3). Pick one other concept in the book that you feel needs further discussion?

One concept that I think needs a little more discussion is the concept of becoming a more responsible communicator. I feel that the book does a great job in stating that words can effect a person and are extremely important. The phrase, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me" is completely untrue. Words and phrases can, in some cases, cause more harm to a person then physical harm. I read once in a book about Jackie Robinson, who was the first black baseball player to play for major league baseball, that the reason why he died at such an early age was because of psychological effects. Jackie Robinson was said to still feel psychologically scared because of all the racist remarks he endured when joining the dodgers. The book also states that there are no rules to tell you the right or wrong things to say when communicating, but there are ways you can monitor yourself and ask yourself certain questions. I feel that it is essential for everyone to be effective communicators and that becoming more of a responsible communicator should be a necessity for all.

2). What concept/s in this class have you found most interesting? What was it about that concept/s that you found interesting?

There have been so many concepts throughout the book that have been both interesting and useful throughout this class. I’ve learned so much from rhetoric in ancient Greece to group communication concepts. I must say that my favorite chapter in the book, Thinking Through Communication, has to be chapter 6, Interpersonal communication. The study of interpersonal communication has intrigued me and also was the main reason why my major is Communication studies. “Our survival as social beings depends in large part on our interpersonal communication skills,” pg. 140. I really enjoyed reading about relational development stages and initiating stages in relationships. These concepts have helped me understand how relationships are created, maintained, or fail. These concepts have enlightened my thinking and passion towards the study of Interpersonal communication.

1). (Regarding Chapter 13) Which of the research methods listed in Table 13.3 seem the most interesting? Assume you want to study some aspect of deception. Frame a research question. Which method would you choose to answer the question. Why?

Regarding one of the research methods for chapter 13, Ethnography has been one that has most intrigued me. Through performing ethnography, the researcher observes behavior in its natural setting. I believe being able to physically be present while performing research is essential for collecting valuable research. Even when collecting data from a particular research group, the researcher may go undercover to collect data. I feel that many researchers who want to physically want to be apart of their own research may choose an ethnographic approach. I think that an interesting research question that I would want to research would be, What are the communication practices of athletes during a baseball game. I feel that it would be both interesting and fun to be apart of this type of research. there are hundreds of ways baseball players communicate amongst each other. The method I would choose to answer my research question would be ethnography.

April 29 May 2 ( Question #3 )

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

One concept from the reading that I found to be interesting was the cultivation theory. The theory states that individuals come to accept the televised world as an accurate reflection of the real world pg. 306. The theory also states that it has long term affects. I thought this theory to be very interesting because it holds truth. Many people actually believe that what they see on television is an accurate representation on what the world is really like. People in different countries who might view American shows might believe that the shows are a representation on what goes on in American Society. The book also states that the images and representations are built up and in our minds throughout a long period of time like the dripping of limewater. I enjoyed reading about this concept. 

April 29 - May 2 ( question 1 )

1). Have you made friendships that exist exclusively in cyberspace? If so, how are they different from f2f relationships? If you have not formed cyber relationships, why not?

Computer mediated communication has revolutionized the way we live our lives. I use the Internet to keep in touch with family members in in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and all over the United States. It is an awesome way to keep in contact with far away friends and family. Unfortunately, I have never created a relationship with someone through cyberspace. Most of the people I know on cyberspace are either family or friends that I have met prior to communicating in cyberspace. One of the main reasons why I haven't attempted to find friends on cyberspace is probably because there is no line of sight. You cant see someones physical characteristics online and if you do, there is a big chance they could be fake. It is so easy for someone to fake their appearance online so that they can get others online to speak with them. This is both scary and wrong; which is why I haven't formed any friendships through the Internet. 

April 18-25 (question #2)

2). Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?

