Week 13- Discussion 2

Do you agree with Marshall McLuhan that the medium is the message, i.e. that the format or logic of a medium is as important as its content and, in fact, determines what content will be broadcast through that channel? Evaluate his idea that television is a cool medium.

 

In my major (PR) we definitely study how important the medium is.  You may have a fantastic and interesting message, but if it doesn’t hit the audience in a way they can compute (or hit them at all), then the message is completely lost.  As society and technology changes and advances we always have to stay mindful of the medium.   The content of the medium is the juicy piece of meat a burglar uses to distract the watchdog.

 

Initially I completely disagreed witht eh idea as TV being a “cool” medium.  I always felt it was equivalent to the movies.  But when I thought about it, TV as a cool medium actually makes sense.  I have a habbit of doing HW infornt of the TV.  I could watch a movie and do HW and would be okay, but the movie would probably be more stimulating and keep me from doing HW.  But when I try to watch TV and do hw it never works out well.  Its like to watch tv it takes a lot more effort and paying attention.  And thank god for having DVR because I must hit rewind 20 times during a 30 minute show, it takes a lot of effort and concentration.

 

Week 13- Discussion 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?

I remember the summer between 8th grade and freshman year of highschool I got my first computer and my parents were trusting (or naïve) enough to let me put it in my room. I had internet, AIM and my best-girlfriends and I discovered chat rooms. I remember we would go in these rooms and would mess with people so much. I feel really bad now, but at the time we thought it was fun. We would find guys and make them think we were into them/build a relationship then do bratty things. Of course we lied about everything we said, gave fake locations, names and pictures. These relationships differed from face-to-face because in real life I could never be so fake, catty and mean as I was on there. Online I would act and say things that I could never do in real life. In real life I could never be a fake person, but you can online, which leads to creating fake relationships. Online you have the opportunity to be anyone you want to be, and the other person could have no idea who you really are.

Week 12- Discussion 3

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

One part of the book I was particularly interested in this chapter was about interviewing skills.  As I will be graduating, this is something that is very important for me in trying to land a job.  As the book says, you have to start with preperation.  One thing that everyone tells me to do, and the book backs up, is to research the company.  You need to show up knowing about the organization you are interviewing for.  Another important part of prepping is having a great resume and cover letter.  One thing that I believe helped me get my current job was done during the interview, asking questions.  In the book it says to prepare by anticipating the questions the organization may ask you, but you should also ask the organization questions.  I think this shows them that you are really interested in the organization and the position at hand.

But what do you do if they ask you questions you find inappropriate?  The book says there are 3 choices 1.) simply answer the question (if you feel comfortable doing this), 2.)discuss the concern that prompted the question, 3.) refuse to answer the question and tell them you thought it was inappropriate.

Have a good weekend,

ImaginePeace

Week 12- Discussion 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?

As for the books rules, I would have to say that I agreed with some, but not will all.

I think that the one peeve that most people would agree with are cell phones. The book was reading my mind by saying that it is rude to talk on phones, I especially think it is when at dinner or while in a movie. But although many people agree that this is rude, that doesn't meant hat they always follow this etiquette. I even catch myself answer my cell phone some times when I am out to dinner. Looking back, I am disappointed in myself.

I used to work at a restaurant and a large table would want to order. It would get so annoying when one of the people would be on their cell and act like it was a bother for them to tell the person to hold and order. Or sometimes they would make me wait to finish their call. They obviously don't know proper restaurant etiquette.

At work I am forced to do many conference calls. I think that it is true that you should have to identify yourself in the beginning. This way the people on the call can try to identify the voice with the person. I even think it is appropriate to identify yourself throughout the call before you speak. It really just makes it easier for all involved.

