Week 5/7-5/13: Methods of Discovery: Part 3

One concept I find many people do not get to experience in their lifetime is true culture shock. The term culture shock is tossed around in our verbal language when one describes a minor exposure to a culture other than their usual; however, this is not the correct way to express this serious concept. Culture shock is described by author Sarah Trenholm as an anxiety one experiences due to a loss of our familiar signs, symbols of our normal social intercourse (2011, pg. 340). We many feel at times we are adventurous and do not have a mundane lifestyle, but if you were to be placed in any other country this perspective would soon be exacerbated with fear. Two summers ago, I visited Vietnam and Cambodia with my current boyfriend. I was excited and nervous since I had only been out of the country once- Canada. We arrived and we were definitely not at home any longer. I was fine for the first 2 ½ weeks but as I became more exhausted of traveling, I became wary of further traveling. Although I was enjoying the new pace of life, the anxiety became more vivid. The food was malnourished, the beds were hard, and the heat was unbearable at times. A few times, I grew impatient and would cry in frustration. Once I reflected on all of these moments, I grasped that I was experiencing culture shock.

Week 5/7-5/13: Methods of Discovery: Part 2

Intercultural communication stood our greatly to me. When I pick up my course textbook, I refer back to chapter 12, Intercultural Communication. The example/story of the Moroccan family dinner stuck to my memory, and I told a few friends and family members about it. I liked to think I knew much about the world and the cultural differences within a group. However, reading this small excerpt, I recognized how large the world is, and how much we do not know of one another. A simple gesture, a thoughtful comment, and a normal dinner setting question can make a massive impression on your new friend, or now enemy, without realizing each cultural characteristic of your actions. Each cultural universal is vastly different in the enactments of these activities. It has made me realize how I would enjoy taking further cultural classes in the future. I would appreciate and possibly visit more countries, and would only be beneficial to me to understand my surroundings.

Week 5/7-5/13: Methods of Discovery: Part 1

To be completely honest, all of the popular research methods in Chapter 13, Methods of Discovery, of our textbook seem most appealing and interesting to perform myself. However, for the sake of this blog, rhetorical criticism remained in my thoughts after I read the chapter. In order to understand how we are influenced and persuaded, we must fully comprehend it ourselves. Choosing a topic, audience, and lastly, its context to analyze it suddenly materializes why this research method is popular. We see forms of rhetoric each day. We see the media persuading us to believe and fear certain places and people. We view television and internet advertisements which spark an urge to shop or crave a cheesy burger. On the other hand, when public speeches are performed and we research meaning behind every word expressed over the intercom, more rhetoric becomes apparent thus the reason for this methodologies to appear fascinating and attractive.

Week 4/23-4/29: Comm & the Mass Media: Part 3

This chapter encompassed many interesting and eye-catching terms, but the one I would like to focus on is the broad idea and characteristics of media. Last semester I took a Communication and Media class, and it opened my perception of what we define media as, and how and where we interpret those messages. Charles Wright touches on the model of the four media functions which are surveillance, correlation, cultural transmission and entertainment (Trenholm, 2011, pg. 285). Although these are terrific points, they briefly talk about the hidden agenda media has. I find media’s communication to us extremely interesting as most people do not think about how the media misinterprets news articles, and purposefully exclude information to make particular victims’ and offenders’ stories appeal to the mass public. Children are usually the receivers of all media subliminal messages, I only use this word because their brains are not developed enough to comprehend what the meaning or the commercials are trying to say. Studies have shown children who watch more television and do not have a parent monitoring their television intake, are more likely to become obese in their adult life. Some of these statistical numbers could be from a non-participating parent, but much of it has to do with why they make the decision to eat a McDonald’s burger verses a salad- the media and those bright vivid commercials.

Week 4/23-4/29: Comm & the Mass Media: Part 2

Marshall McLuhan believes the channel (i.e. television, radio, newspaper, and internet) is often times more important than the message communicated to the audience. In some cases this is true, but for others I do not. I have recently been hooked on different podcasts which are essentially either a video or a radio station (depends on how you would like to hear the message), and they are fascinating. I have been simply listening to the information through the radio channel. In my experience, I retain and am less distracted when I use this channel method. I am driving my car and am not viewing if the speaker is drinking his soda, or itching his/her nose thus I am less distracted, and I retain more information. When Marshall McLuhan discusses television as a cool medium, I do not agree with this theory. We are NOT forced to fill in any information since the information is given to us and we lazily watch our shows and movies. We are not forced to analyze detail and hidden meaning, and this is a wonderful marketing tool for the marketing teams selling products. A person may come across as a cool person and may be more successful but it cannot be fully attributed to the channel they have chosen to communicate on.