I have to agree that using your phone in a public place can be rude and distracting to others that might be near you. The rule about cellular phones and not talking while at a restaurant or public sphere should be practiced or at least considered by everyone. I hate when people are using their cell phones in a movie theatre. Even if your quietly texting you can still see the bright distracting light in front of you. The rule about answering machines is also true. I must admit, I was one of those people (in high school) that left recorded songs on my answering machine. I came to understand that it is annoying and felt embarrassed when co-workers or family member called my phone. I’m not to familiar with the rules of conference calls and faxes. I don’t do much of both but they sound pretty reasonable. Timing your communications is a must. I worked at a sports camp for kids and had to call parents at a certain time of day so that we wouldn’t bother the recipient. Although I don’t agree with not being able to use our phones while driving. Finally, the rules against choosing a correct screen name and ringtones are completely true. You don’t want to give your boss a derogatory screen name nor have a ringtone called “baby got back.” I don’t believe it’s rude for someone to put someone on hold. I guess it all depends on who your putting on hold.

April 18-25 (question #1)

1). How are organizations tied to the environment? What is the relationship between the school you attend and the city or town in which it is situated? What, if any, ethical obligations does an organization like a college or university have to the local community?

Organizations are everywhere, from the school or work you attend, to the soccer team someone might play in. Organizations are also linked to the environment. As it states in Chapter 8, organizations are linked to their environment because they depend on their surroundings for resources and energy (215). Just like creatures, organizations cannot survive without their environment. An example of an organization that is dependent on its environment is San Jose State University. San Jose State needs people from its environment to attend their organization and ultimately survive. San Jose State also mirrors its city in which it is situated in by mirroring the city’s rich diversity. There are some ethical obligations that San Jose State has to the local community like mirroring its students with the diversity it’s city has. Also, celebrating and being involved with certain holidays and festivals such as Cezar Chavez day.

April 8-14 (question 2)

2). Think about the filters you use to eliminate people from consideration as potential romantic partners. What characteristics or behaviours lead you to judge others as unattractive? Does Duck's theory make sense to you? Have you ever eliminated someone by using a sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues?

I do agree with Steve Duck’s theory. I guess it makes sense that there are a series of filters that help us judge how close to others we want to become. There are a lot of characteristics that lead me to eliminate people as potential partners. I must say that there are more behaviors then characteristics that help me determine who I find attractive or who I might want to date. For example: I feel that being intelligent (characteristic) and being productive (behavior) are some of the many “standards” I have. Someone who is smart and shows ambitious actions are qualities that I look for when considering someone to date. Obviously, physical attraction is extremely important also. I think I use pre-interaction cues the most when trying to interact with others. If there is someone who I and find attractive, but when approaching them I find that there non-verbal communication shows they want nothing to do with me; then I stop persisting. I also use pre-interaction cues to non-verbally let someone know “Im not interested.” I don’t recall ever eliminating someone because of their physical characteristics but then reconsidering them because I found that we had many similar beliefs and values.  

April 8-14 (question 1)

1). Which pattern (rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry, or submissive symmetry) do you think would be the most difficult to change? Why? Which would be the most damaging to a relationship? Which would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved?

Out of rigid complementary, competitive symmetry, and submissive symmetry, competitive symmetry would probably be the most difficult for a person to change. According to the book, competitive symmetry is when both members of a relationship fight for the one-up position. I feel that if a person is naturally competitive, its kind of difficult to change that. I think that the most damaging to a relationship would be  rigid complementary. The book states that rigid complementary is when the submissive partner begins to resent always giving in. I feel that resentment can cause major problems to a relationship. One person can do damage both to themselves and their relationship through resentment. Finally, I feel that submissive symmetry would do the most damage to the self esteem and to the individuals involved. This pattern is paradoxical and makes both partners avoid control.

April 12-18 (question 3)

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have no already discussed, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.