Part of professional behavior and etiquette ties in the answering machines. Although I love to hear different and funny answering messages, I guess it isn't the most professional thing to do. Also I get really upset at work when people call and don't leave their phone number in the beginning AND the end of the message. Because sometimes when they leave their number just at the end and if I miss the number I have to go back and listen to the whole message again…its really frustrating. And when they leave a long message, it is even worst. I feel that it is just proper etiquette to AT LEAST leave it in the beginning.

Week 12-Discussion 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 tied to the environment in many different ways, they all have an effect on the surrounding environment.  

Without outsourcing, organizations use people within the neighboring community to employ at the company.  This helps to stimulate the local economy and effects the environment.  Another way they are tied to the environment is by using resources and effecting the actual eco-system environment.  To increase the companies image they may try to portray themselves as "green" this effects the environment as well.  Some companies are now building green and getting certified as LEED buildings.

It would be near impossible for a college or university to not effect the local community.  San Jose State not only stimulates the economy is San Jose, but it effects most of the city.  I found out today that San Jose State University is the oldest public university in California.  All of downtown was built around the campus.  This means that often people who go to school shop, eat, party and live around the school )although we are known as a commuter school.)

If a city is known as a good area it will help to promote the image of the school.  But the city helps the school as well.  Thus a city does have an obligation to give back to the community.  This is best done through scholarships for underprivileged, local students.

Best regards,

ImaginePeace

Week 11- Discussion

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

One part of chapter 6 that I found really interesting was the section on becoming a more responsible communicator.  I am sure that everyone knows a person who you hear speak and say "Did they seriously just say that?"  I know that I have a relative that asks the most inappropriate questions and I cant help but wonder if she has any sensor.  Hearing other people communicate irresponsibly makes me feel incredibly awkward, even if it has nothing to do with me.

Melinda Kramer has come up with two different tests to find out if some way you are communicating is ethical or unethical.  One is the public security test.  This test consist of asking yourself three different questions. 1.)  Am I personally proud of this action? 2.) Am I comfortable with this decision? 3.)  Would I feel uncomfortable or embarrassed if this decision were known to my colleagues, friends, spouse, or children?  Although it may be impossible to answer yes to all of these questions all of the time I feel that I am comfortable with my answer to these questions most of the time.

The second testis he four-way test which is consisting of four different questions.  1.)  Is is the truth? 2.)  is it fair to all concerned?  3.)  Will is build goodwill and better friendships?  4.)  Will it be beneficial to all concerned?  Again I may not be able to answer yes ALL the time, I feel good about answering yes for the most part.  But afte reading this section I believe I will find myself asking these questions to myself before I communicate.  For example last weekend I left a message on my friends phone.  I thought it was funny but after hanging up I realized it may come off a bit inappropriate.  When she did not call me back right away I became paranoid that she took the message the wrong way and did not want to contact me.  Turns out that was not the case, but it definitely taught me a lesson.  Before I communicate I will stop think, then follow through.

Best wishes,

ImaginePeace

Week 11-Discussion 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 don't think I could do a long term relationship, I feel the stress of distance could take a toll on both people and the romantic relationship, thus this part of sociological or incidental cue would be hard, and make a potential mate less attractive to me. Although it would be a different situation if we were already dating before the distance. This also is the case with physical proximity, but someone too close becomes unattractive to me as well. I don't like someone to around all the time, I need my space. Pre-interaction cues plays a role as well. I may look for a guy who physically takes care of himself, but not too much (I don't like big muscles.) I agree with what it says in the book, the old expression "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" really is true. The most important cue for me to weed out potential romantic partners is the interaction cue. If I cant not hold a stimulating conversation with someone, they become extremely unattractive to me.

Ducks theory states that we use filters to judge how close we want to become while we weed out potential partners through every filter. So I completely agree with him. We may not knowingly be using these filters, but when you stop and think about it, we all do at some point or another.

When it comes to eliminating someone based off pre-interaction cues, I am sadly guilty as charged. I may not consider a guy because he isn't my typer, or he looks like "a dumb joke", but when I interact with him he may completely prove me wrong.

Week 11-Discussion 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?

