Do you believe in the rationality, perfectability, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?
I don’t really know if I wholeheartedly believe in all of these concepts. I think that in terms of rationality, people do have the ability to discover the truth. I do think, however, that life, selfishness, and differing beliefs can get in the way. Based on differing beliefs, one person’s “truth” may be different than another person’s idea of truth. In terms of the perfectability premise, I think that life is one opportunity. Mistakes are made, and we have the choice as to whether or not we want to commit crimes against the rules of our society. People in jail, or people who commit crimes are actively not being good citizens in a particular community.
Mutability premise believes that “human behavior is shaped by environmental factors and that the way to improve humans is to improve their physical and psychological circumstances” (Trenholm 353). I really agree with this last concept, because our environment truly shapes our ideas and beliefs. School/education is a social institution that models the mutability premise. Our surrounding give us a place to progress and grow, or can affect us in negative ways that influence our mental and physical health. All three of these premises are factors into our well beings as individuals.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 9 Discussion Post #2
*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 culture?
Generally, I agree with Ruth Benedict’s statement. We are born into communities of society that have various beliefs, customs, and rules. Whether we know it or not, we act as creatures of cultures on a daily basis, in our daily lives. Religion, ethnic background, and various activities are a few of the ways we engage in being a “creature of culture”.
We are apart of culture whether we like it or not. Our age and gender categorize us in ways that separate us from others. In order to break the stereotypes that come with cultures, we should seek out other cultures and actively participate in new ways. This type of intercultural communication truly connects us to others.
Participating/living in only one culture certainly limits our communication and most importantly, our progression as a human being. By actively learning about other cultures, and experiencing new cultures, we are not only broadening our knowledge but we are also expanding means of communication. Living outside one’s culture can be difficult, but extremely beneficial. I think it can be difficult to break the habits of one culture, but the sacrifice comes with so many benefits. We not limiting ourselves to one culture, we are enabling ourselves to learn and experience new ways of living. (Not to mention new beliefs, new outlooks, new ideas).
Have a great weekend! ☺
Generally, I agree with Ruth Benedict’s statement. We are born into communities of society that have various beliefs, customs, and rules. Whether we know it or not, we act as creatures of cultures on a daily basis, in our daily lives. Religion, ethnic background, and various activities are a few of the ways we engage in being a “creature of culture”.
We are apart of culture whether we like it or not. Our age and gender categorize us in ways that separate us from others. In order to break the stereotypes that come with cultures, we should seek out other cultures and actively participate in new ways. This type of intercultural communication truly connects us to others.
Participating/living in only one culture certainly limits our communication and most importantly, our progression as a human being. By actively learning about other cultures, and experiencing new cultures, we are not only broadening our knowledge but we are also expanding means of communication. Living outside one’s culture can be difficult, but extremely beneficial. I think it can be difficult to break the habits of one culture, but the sacrifice comes with so many benefits. We not limiting ourselves to one culture, we are enabling ourselves to learn and experience new ways of living. (Not to mention new beliefs, new outlooks, new ideas).
Have a great weekend! ☺
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Week 9 Post #1
Pick one concept from the assigned readings that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
A concept I always find interesting (an especially so in this chapter), is the concept that cultures are learned. I work with children, and it's always amazing to see similarities between children and their parents. From the moment we are born we are aware of the cultural patterns that take place, and the according consequences and privileges received by choosing to abide by these patterns. I don't know how many classmates this holds true for, but in kindergarten we truly had "gender appropriate" toys. It was very rare for the girls to be playing with blocks and the boys to be playing with Barbies. It seems like we are taught from a young age what is "right" in our culture.