Interpersonal communication is one of my favorite subfields of communication. One of the concepts I found interesting was the many characteristics of Dyadic communication. According to the book, Dyadic communication when compared to other subfields of communication, is direct, personal, spontaneous and informal (141). There is no escaping from Dyadic’s characteristics such as its directness. Also, Dyad communication is much more immediate. I have a boss who can talk forever! I sometimes look dazed and confused because his conversations go off on strange tangents. He immediately can sense my confusion because of Dyadic communication and because the quality of feedback is high. Dyadic communication is also described as spontaneous. Compared to public speakers, Dyadic communicator aren’t reading off a prompter or from a piece of paper. Members of dyads very rarely outline or rehears what they say to one another. I enjoyed reading chapter 6 and learning about the many characteristics of Dyadic communication.

M

March 30- April 4 ( question 2 )

2). Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?

I do believe that most Americans agree that humans hold three basic beliefs about human nature. The book defines rationality premise as people being capable of discovering the truth through logical analysis. I think that most people have the potential to use rational judgment to make logical decisions. I believe that most people are capable of making rational decisions although there are cases where perfectly healthy individuals chose not to take the “logical” approach. The rationality premise is seen in the Judicial branch of the U.S. Democracy. The perfectibility premise is an interesting concept the book argues to be another belief that most Americans have. I think the perfectibility premise hold true in the minds of most American’s due partly because of Christianity. I don’t believe fully in the mutability premise. Not ALL human behavior is shaped from environmental factors.  Finally, I do believe that Individualism is seen throughout American society. The United States is an Individualistic society where Americans are encouraged to make their own decisions and opinions as opposed to other collectivistic societies.

March 30- April 4 2009 ( question #1 )

1). Do you agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict that we are "creatures of our culture" and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture? If so, how can we break through the limits of our cultures?

I do agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict and that we are all “ creatures of our culture.” I also agree how Anthropologist Ruth benedict states that, “By the time someone is able to talk, he or she is a creature of his culture.” I also have some doubts on what she also states regarding how even from the time we are first born, the customs into which we are born in shape our behavior. The reason why I might disagree is mostly because babies aren’t able to store long term memory into their brains let alone have any kind of understanding of the question..who are we? But, as we get older and the child begins to speak, they become “part of the environment” made by humans or in the child’s case, made by its parents. The child becomes a mirror image of its parent’s culture identity. The way we break through the limits of our culture can be through assimilation, acculturation, and even intercultural communication.

March 30-April 4 ( Question #3 )

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found interesting.

One concept that I found interesting in Chapter 12 was the concept of Intercultural communication and why we communicate cross-culturally. Learning how to communicate cross-culturally has turned into a major necessity. Globalization and technology have changed the our worlds sense of distance and space. I am lucky to live in an area where diversity blooms in every direction. School, work, and even my soccer team is filled with people from many cultural backgrounds. Intercultural communication is a necessity that all people should become familiar with. Conflict arise when people can’t find commonalities with one another so it is essential for everyone to learn how to effectively communicate cross-culturally. When cultures have contact, they often learn ideas and practices from each other. More importantly, developing relationships with people of different cultural backgrounds can help us exclude stereotypes and promote a better understanding of the world. Since there is an increasing number of opportunities to meet people from different cultural backgrounds, it is important to know what role communication has in creating and maintaining these relationships. I am very lucky to have such diverse friends and wouldn’t have it any other way. 

March 8-14 (question 3)

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed this week, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

As I read through chapter 5 I came across the topic of body movement and gesture. I believe this is one of the most universal nonverbal codes that are bodies perform. Whether we lean in towards someone or move away, our body movements can display many types of emotions. Posture can signal interest or disinterest, willingness to get involved or desire to keep one’s distance, (115). We can all tell a lot about us just by our posture and body movements. The study of body movements and the example the book gave about how inmates analyzed regular people walking down the streets and classifying them as “muggable” or “not muggable” was also very interesting. I just think it’s fascinating how much our body movements and gestures lets others know so much about ourselves. Sometimes it can work against us, like the example of the prison inmates, and sometimes it can work for us when trying to give a nonverbal message to a friend across the room.

