speaker to call upon the audience to personally get involved with their subject that was previously discussed in the need and satisfactory steps. In my first public speech class I gave a persuasive speech on why we should floss our teeth. I made it funny, informative and ended with asking my audience to make the effort to always floss their teeth. I made it to the finals in a speech tournament and was actually having a conversation with a friend from that class who laughed and actually quoted a line from my speech. I was shocked but they told me it stuck out because the humor I used mixed with facts. He also said he flossed for a little and then forgets to, haha. But, the action step does exactly this; it sends a message that gets received by the individuals in the audience and they act in accordance to your message. It's a pretty cool concept and I feel it's one of the most important when delivering a speech. Calling attention to something, expressing a need and then producing satisfying result all depend on the action step. We can talk and talk and talk but nothing will get done unless we act on it. It's an important step and not something to be overlooked in my opinion.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Check 1, 2, 3
Becoming an influential speaker is incredibly difficult. The ability to touch, inspire or connect with people from a range of backgrounds is an extraordinary talent. When thinking about influential speakers that I've experienced I kept coming back to those in the Entertainment Industry or Politics. Watching interviews, presentations or performances those in the public eye have to be on point and effectively communicating their thoughts and ideas.
The person I initially thought of was Dave Matthews. He's a musician, actor, father, husband among other things and he's absolutely my favorite! He's involved with about twelve charities, supports many causes and hosts fundraising and benefit concerts often. He is hilarious, unique, quirky and captivating. I think it's important to be able to laugh at yourself, and he does it well. What I love about Dave Matthews is that he can connect with people on multiple levels. His music possesses so much emotion and evokes emotion from you, the same lyrics have the power to mean so many different things; it just depends on the person listening to them. One of his lyrics that comes to mind is from a song Funny the Way It Is "Someone's broken heart becomes your favorite song."
Dave Matthews' songs mean a lot to me! I've been a fan for years and see him in concert almost twice a year with my Mom and sisters! He has many sides and I appreciate the person he is and remain intrigued by him.
Continuing on the subject of those involved with the Entertainment Industry, I feel that many of them tend to put their foot in their mouth. Like Donald Trump, Charlie Sheen, Snooki, Paris Hilton etc. Is it an act? Does the media catch them on bad days? Are they really ignorant? I think it's a combination of a lot of things, but one of the things that bothers me most is when people, regardless in the public eye or not don't show respect for others; along with acting completely stupid and thinking it's cute. I think that those individuals who don't think before they speak are the worst kind of speakers and do the most damage.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Alternate Reality?
In order to effectively communicate within the Social Constructionist Model individuals use four specific tools: language or symbolic codes, cognitive customs like beliefs and values, cultural traditions and sets of roles and rules to direct personal actions. This model suggests that we never experience the world directly but choose parts of it that fall within our culture that we recognize as significant. At first glance, this sounds incredibly ignorant. But actually makes sense. We cannot experience the entire world all the time, and depending on our environment or beliefs; only specific aspects of the world truly apply to us. Therefore, we "build worlds" with these four tools using communication. Given that we all don't live in the same house, city or country for that matter; we "build worlds" within the world. Meaning what is important to me may not even be on someone else's radar.
An example that I thought of was women and their hair. In India many practice Hinduism, both men and women, will sacrifice their hair in the name of God. Where I come from... women will literally pay thousands of dollars for hair extensions. In California especially, long beautiful, healthy-looking hair is desired by almost all women. And yet in India it is more desirable to cut off all of your hair to show loyalty to the God you believe in. The American woman gets her new long hair extensions and the Indian woman feels happy pleasing her God; everyone is happy!
I believe we sometimes communicate in a social constructionist way but not to the full extent. We all play a part in life but that part changes when we change. And like us; change is constant. Everything always comes back to good, effective communication. No matter what setting you're in, adopting new culture or having the ability to relate to another culture is necessary. Even though we live in the real world, we can make it our own!
An example that I thought of was women and their hair. In India many practice Hinduism, both men and women, will sacrifice their hair in the name of God. Where I come from... women will literally pay thousands of dollars for hair extensions. In California especially, long beautiful, healthy-looking hair is desired by almost all women. And yet in India it is more desirable to cut off all of your hair to show loyalty to the God you believe in. The American woman gets her new long hair extensions and the Indian woman feels happy pleasing her God; everyone is happy!
I believe we sometimes communicate in a social constructionist way but not to the full extent. We all play a part in life but that part changes when we change. And like us; change is constant. Everything always comes back to good, effective communication. No matter what setting you're in, adopting new culture or having the ability to relate to another culture is necessary. Even though we live in the real world, we can make it our own!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Introductory Post
Hiii!
I have been communicating since about 1989, haha. But really, I just recently transferred to SJSU! My major is Communications, which is kind of perfect because I definitely enjoy talking to people. I grew up playing sports, quoting movies and hanging out with friends! I like to read, play games and love to laugh. I have two younger sisters: who are absolutely hilarious! I live at home with both my parents, sisters, dogs, fish, etc! I've never blogged before but it's something I've been interested in.
That's all I've got for now!
Have a great day :)
-Phoenix
I have been communicating since about 1989, haha. But really, I just recently transferred to SJSU! My major is Communications, which is kind of perfect because I definitely enjoy talking to people. I grew up playing sports, quoting movies and hanging out with friends! I like to read, play games and love to laugh. I have two younger sisters: who are absolutely hilarious! I live at home with both my parents, sisters, dogs, fish, etc! I've never blogged before but it's something I've been interested in.
That's all I've got for now!
Have a great day :)
-Phoenix
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