Growing up, my family had a rule that after dinner, each member of the family had to put their own dish in the dishwasher. If one of us didn't do this, we would have to go back and fix the mistake or they may have been a consequence. In other households, many dishes are left untouched in the sink until the next day. This little act between my family is a way that we express our culture, even among a small group It's funny how little cultural patterns can seem. We learn through accepted behaviors. I truly agree with Trenholm when she writes "We are so well programmed that we seldom stop to think that culture is learned." (Trenholm 344). It was my trip to Scotland this past summer that I truly thought about how different various communities or cultures can be. I think by traveling, constantly visiting other places and different cultures, we slowly can break the barrier that limits connection between cultures.
A concept I always find interesting (an especially so in this chapter), is the concept that cultures are learned. I work with children, and it's always amazing to see similarities between children and their parents. From the moment we are born we are aware of the cultural patterns that take place, and the according consequences and privileges received by choosing to abide by these patterns. I don't know how many classmates this holds true for, but in kindergarten we truly had "gender appropriate" toys. It was very rare for the girls to be playing with blocks and the boys to be playing with Barbies. It seems like we are taught from a young age what is "right" in our culture.
Growing up, my family had a rule that after dinner, each member of the family had to put their own dish in the dishwasher. If one of us didn't do this, we would have to go back and fix the mistake or they may have been a consequence. In other households, many dishes are left untouched in the sink until the next day. This little act between my family is a way that we express our culture, even among a small group It's funny how little cultural patterns can seem. We learn through accepted behaviors. I truly agree with Trenholm when she writes "We are so well programmed that we seldom stop to think that culture is learned." (Trenholm 344). It was my trip to Scotland this past summer that I truly thought about how different various communities or cultures can be. I think by traveling, constantly visiting other places and different cultures, we slowly can break the barrier that limits connection between cultures.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Week 7 Discussion Post #3
Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
In chapter five, I found paralinguistics, or vocal behavior, really interesting. In a past anthropology course I took, I learned that various animals depend on noises or sounds for food and safety. Although we use verbal language, we also rely on noises and varieties within the voice to pick up nonverbal cues. As Trenholm says, "A lot of meaning in everyday talk lies not in our words but in how we say those words" (Trenholm 120). I really agree with this, because in everyday conversation we can pick up many cues based on various vocal qualities that people have. Our pitch and tone can lead people to make various assumptions about our personality or mood. Vocalizations, like yawning or moaning, also give variety and meaning when accompanied by words. If a person speaking says "um" or pauses a lot, I usually think they are not prepared or nervous about something. These pauses also make me think the person doesn't know what they are talking about. And if a person talks using a nasal voice, I connect that with boring or unhappy. I also know many people connect long, one-toned pitches with boring professors. When I hear big brassy voices I sometimes believe the people to be extremely outgoing and confident. Crying is commonly connected to being sad and moaning can be connected to pain or sorrow.
I think that I make a lot of false assumptions when it comes to vocal behavior. Often times I pause when I am really tired or having a long day. I think it is easy to think we know what people mean when really, we have no idea! :)
In chapter five, I found paralinguistics, or vocal behavior, really interesting. In a past anthropology course I took, I learned that various animals depend on noises or sounds for food and safety. Although we use verbal language, we also rely on noises and varieties within the voice to pick up nonverbal cues. As Trenholm says, "A lot of meaning in everyday talk lies not in our words but in how we say those words" (Trenholm 120). I really agree with this, because in everyday conversation we can pick up many cues based on various vocal qualities that people have. Our pitch and tone can lead people to make various assumptions about our personality or mood. Vocalizations, like yawning or moaning, also give variety and meaning when accompanied by words. If a person speaking says "um" or pauses a lot, I usually think they are not prepared or nervous about something. These pauses also make me think the person doesn't know what they are talking about. And if a person talks using a nasal voice, I connect that with boring or unhappy. I also know many people connect long, one-toned pitches with boring professors. When I hear big brassy voices I sometimes believe the people to be extremely outgoing and confident. Crying is commonly connected to being sad and moaning can be connected to pain or sorrow.
I think that I make a lot of false assumptions when it comes to vocal behavior. Often times I pause when I am really tired or having a long day. I think it is easy to think we know what people mean when really, we have no idea! :)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Week 7 Discussion Post #2
Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals 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?