Week 4/23-4/29: Comm & the Mass Media: Part 1

I have never made a friendship or made any other relationship on cyberspace. I have definitely stayed in touch with a lot of friends and family that have moved out of the area. My mom lives in Oregon, my cousins and aunts live in Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, Tennessee, Nevada, and in other areas of California. It has allowed me to see what they are all up to, and if there is family events planned. I remember my cousin-to-be sent me a wedding pre-invite on Facebook. It was a way for her to gather everyone’s addresses she did not have, and see if anyone were not able to attend. At first I thought this was ridiculous, but then I figured she saved time and money in obtaining this information. I have not formed cyberspace relationships because I have all the friends I would like to have and more family than most people. It is difficult to find good friends, but finding friends on the internet seems odd to me.

Week 4/16-4/22: Organizational Comm.: Part 3

The rules for the professional behavior caught my eye this week. Some of these rules are outrageous and I do not see them in my current professional environment nor have I seen it in the past. Most of the rules are straight forward and I completely agree with. Remembering that one is at the workplace to actually work is totally true, and a manager cannot stand it and may fire someone due to the amount of time Facebook, personal email and/or personal email is accessed. Managing time and responsibilities effectively is a true rule, but not the extent the book suggests. When an employee arrives at work, when the business opens, and leaves, when the doors close, could be an impossibility due to the number of shifts. However, on the opposite side, you never want to work too many hours because your manager gets too comfortable with you working 9-12 hours a day and leaves you with no personal life.

Week 4/16-4/22: Organizational Comm.: Part 2

Becoming a more responsible communicator comes with understanding the etiquette rules for our new technologies. For many of the textbook’s references, in a real-life situation it varies from person to person, and workplace to workplace. Cell phone can be annoying and rude if used in an inappropriate setting such as a client lunch, during a movie, and in a library. There have been a few incidents where I have asked politely to have the person relocate or lower their voice. For answering machines, I have definitely been the teenager who had the silly pager love songs, but once I became a professional adult I had to record the professional message. There is nothing worse than calling someone after an interview, and I hear a song or weird message. Conference calls are always serious especially because you never know who is on the other line (if it is a webinar). Normally, I am the presenter, so I am the main speaker. It is helpful when someone states their name because they may call after the call to discuss a question further. Faxes are only sent when our recipient knows we are sending it, and when someone sends us a fax it would be helpful if they could follow up with an email or phone call. Timing is everything when contacting a friend, family member or client, so I never call at 7:30am when I start my work day. I would probably get screamed at or lectured in some way. Screen names and ring tones should always be appropriate. Could you imagine being at a client meeting and all of a sudden your phone rings, “I Like Big Butts?” That would be the ultimate death or me and a total embarrassing moment.

Week 4/16-4/22: Organizational Comm.: Part 1

Organizations are tied to the environment in many ways. When a corporation forms management systems are put into place to lower the impact they have on the environment, especially larger businesses. There are recycle programs for common used items, computer materials, and recycled products are also considered before purchase. Many businesses must implement forms of transportation for their imports, exports, and their items form of arrival. Transportation and manufacturing CO2 output is considered when creating a product.

San Jose State University and our community are tied together by the students, faculty, and staff that attend this school. The location of the school also affects how the safety of the city is managed. If crime is high, the number of applications for students may not be up to par, so the school could potentially fail. Standards of the city are raised, so the school is obligated to keep its campus clean, and up to city standards.