March 8-14 (question 2)

2). Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbal do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give examples of some of the nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries? If you have moved around within this country, have you ever encountered regional differences in nonverbal meaning?

There are many nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries. For example, “thumbs up” in the United States means “awesome” or “good job”. In other countries, like the middle east, might interpret a “thumbs up” gesture as obscene or disrespectful. Another example of a nonverbal display seen different in another country is the “v” sign or the “peace” gesture. I took an Intercultural communication class before and learned that this nonverbal gesture can be interpreted in other countries like South Africa as an insult. I haven’t moved much but I have heard that some nonverbal signs ca be misinterpreted as gang signs. There are different fraternities, sororities, and many other organizations that proudly display the organization or club with certain hand gestures. I also know that depending from what city your from, there are certain hand gestures that people show that lets everyone know where they are from. Some of it can be gang related and other gestures are just representing the city their from. There are tons of nonverbal gestures that one can display that can insult another when traveling to a different city or country. It is important to be mindful and be careful to not insult others. 

March 8-14 (question 1)

1). Because nonverbal messages can be ambiguous, they are open to misinterpretation. Have you ever been wrong about the meaning of someones nonverbal message? Describe what happened. How can people increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal message?

Absolutely! I’ve been wrong with analyzing someone’s nonverbal communication, especially when I first met my girlfriend. It was difficult to analyze whether she liked me at the time because of her nonverbal communication. Since we had class together, I would sometimes sit next to her and try to spark a conversation with her. One day, she walked into class late. There were three seats open and one next to me. She scanned the area and picked a seat that was closest to the entrance door. As she scanned the room for the seat, she also looked confused and squinched both eyes while choosing her seat. By then, I thought to myself that she wasn’t interested in me. A couple of weeks passed by and I run into her outside of class. From then I learned that she wears prescription glasses and asked why I hadn’t sat next to her in class. I learned that I should not assume that every nonverbal communication act is intentional and that I should check for other interpretations to increase accuracy. 

March 1-7 ( question 2 )

2). Do you agree that men and women use language differently? In what areas?

I agree that many men and women use language differently. From the day we’re born gender differences and expectations make us communicate differently. Thats not to say that all men and women use language differently then one another because some people from the same sex can use the same. From the time men begin to grow up, they have been already encouraged to interact in large, hierarchically structured groups where teasing often accompany boys play, (91). These experiences, in my opinion, influence how men use language with one another in many social situations. Men learn to use language to display masculinity. This also is true for women to. Women also learn to display stereotypical gender identities such as being feminine. When in a stressful situation, women recognize that stressing is connected with being feminine. This can influence the way women use language differently then men.  

1) Thinking through communication, page 91

March 1-7 (question 1)

1). Is it possible to perceive others without, in some way, judging or categorizing them? If so, how? If not, how can we make the judgments we do make, more fair?

Absolutely! It is possible to perceive others without judging them or categorizing them. Do most people categorize and judge others without even knowing the other person? People do this all the time. I must say that it is difficult for the average person to not judge someone they know little about. Some can argue that automatic processing can be both beneficial to an individual but also do harm. If a woman is walking down a residential street in the middle of the night, then sees and individual approaching her wearing an all black hooded sweater, with a baseball cap, and black leather gloves on. Most women would admit they would be frightened and cross the street to avoid walking next to the mysterious individual on the sidewalk. Mindless processing makes people who have gone through a similar situation, act in defense; even though the mysterious man had no intentions of doing harm. It is possible to not judge others simply by becoming more mindful. “ When we act mindfully, we actively think about the world, creating new understandings rather then relying on old, (54).”  

March 1-7 (question 3) 

Pick one concept from the assigned readings, other than what has already been discussed this week, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it. 

