Blog post 10
Emma Martin
Arnett’s chapter, Communication Ethics Literacy, and Difference stood out to me the most because it breaks downs the difference between an individual's “good”, as we have been discussing throughout the semester. Two sections that Arnett discusses include Narrative theory and Dialogic theory. Arnett states that Narrative theory “encourages us to be reflective about the traditions that embed us and the goods that those traditions carry” (Arnett). Understanding that everyone is different and has come from different pasts and how their pasts have influenced them, will help us find more sympathy and empathy for those who disagree and challenge our own opinions and ideas. These challenges can bring a new perspective on relationships between people who have completely different views and values. Although they may still conflict or dislike each other, an examination is created to “take on a public dimension that lessens our tendency to look only to find what we want or demand to see” (Arnett). This examination can be defined as the Dialogic theory, and overall it helps us see and understand points of view that we never considered before we engaged in a differentiating conversation. These definitions have honestly changed my own values and ideas. I now see other people's points in their stories or arguments instead of just listening or becoming defensive over my own claim. I am able to easily talk, compare and understand their perspective. I really have felt a change in my thinking because of my understanding of no universal good and have found more maturity in my conversations.
I think one thing that is really common in our society is the hate people give to those who aren’t like them individually. What I mean by this is as I have explained above people have come from all sorts of different backgrounds, some may be more traumatized or influenced more than others and don’t have the privilege of being different from those who have been around them. It can take more time to change and some may not even change. A lot of people have hate towards them because they think that they could have easily left their situation, or become someone better, without even trying to acknowledge that they had an entirely different life. For the most part, I don’t think anyone should be at blame but understanding that sometimes life experiences can influence a person to be or act a certain way is okay, we can educate if needed but giving respect and kindness to those who are different will help society grow for the better. I think a lot about how some kids are greatly influenced by the actions of their parents and without knowing copy those actions until they are old enough to think differently. Growing up my mom always told me to care for those who bully because they may be influenced by their home life and are just reacting to their own emotions or insecurities out loud. I found compassion for others at an early age because of this. I also think of bigger examples like differences in religion and different political parties. Both think they are the ones who are right before understanding that they can all be right in their own, different ways.
Arnett, Ronald C., et al. Communication Ethics Literacy: Dialogue and Difference. Sage Publications, 2009.
Emma, I enjoyed your response to this week's blog post and I also found this week's Arnett's reading to be very helpful to learning more about each individuals "good." Narrative theory is very important in my opinion as it shapes us into the people we are in society. I agree that it poses challenges with others as we all have a different narrative and believe in different things. Although I think that this theory helps us become more diverse as people when used in the right ways. When we see or hear conflicting thoughts I believe it is important to allow others to speak their mind. It is a very easy statement to make to accept others thoughts but in reality we won't always be able to. Sometimes admittedly I don't like others thoughts or actions because I see them as close minded and hurtful to other people. This is what truly fascinates me with communication ethics because it seems impossible to agree on a common good or goal. I am interested in what the future holds in terms of politics. Our country is driven apart by two different systems who can never seem to agree on anything. Do we even have communication ethics at the height of our own government? It is definitely difficult to answer that question because of the various beliefs we all have as human beings. If we all think we are right how will we ever come together. I think this holds us back from progressing as a society and I hope we can move in a good direction. How or what will bring us together to achieve our common goals?
ReplyDeleteHi Emma! Great post. I really like how you emphasize the need for our society to have more sympathy towards one another and an understanding when it comes to different backgrounds or upbringings. When you talked about hatred or misunderstanding of people that we believe could have changed their situations, this automatically made me think of homelessness and those individuals who are hardly given a chance at life or to speak their truth. I personally am guilty of seeing a homeless individual on the street and assuming why they are there/ not giving them a chance. And in addition to that, having the assumption that they could change their position if they wanted to. Sometimes this could not be further from the truth. How am I so privileged that I won't even give a person on the street a chance to speak to me to explain their situation and need for help. It is so sad that we have created such a stigma around homelessness and divert to ignoring their presence, or even rejecting it. These people are just as human as the rest of us and deserve to be treated as much. Their different backgrounds and reasons for being on the streets matter and deserve to be heard.
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