Week 4/9-4/15: Interpersonal Comm.: Part 3

Relational maintenance was one of the concepts I found interesting in the textbook chapter we read this week. While reading this section I analyzed my past relationships and the current relationship I am in now. The difference seemed to be all of these strategies in maintaining a successful and loving relationship. Positivity, openness, assurance, networks, task sharing, conflict management, and advice are all the behaviors in keeping the relationships at a preferred level. Staying positive is important because once one’s self esteem lowers resentment begins, and this is a ticking time bomb. Openness is one of my top behaviors because once you stop communicating to one another, then it is not much of a relationship. Talking and understanding the other person is important. Networks are VERY important because if you plan on spending a huge chunk of your time with someone your friends and family usually comes with that package. It is a two way street, so all of these thing may be something you do, but if your significant other does not it could be a red flag to stay away or improve those behaviors.

Week 4/9-4/15: Interpersonal Comm.: Part 2

The characteristics and behaviors the lead me to judge others as unattractive are usually the cognitive cues such as how their attitude is towards traveling, if they are a driven person in school, work and life. In my life the sociological and incidental cues are important. I never would engage or agree to a date if I knew the person lived too far away. I was not willing to have a living situation damper a relationship in the very beginning stages of getting to know another person. I had tried in the past to see if this would work, but after a few dates I knew this could not be a possible romantic partner. Initially the preinteraction cues are imperative. Many people say that beauty is not the main thing when they look for a partner, but if you are not physically attracted to a person then the relationship WILL fail. Duck’s theory makes complete sense, and I agree 100%. We go through a process of elimination in any dating scenario, and we do this to find our life partner and our friends. If someone does not interact with you smoothly and easily, one can predict this relationship will not go far.

Week 4/9-4/15: Interpersonal Comm.: Part 1

The rigid complementary pattern would be the most difficult to change. In the example in the text, a mother teaches a child most things in life, and the child is influenced by her. The child is powerless and has no say in how he or she is raised. As a child you rely on your elders to provide for you and hopefully raise you in a safe and loving environment. This would be the hardest dynamic to change due to the simple age factor.

The rigid complementary pattern is absolutely more damaging to a relationship. When you have one partner or friend that is more powerful or dominant and controlling it can escalate into an abusive one. I know many people who have been in unhealthy relationships, and this pattern was always the initial trait. One shows dominance and the other is too submissive, so the controlling culprit takes advantage of the power and it becomes an out-of-control situation. This pattern is also potentially most damaging to one’s self esteem. If you are the submissive person, you have let go of all self worth and look to the dominate one to uphold your esteem. This rarely and often never occurs, so the self esteem is not rebuilt until the relationship has been terminated.

Week 3/19-3/25: Intercultural Comm.: Part 3

For this week’s one concept idea I chose language and culture. People in differing cultures speak different languages. It is a difficulty mankind has struggled with since we created language. It has separated us as one species. Aside from that fact, language both verbal and nonverbal language is different throughout each culture. Certain words in one language may not translate correctly or at all.

I watch a lot of foreign films. I notice with the films when they are speaking Spanish some of the words they are saying are not translated 100% true or at all. I do not speak fluent Spanish but I know enough to understand quit a bit. Or when films have a song or chant, the subtitles may not even be produced for those scenes. Translations from one language to another, to another, to another can be a challenge and dangerous in some situations. It is like the telephone game effect, but add a completely different language and the entire message could be altered completely. You cannot translate language without error or missing information. This is one of the reasons I find learning new words, and language so intriguing.

Week 3/19-3/25: Intercultural Comm.: Part 2

Larry Samovar, Richard Porter, and Nemi Jain hold the belief that the three basic premises of human nature. The rationality premise, perfectibility premise, and mutability premise are very difficult to believe. The rationality premise describes humans as being able to find the truth since we are logical beings. This mindset is what got us in trouble with the supplements industry. The government and the major supplements corporations brought their legalization case to the courts. The supplements companies did not want the FDA to regulate their products, and their main point was the public should be smart enough to find out if it is safe for them. Since the supplement companies gave a ton of money to the government the courts passed the law that they would regulate their own products. We as the public are suppose to have the knowledge to figure out what is in our vitamins, protein products, and weight-loss pills. Ridiculous…I think so.

The second premise is the ability to achieve goodness through effort and control. Supposedly, we are born as sinners and we need to achieve goodness. Now, let’s think of a man that has been put into jail when he was 17 years old. He had no parents growing up, did not have the opportunity to attend school, and was abused as his legal guardian. Do you think this man has the same capability to achieve goodness as someone born into a rich and well-educated family? Not believable.