One concept I found interesting is the theory of Linguistic relativity.  The book, Thinking Through Communication, states that people from different language communities perceive the world differently. Some concepts and ideas that are easily expressed in one language can be very difficult to translate into another, (75). An example between language and thought is how the Spanish language has three ways of saying “you”.   English speakers who only are familiar with one language don’t think about relationships in the same way Spanish speakers do. When I’m speaking to an older family member, I address them by stating the polite “you” as apposed to when I’m speaking to a close friend. Linguistic relativity shows me how I, being that I speak Spanish, perceive the world a little different then English speakers. The concept of Linguistic relativity was one of my favorite concepts from chapter 4.

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it. (Choose a topic that has not already been covered in this weeks discussion).

One concept discussed in Chapter 3 was Becoming More Mindful. I thought this term to be very interesting especially when the book goes on to describe automatic processing. According to the book, “We process mindlessly when we rely on old routines and mental habits to give us information about the world (54).” Becoming more mindful gives us advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that we can use mindless processing to “protect us” from potentially harmful situations. I believe that there are more disadvantages and more catastrophic consequences from being less mindful. The obvious is when going to different countries and having contact with different cultures then your own. Being less mindful of others can create stereotypes and create barriers between cultures. I enjoyed reading about this concept in chapter 3. 

Feb. 15 - 21 Question #2

2). Consider a well-known speaker, for example, the current President of the United States. What is the speaker's strongest characteristics as a speaker? Is it credibility, attractiveness, power or all three? In what ways could the speaker build ethos in these areas? 

I believe that credibility, attractiveness, and power are some of the strongest characteristics that our current president of the United States has. Although he has had little time thus far to prove himself as a credible President, his credentials and qualifications have given him some credibility. Attractiveness also is a strong characteristic. Some older friends have compared him to former president Kennedy on how he is young and attractive. Lastly, power is also a characteristic of President Obama. The role of Commander and Chief and the power to help or declare war is a major power our president has. Cognitive Complexity is also a major characteristic that our president holds. I believe that in the area of “power” ethos could help arouse more emotions and motivate people. If our president wanted to go to war, ethos would help when gaining the public’s approval. 

Feb. 15 - 21

1). Have you ever been influenced by a speaker? Think of the best speaker you've ever heard. What was it about that speaker that made his or her communication memorable? Think of the worst speaker you've ever heard. What do you remember about his or her message?

I have to admit I don't think I have a favorite speaker, but I must say the majority of the speakers that I have been influenced by or who have moved me the most were passed political leaders. I believe Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sir Winston Churchill are one of many speakers who have influenced the world including myself. During World War 2 their speeches motivated millions of people to fight against Hitler's regime which in part influenced myself in how I perceive history. What makes their speeches memorable is that their speeches took place at a time where many countries, including the U.S., could've fallen under Hitler's rule. These speeches motivated citizens to fight against genocide and Hitler which is why they will always be treasured. The speaker's tone, clearness, and ethos also makes their communication memorable. The worst speaker I have ever heard would have to be someone who isn't clear, isn't' mindful of the audience, does not perform, and their nonverbal or verbal communication repels he audience's attention. 

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it. 

I thought that the Social Constructionist Model was very interesting. The idea that people don’t experience the world directly rather take parts of our culture, connect them to “facts”, and respond to them in ways our culture finds significant. I also thought that the social constructionist model might be a a term to take serious because, according to the term, people accept cultural myths and stereotypes without thinking. This is why the book criticizes hoe the model puts too much emphasis on the social self and not enough on the individual self. This term was the most interesting from the chapter and I enjoyed reading about it.  

2). Consider the pragmatic perspective. Does it make sense to think of communication as patterned interaction? How is communication like a game? How is it different from a game? 