When I traveled to Scotland this past summer, I noticed a few differences in nonverbal cues, especially when it came to body language. Here in the Silicon Valley life is very fast paced, and it seems like our gestures are very sharp and uptight. In Scotland, however, I found that many people were very relaxed in their movements, and generally easy going with their body movements. Here we might believe these relaxed movements as laziness or indifference.
A good childhood friend of mine (who is from India) once told me that if a guest leaves something on their plate or there is water leftover, it is a sign of disrespect to the host.
I have also read in various courses that in some Asian cultures, it is rude to look someone in the eye for a long period of time. In our culture, however, looking someone in the eye seems like it symbolizes kindness and confidence.
When I traveled to Scotland this past summer, I noticed a few differences in nonverbal cues, especially when it came to body language. Here in the Silicon Valley life is very fast paced, and it seems like our gestures are very sharp and uptight. In Scotland, however, I found that many people were very relaxed in their movements, and generally easy going with their body movements. Here we might believe these relaxed movements as laziness or indifference.
A good childhood friend of mine (who is from India) once told me that if a guest leaves something on their plate or there is water leftover, it is a sign of disrespect to the host.
I have also read in various courses that in some Asian cultures, it is rude to look someone in the eye for a long period of time. In our culture, however, looking someone in the eye seems like it symbolizes kindness and confidence.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Week 7 Discussion Post #1
Nonverbal messages can be ambiguous, they are open to misinterpretation. Have you ever been wrong about the meaning of someone's nonverbal message? Describe what happened. How can people increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal messages.
A situation that could lead to misinterpretation would be an interview. I have interviewed for various jobs and even if I have been offered the job, I can interpret the interviewer’s nonverbal cues in a negative way. When the interviewer seems serious, with hands tightly clasped upon a desk, it sometimes gives me the impression that he or she is uptight, disapproving, or in a bad mood. However, in this type of situation, I think to increase the accuracy of nonverbal messages we must check the context of the situation. In an interview, I have to remember that I am not the only person applying for a position. Interviewers will hide their happiness or approval because it could end up being favoritism, or maybe the interviewer has other people left to interview. I could also ask the interviewer for verbal feedback, and clarification regarding the situation or environment. Lastly, I could compare current behavior to baseline behavior. It is very unusual for interviewer and interviewee to sit side by side- usually the interviewer sits at the main desk and the interviewee sits across the room. I think it is easy to misinterpret nonverbal cues on a daily basis. But by checking out the environment and breaking down the facts, it should become easier!
Have a great week! ☺
A situation that could lead to misinterpretation would be an interview. I have interviewed for various jobs and even if I have been offered the job, I can interpret the interviewer’s nonverbal cues in a negative way. When the interviewer seems serious, with hands tightly clasped upon a desk, it sometimes gives me the impression that he or she is uptight, disapproving, or in a bad mood. However, in this type of situation, I think to increase the accuracy of nonverbal messages we must check the context of the situation. In an interview, I have to remember that I am not the only person applying for a position. Interviewers will hide their happiness or approval because it could end up being favoritism, or maybe the interviewer has other people left to interview. I could also ask the interviewer for verbal feedback, and clarification regarding the situation or environment. Lastly, I could compare current behavior to baseline behavior. It is very unusual for interviewer and interviewee to sit side by side- usually the interviewer sits at the main desk and the interviewee sits across the room. I think it is easy to misinterpret nonverbal cues on a daily basis. But by checking out the environment and breaking down the facts, it should become easier!
Have a great week! ☺
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week 6 Discussion Post #3
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?
I think that it can be very difficult to perceive others without judging them. We use our values and experiences when we meet a person, and sometimes it leads to pre-conceived judgments of feelings deeply rooted within ourselves. As Trenholm explains, “person prototypes are idealized representations of a certain kind of person” (Trenholm 51). I definitely think I subconsciously use person prototypes when I meet someone. I think if a person embodies a few qualities that mold a stereotype, it can be easy to put them into that stereotype altogether. If I meet an athlete, I will sometimes assume the person is a very hardworking and driven individual. Or, if I meet someone works in advertising, I might automatically assume they are untrustworthy or suspicious.