Last, the mutability premise states we are shaped by our environments and to improve ourselves is to improve our physical and psychological state. We are born with our bodies, and minds. Someone who has ADD, autism, or any other brain disorder cannot alter the chemical reactions in their brain. Also, someone born with a skin disease (vitiligo) or some other physical disorder/mutation would most likely love to change that about themselves, but again- impossible.

Week 3/19-3/25: Intercultural Comm.: Part 1

Ruth Benedict believes our cultures are handed down to us from generation to generation, and we, as humans, are “creatures” of that behavior. I believed to an extent this is true. If you take one part of the world for example and dissect how they are brought up, it may be easier to analyze. China has a huge cultural following of religion, attending pagodas, meditating, and even the ritual of eating. If we look back 100 years, we can confidently say it is different than it is now, but there are very similar rituals as well. If we grow up with that mentality we will have grown to make certain habits, beliefs, and impossibilities. Now if we jump to Saudi Arabia, those people who grew up there are a creature of those beliefs and habits as well.

In an individual sense, we have the ability to make changes of those habits, beliefs, and impossibilities if the individual practices enough. It is as if you see a characteristic of yourself, you need to practice to make those changes with every conflict and situation.

Week 3/5-3/11: Encoding Messages: Part 3

For this week’s topic for the third question, I chose to focus on dress. A professor once told me, “Treat everyone in the room with the same amount of respect. It doesn’t matter if they have spiked purple hair because they are people too.” Clothing and hair can be a way a person expresses themselves as people. The book describes three major functions of clothing: to protect us from the extreme spectrums of the temperature; covers our body; and where people come from, like in a cultural pyramid. This is important when focusing on nonverbal behavior. We get dressed every day, and little thought goes into it. Now, if we swapped lives with someone in a different environment, culture and place we might feel uncomfortable to dress in the everyday clothes of that person. Without verbal communication we can tell a lot about a person, but like speech tones, and physical movements we must not read too far into them or be blind to see the right queues.

Week 3/5-3/11: Encoding Messages: Part 2

Nonverbal displays in other countries can be difficult to know and understand. I would like to focus on the hand gestures as we all make them, but in other countries can mean VERY different things. The hand gesture for a- okay in North America means everything is alright, however, in parts of Europe and South America can be offensive. The rock-on hand gesture in North American means, “Your wife is unfaithful” in The Baltics, Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Although we may not think something is offensive or even means something one must be aware of nonverbal hand gestures in other countries.

I have not moved around in other countries, but I have visited a few. When I was preparing for my journey in Vietnam and Cambodia I read all the travel guides and books. I noticed in a few of the books they referenced public affection was looked down upon. Since I was visiting with my boyfriend, holding hands and even a little kiss on the cheek was controversial. Since we are Caucasian, tourists are not held to this negative behavior as much as the locals. We made ourselves aware, so we did not offend anyone.

Week 3/5-3/11: Encoding Messages: Part 1

It might be naïve to say no one has been wrong about someone’s nonverbal message. Let’s say for the audiences’ sake you are at a bar or nightclub, and you see a guy or gal across the room that is looking at you at the corner of their eye. It isn’t a small glance but a stare into your soul (you may be thinking especially with a few sips of courage blazing through your blood). You walk over to that person, but you grab a friend to be your “wing-man”. Once you gather your nerves off the floor, you ask that person if they’d like a drink or their hand to shake that bod together. However, it isn’t you they are interested in. In fact, it was your partner in crime you talked into to walk “all the way across the room” with you. I know there have been many times I thought someone was going to never say hello, actually asked me out or the complete opposite. Constant battering of the eyes, the beverage a stranger bought, or even the good old asking for your number, could sometimes just be that simple.

Being a woman it means I look further into the minuscule details of nonverbal behaviors. So women beware and maybe, just maybe, think of a man as a simple being (the stereotypes could be true). Those nonverbal cues may mean he doesn’t like you. I know most of us gals talk for hours to our girlfriends about the nonverbal communication we receive from men. Most of the time, your gut is right, so give proper attention! Also, become aware of the nonverbal behavior you give out (to all those heartbreakers). You could be sending that guy you dislike signs of lust and break his hear. Nonverbal behavior is difficult to master because it is a perfect balance of being completely aware of yours and others behaviors, but to not look too deeps into them.