According to the book, Thinking Through Communication, The Pragmatic view consists of a system interlocking, interdependent behaviors that become patterned over time (32). It makes sense to think of communication as a patterned interaction because certain "acts" or "moves" are repeated in a kind of Interact. The book describes and gives a really good example of how communication can be like a "game". If someone i know, like my sister, happens to cry, my understanding of what happened before my sister crying is a distinct "move" that will influence the way I react such as; me feeling sorry, angry, or even happy. I can relate to other games such as basketball, soccer, or even checkers because understanding the moves the players make during the game can influence how you work out the relationship with the players. Its also different from many games because some games essentially are played not thinking about how a certain "move" or "act" will influence the relationship you have with players especially in games that are played by oneself.

1). Consider the social constructionist perspective. How do we “build worlds” through communication? Think of some ideas we talk about in our culture that may not exist in other cultures. How do these concepts contribute to our happiness or success (of the lack of these) in our culture? 

According to the book, Thinking through Communication, The social constructionist perspective is the process whereby people in groups, using the tools provided by their culture, create collective representations of reality (Trenholm). The social constructionist perspective also states that we never experience the world directly, rather experience through communication. We "build worlds" through communication and through the tools given by the social constructionist model. If everyone began speaking about how the world is free of pollution and to not worry about global warming, we are likely to see the world in that way and fail to question whether we are seeing things accurately. The idea of preserving, conserving wildlife, and the environment may not exist in other cultures. It contributes to our success of improving the environment and ultimately makes us happy. 

Think of a speaker you admire. Does his or her power to persuade come from ethos, pathos, or logos? Think about your own ability to persuade others. What personal qualities do you have that make you persuasive? Does Aristotle's classification scheme work for them, or do they fit into another category?

President Obama is someone who I admire as a speaker. I haven't read any other posts of my fellow classmates but I can guarantee that at least one other person will also find our president admirable. His charismatic presence combined with his influential and motivational speeches make him an ideal person to admire. Barrack Obama's power can be related to logos, ethos, and pathos; but I believe that pathos mostly is seen in Obamas speeches. The way he captures the audience's attention with emotional vivd and Think of a speaker you admire. Does his or her power to persuade come from ethos, pathos, or logos? Think about your own ability to persuade others. What personal qualities do you have that make you persuasive? Does Aristotle's classification scheme work for them, or do they fit into another category? concrete speeches make him a very influential speaker. I also consider myself to be somewhat of a persuasive speaker. I believe that Ethos would best describe me because I have good moral character and I’m also concerned about the person or audience I'm speaking to. I also believe that Aristotle's scheme does work especially when it comes to the concept of argumentation.

Greek Orators

The Greeks believed that to be an orator, an individual had to be morally good. Comment on whether you agree or disagree. What, if any, is the connection between goodness, truth, and public communication?

 I don't agree with how the Greeks believed that in order to be an orator an individual had to be morally good. Although the requirement sounds great and really should be true, History shows us that Orators aren't always Morally good. Unfortunately, Moral goodness lacks in the hearts of many past and present influential speakers. President Barrack Obama used the rhetoric and ambiguity of the word "change" to motivate people of the United States to elect him as the next president. When Obama promises “change,” he is able to unify very diverse constituencies, all of whom have their own interpretation of what he means.  What change?  As long as he remains ambiguous, all of those who want change will support him, even if the changes they want are all different. Many can argue that President Obama is morally good. Others can argue that he isn't morally good because he hasn't fully ended the war in Iraq. The bottom line is, you don't have to be a morally good person to be an orator. Hitler is an example of how a non-moral (monster) can still persuade and convince people to follow his political agenda. I do believe that there can be a connection between honest truth, public communication, and goodness. I just wish there were a lot more motivational orators who were true and practiced all three.

Hi everyone! I want to begin by introducing myself to you all. I am a senior here at San Jose State. I am a Communication major and transferred from De Anza Community college. I work for United Parcel Service at the Oakland Airport and also play soccer in my spare time.  I am definitely looking forward to this semester and this class. There have been many communication experiences that have shaped the type of person  I am today. Communication phenomena occurs everyday. I chose to major in Communication studies to evaluate and understand how and why communication  phenomena occurs throughout my life. I am looking forward to Comm 105!