I think that the pattern that would be the most difficult to change would be submissive control. I am pretty indecisive, so I need to be around people who are more decisive or else we would be stuck saying "I don't care, you decide" every time we tried to make plans. A situation of two indecisive people could put a lot of strain on a relationship because both wants the other to decide. I know when I am with a friend who does not want to make the decision either I get super frustrated and I am sure they must feel the same way that I do.

As for the most damaging, from my experience the most damaging pattern to a relationship has been from rigid complementary. I have had friends that always have to be in control, and although I am pretty submissive, but my relationships with control freaks never seem to work out. Its sort of like, you have to give a little to get a little, and the control person doesn't seem to want to let go enough to give some control to someone else.

The patter that could have the most damage to self-esteem would most likely by competitive symmetry, I think. Compeition can easily lead to a bruised ego and damage to ones self-esteem..

Week 9- Discussion 3

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

The concept I found extremely interesting are the Characteristics of Cultures. I find it interesting that the book said that cultures are learned. The book mentions that Americans act like other Americans because this is a learned act. I never thought about it before, but when I do, I find that I completely agree. If I did not grow up around a big, loud, Italian family, I wouldn't act like a loud Italian person.

I also Agree with the book saying that cultures are shared. As humans we want to fit in. This is anotehr reason why we act like our cultures, to fit in. But because cutlure is shared we are not able to act exactly how we want, because it may not be how to culture acts. Cultures have many rules and regulations, and in order to fit into that culture we muct follow them. I would imagine it would be very hard for members of a minority group dealing with a shared culture, or those who identofy with mulitple cutlures, such as someone whos mother is father is Christian and mother is Jewish.

Another thing is looking at how cultures overlap. I consider Cathoic and Italian as overlapping. Althoguh they could be considered 2 different cultures to me they overlap and I consider them both as part of mine. Its liek in Italy, altough they may not attend mass on a regular masis, they still consider themselves Catholic, because they see it as part of their Italian culture.

Best regards,
ImaginePeace

Week 9- Discussion 2

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

Rationality: I DO believe. Many people use rationality to make good decisions on a daily bases. The book defines rationality as "the belief that most people are capable of discovering the truth through logical analysis - underlies many American institutions, including democracy, trial by jury, and free enterprise, all of which are based on the idea that the average person can be trusted to make good decisions." Based off this definition is hard for me not to agree with it. I think that the US was based on this idea, which is why we are a democracy, they trust us to make the right decision.

Perfectibility: I DO NOT agree with this theory as it seems to be based on religion. By looking as everyone as sinful it may not b helpful at all. Many people only live up to the expectations that are set for them. If we dont expect people to make the right decisions, they may wont. I believe every person is born pure at heart, although this may not stay thrue their whole life. Although many religions are based on this theory.

Mutability: I Do believe in this. In fact, I believe in this one the most. I think someones environment plays a strong effect on the choices they make. For example, if someone grows up around gangs and violence, it is a very strong chance they will fall into that as well. This is why their are organizations like Big Brother and Big Sister that try to step in and break the cycle.

Week 9- Discussion 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 agree strongly with Ruth Benedict that culture shapes who we are. But I also beleive that we can break the limits to create our own identity. I will use my father as an example. My father came from very conservative familes. Growing up he considered himself politically conservative, based on the way he was raised. On his 18th birthday he registered republican and made his father proud, he did what everyother child in his area did. It was not untill he moved away from his small town in Illinois that things started to change. Now he may be the most liberal man that ever came out of Chatam, Illinois...his family is not too happy with that.

For my father is was when he moved to California (from Illinoise) he was able to experience another culture in California. So even though the culture of the mid-west influenced him greatly experiencing another culture opened up his mond and he saw that their were other ways to view things then just the way he viewed things growing up.

This has lead me to believe that the best way to break cultural limits is to experience other cultures. It opens up your eyes to see things you may not have if you didnt.