Week 2/27-3/4: Decoding Messages: Part 3

I found this week’s reading very motivating and stimulating as a communication major. The topic and concept of immediate language are both powerful and effective. This concept is using personalized language to describe to an impersonal audience their importance of a public matter or topic. The textbook gave a wonderful example of a past presidential speech given by Ronald Regan. He used words in his speech such as “presidency belongs to you”, “you right”, “you so honored me”, to describe how the mass public should reelect him into a second term of the presidential chair. It is a powerful way to make the people feel important and transfers the president’s power into the people’s hands.

This immediate language can also be used to assist in a time of conflict. I worked as a shift manager at a high-end day spa. Many people react to me saying I worked there with statements like, “It must have been so relaxing” and “You are so lucky to have had a job like that.” Although it was true at times, It was probably the most stressful job I have ever had. The customers are at a vulnerable state when entering an appointment. They are basically naked and ready to let a stranger massage their face and/or body. There were many complaints to the manager, me. The easiest way to calm someone down was to use immediate language. I would put the power of the solution in their hands. I would ask them, “How would you like this to be resolved?”, and “What would make you happy in this situation?” In almost every case the customer walked out happy, and a few times even bought a membership at the end of our conversation.

Week 2/27-3/4: Decoding Messages: Part 2

I absolutely agree that men and women communicate and use language differently as the book agrees as well due to evidence. Women use details terms, evaluative adjectives, and tend to disclose more about themselves. Men initiate more conversations, discuss more pubic topics, and use more delayed minimal responses when talking to woman. In understanding and studying these scientific facts, it highlights the importance of having time to communicate with same sex friends.

In heterosexual romantic relationships, men and women tend to seclude themselves from their same sex friends. Women tend to avoid or not have enough time for their “girl time”, but men usually do not react in this way as often. It is important to exercise language and communication with someone that understands you. To avoid these relationships could be damaging to your intrapersonal and interpersonal communication skills.

I live with my boyfriend, and have been together for four years. I enjoy spending time with him and his friends, but I also find a sense of enjoyment and relaxation when I have my “girl time” with either my sister or friends because the communication is easy and fluid.

Week 2/27-3/4: Decoding Messages: Part 1

To perceive people without judging and/or categorizing them seems utterly impossible. Each society, group, culture, and individual has grown to understand the things in our lives. Our minds have been crafted over centuries of evolution to react in this manner. It is in our innate behavior to judge things. Without this behavior to judge our existence as a species may not have continued. When humans were in their infancy, working together in tribes, the behavior to categorize other tribes into friends or foes was necessary.

Fast forwarding to present day, our ability or our perception to judge and categorize people can be seen as important. Although many of our judgments and categorizations are sometimes hurtful, they are also sometimes based on minimal facts. If you find yourself in a very underprivileged neighborhood that you are not familiar with (i.e. Boone, West Virginia), you will most likely see individuals and will judge them. If you know anything about this particular town, people live off of well-fare, earn money by selling drugs, and will kill you if you look at them wrong. It may save your live to judge and speed away in your car from that town or run away fast. However, to base your judgments on someone who may “look” like they are from that town is unfair and biased (my dad).

Week 2/13-19: Public Communication: Part 3

A skill in public communication is needed in almost every career, if you want to succeed to a high degree. As the textbook argues, public communication is a skill necessary in the managerial positions. Not only does one have to have the skill, but the information spoken should be clear and concise.

Early in my insurance career I did not have to have the public speaking skill. I was able to come into work, sit at my cubicle, take my demanded lunch, and leave on time. That was short lived since I have the drive to success and to always learn more. I moved from one department of insurance to another. In the new department, I was told I would have to give live presentations and web based presentations.

At first I was terrified. I had already taken my public speech class, argumentation & debate class, and was a leader in another communication class, but this was work. I would have to talk to people about insurance. I had to talk to people who were older and who were CEOs, CFOs, and founders of Bay Area companies. I was terrified. Nonetheless, I took on the challenge. Now, it has been almost three years, and I can talk to anyone about employee benefits in any crowd. Now I can take this skill to any professional career in the future and will be more likely to be hired as a manager than a representative.

Fact: More people have a fear of public speaking than a fear of dying!