By using person prototypes, we are choosing not to learn about other significant facts that define who people are. It can be easy to make assumptions and compartmentalize what someone is like into a category. I think being open minded and aware is one way to limit judgments. If we try to realize that every person is an individual and unique self, we can avoid separating people into generalized categories. Acknowledging the issue of judging others is one effective step to progress.
I think that it can be very difficult to perceive others without judging them. We use our values and experiences when we meet a person, and sometimes it leads to pre-conceived judgments of feelings deeply rooted within ourselves. As Trenholm explains, “person prototypes are idealized representations of a certain kind of person” (Trenholm 51). I definitely think I subconsciously use person prototypes when I meet someone. I think if a person embodies a few qualities that mold a stereotype, it can be easy to put them into that stereotype altogether. If I meet an athlete, I will sometimes assume the person is a very hardworking and driven individual. Or, if I meet someone works in advertising, I might automatically assume they are untrustworthy or suspicious.
By using person prototypes, we are choosing not to learn about other significant facts that define who people are. It can be easy to make assumptions and compartmentalize what someone is like into a category. I think being open minded and aware is one way to limit judgments. If we try to realize that every person is an individual and unique self, we can avoid separating people into generalized categories. Acknowledging the issue of judging others is one effective step to progress.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Week 6 Discussion Post #2
2). Do you agree that men and women use language differently? In what areas?
I wholeheartedly agree that men and woman use language differently. From the time we played with "gender appropriate" toys in kindergarten, our social interactions tend to depict our use of language. I agree with Trenholm's example on page 89. When I am lost, I immediately want to call up a friend and ask for directions. Most male friends I know seem more embarrassed or uncomfortable when they do not know where they are going. Generally and subconsciously, girls and boys are taught to express themselves differently. I am a nanny for 3 children, two girls and one boy. Without a doubt, their genders play a huge role in the way they handle situations. Both girls cry freely if they had a bad day, whereas the boy tends to "suck it up" and hold back his tears. I find that girls tend to ask more questions, analyze situations, focus on details, and the boy is more direct and to the point. I find that girls use language if they need reassurance, by saying little things like "Do you know what I mean?", or "Does that make sense?". Boys are interested in working out a specific problem in a direct manner, using their language as a way to explain a situation or experience. I find they spend less time talking about the details and more time talking about the facts at hand.
I think that for the most part, men and women can use language differently, but I know men and women that do not fall specifically into one category. I have met men that are very free to express themselves and women that rarely cry. I think it really does depend on the individual. :)
I wholeheartedly agree that men and woman use language differently. From the time we played with "gender appropriate" toys in kindergarten, our social interactions tend to depict our use of language. I agree with Trenholm's example on page 89. When I am lost, I immediately want to call up a friend and ask for directions. Most male friends I know seem more embarrassed or uncomfortable when they do not know where they are going. Generally and subconsciously, girls and boys are taught to express themselves differently. I am a nanny for 3 children, two girls and one boy. Without a doubt, their genders play a huge role in the way they handle situations. Both girls cry freely if they had a bad day, whereas the boy tends to "suck it up" and hold back his tears. I find that girls tend to ask more questions, analyze situations, focus on details, and the boy is more direct and to the point. I find that girls use language if they need reassurance, by saying little things like "Do you know what I mean?", or "Does that make sense?". Boys are interested in working out a specific problem in a direct manner, using their language as a way to explain a situation or experience. I find they spend less time talking about the details and more time talking about the facts at hand.
I think that for the most part, men and women can use language differently, but I know men and women that do not fall specifically into one category. I have met men that are very free to express themselves and women that rarely cry. I think it really does depend on the individual. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