Week 2/13-19: Public Communication: Part 2

A well-known speaker that comes to mind is Martin Luther King, Jr. His strongest characteristics during his speeches were bravery, persistence, patience, and leadership. Along with those characteristics, Martin Luther King, Jr. absolutely had the influential enhancements of a speaker. MLK had credibility, in that he related to his audiences, and would speak on intelligent topics/discussions. He spoke at many different locations and had the persistence to make his “dream” become reality. MLK had attractiveness, since he would dress in respectable attire (suits) at almost every speech. His leadership skills translated into power. He would speak anywhere with an audience of two people or two million people.

Ethos in the context of speakers is, the impression that audience forms of the speaker’s character. People respect MLK during his speeches and their impression of him grew. He attracted so many people the later speeches had to be done outside. He led a movement, and this could not have been done with a lack of character. He was loved by many, and is remembered by all.

Week 2/13-19: Public Communication: Part 1

I have definitely been influenced by a speaker. There have been motivational type speakers, school speakers, graduation speakers, and others. The speaker that has been most influential was a teacher at West Valley Community College, Mike Burke. He teaches the Human Relations course, and has made one of the biggest impacts on my life. He speaks clear, concise, direct, boldly and makes people feel important. The term he used for making people feel important was being a “people artist”. We can all become this, but it takes practice and a conscious mind to do so.

The worst speaker was a Blue Shield of California representative that was scheduled for an insurance webinar. There were many insurance brokers and clients on this particular call, so the pressure was on. This man stuttered, spoke with a soft voice, and had numerous technical errors. The speaker and the presentation were so bad, I decided to end the call and wait for the PowerPoint to be sent. To be honest, I do not remember much of that call, except it had to do with employers putting premiums on employee’s W-2s.

Definitions, Models & Perspectives: Part 3

In the evolving perspective of our culture studies have shown persuasive aspects and have shown to be hugely political. Through our cultural perspectives we see the discursive acts/text and power and the relationship with acts of communication. As this is seen with our culture today, I think it is safe to say we can also understand the invisible communication with mass media communication. It has a message that does not make it present to the public, but if researching you may see its connection and power to control.

An example of this would be commercials for political debates, or commercials for children. During the political campaigns, someone will be most likely wear a suit and tie. Although we may not be aware the red tie represents power while a blue tie symbolizes peace. You may think the blue tie is the weaker of the two, but it soothes the audience which makes the person wearing it seem calm, collected, and at peace. These are all symbols we have created in our cultures and are evolving every day.

Definitions, Models & Perspectives: Part 2

The third perspective, the pragmatic perspective sees communication as patterned interaction (Trenholm, p.24). The example used on page 32 of the text is a great way to show how communication is a patterned interaction. When someone is nice, kind or accepting, you will generally respond back in the same way. If the opposite is expressed, than you will most likely respond the same way. It is a never-ending pattern of interactions between two or more people.

The way this model is described is exactly like a game. Every action is important and every action will have certain interpretations and expectations of the next move. Each player is affected by each move and need one another to play. Each relationship has rules and even not participating is playing the communication game. Your partner/player is the only needed part for the game.

It is not like a game because the perspective does not explore the option of culture and individual personality. This model looks only at the patterns but does not request data for intentions, desire, need, etc. Also, no questions are ever asked what happens to the game when it is no longer located on the board. These things are very important in our lives and need to be questioned.

Definitions, Models & Perspectives: Part 1

When discussing communication there are numerous types of models that have been founded. In Chapter two of our textbook, it discusses four vastly different perspectives. The social constructionist perspective focuses and views communication as a process of world building (Trenholm, p. 24). In this perspective we build our worlds through their surroundings and the groups’ ideas- mostly through culture. Also, in this model four basic cultural tools are utilized to mold the reality we create. The bottom line of the social constructionist model is people do not come from our experiences but rather through communicate directed at us.

An idea we discuss in American culture that may not exist in many others is the problem of obesity. There are starving countries all around the globe yet Americans have a problem or overeating. We have signs in our restaurants and advertisements pointing to the gluttony in America, Chris' Outrageous Chocolate Cake at the Cheesecake Factory, and Outback’s Chocolate Thunder from Down Under.

The concept of the American culture being drowned in food is hurting us. We cannot see past our own disgusting overweight lives to understand many people are suffering in the world. If communication creates individuals like the social constructionist perspective states, than we are creating a blinded reality. It is the norm in most of the U.S. to eat as much as possible and even chuckle at the idea of walking on a treadmill or eating a leafy salad.

Comm Rocker-105P

Religion and Rhetorical Study

I am not a religious person, so to read in our textbook that history has shown a declination of rhetorical study due to the rise of Christianity saddens me. Science and rational thought were suppressed because religion bestowed itself upon us. I try to imagine how the world may have been different if this were not true in all of our history. We should strive to be successful and communicate thoroughly with others. This was not the case with the fall of the great Roman Empire.

During 354-430, there were preachers who believed that natural signs in our minds were real. If we thought love and linking this thought to the color red was a thought created by God. If we rationally thought about this method now, we would laugh because we know this is erroneous.

It is important to read history and understand where our knowledge once was. This is important because it can show us in a few more hundred years that we can become more knowledgeable. People in the future may laugh at us because we thought aliens created our world, and that two of each species could fit on a boat.

The Communication Tradition: Part 2

To be an orator you do not have to be morally good, unlike what the Greeks believed. Many of the greatest public speakers in history were not good people. Adolf Hitler led Europe into fascism and early in his career was a politician. His ability to speak convinced the Nazi Germans to kill many people during World War II. He was not a morally good individual, yet was an orator for the Nazis for many years.

Another unmorally good person is the recently deceased Kim Jong Il. North Korea has a reputation of an unhealthy mass population, and a country that only has one person of great power. If you, a citizen of North Korea, speaks ill of the leader, Kim Jong Il, you could be imprisoned with hard labor for years, and your entire family could also be imprisoned. The thought is, if you are corrupt then your whole family must be. In your house, you cannot hang pictures of anyone but Kim Jong Il, and you must think he is God-like. Is this a morally good person? I think not, but he is the only public speaker of that country.

Good people tend to want to do well by people, so they seek to speak the truth. People, who are not moral or good, want to twist the truth to their own advantage, so are unlikely to speak to truth. Public communication to both a good and not good person is important. Each person has their agenda and whether the truth is important or not, they need a following to act out their goals.

The Communication Tradition: Part 1

One speaker I admire is my boss, Jeff. He is a person who worked in the corporate USA world for most of his life, and decided to build his own company while sitting on a plane on the way home from a meeting across the country. He was a way from his family and did not want his life to be sucked away by his career. He is a charismatic man with the born ability to sell ice to an Eskimo and get a refund from a stripper (true story). Due to his Ethos, or personal skill of persuasion, he was able to create a successful insurance brokerage.

I on the other hand, do not have the personal skill, but do have the ability to arouse emotions in order to persuade my audience.

Aristotle’s classification scheme works for Jeff and me. However, I do think another scheme could be added to represent not simply for the logic side, but the intelligence skill to persuade.

Introductory Post

Hello Blog World,

My name is Selina Davis, but you will only know me as Comm Rocker since this was the alias I chose. I am 26 and have been chipping away at college-level school since 2003. I was a bit lost in the beginning of this journey, but I am charging full speed now.

I was a business major until about a few years ago. I took the required Public Speech class at West Valley, and the learning haunted me for years. The tools I learned in the speech class were used more in my everyday life and I noticed I may never use Microeconomics. Besides, with the communication basics, I had already felt a change in my attitude towards myself and others. The switch of my bachelor’s goal was effortless and I never looked back. I graduated at West Valley College with an AA in Communications, and transferred in the fall of 2011 at SJSU.

I am a dedicated student, full-time employee at a local insurance broker’s office, girlfriend, sister, and friend. Life can be hard to manage while balancing a
full load at SJSU, and work. Life actually seems like a difficult and stressful blur until the grades are posted. But it will be completely worth it once I receive the single most expensive piece of paper in the spring of 2013- my diploma.

Between school and work, I appreciate hiking, traveling, attending concerts, working out, cooking, and spending time with loved ones. I have a list of things I wish to accomplish in my lifetime such as:
1. Teaching English in a different country
2. Visiting some or all of the 7 Wonders of the World
3. Sing Karaoke in Japan
4. Take the Trans-Siberian Railway
5. Learn Spanish fluently

Good luck in the class everyone!

Cheers,
Selina Davis aka Comm Rocker