CMM

The theory I would most like to learn more about is coordinated management theory. This was one of the first theories in the book and one of the first that really made me want to learn about comm theory. One of the things that intrigued me about this theory was how it solves a problem. It uses special techniques to successfully solve a problem. On the chart on page 484 I noticed that of all the 10 threads, coordinated management theory includes 6. I have been looking into getting certified to be a mediator and understanding more about CMM would help to accomplish that goal.

Self-image

In chapter 36 Griffin links some of different theories using common threads or ideas that the theories have in common. one of the concepts I identified with the most was self-image. Griffin says that "communication affects and is affected by our sense of identity, which is strongly shaped within the context of our culture." (Griffin 474). Identity is so important because we need it in order to communicate and it is what makes up what is culture. Without having an identity there would be no communication or culture. There are many different theories that have identity and culture as a common thread. Some of those theories are Mead's symbolic interactionalism, Ting-toomey's face negotiation theory and, Giles' communication accomodation theory. Self image is how we see ourselves. Our self-image affects and influences the way we communicate. As Griffin says in his cause for pause, we have all been put down by others, that would affect how we feel and in turn affect how we treat others. When Im having a bad day and my self-esttem is low, it's hard to smile and be cordial to others. Self image is a very important part of communication.

Reflecting on 101

As I was reading chapter 36, I was really surprised at how well I knew the theories he tied together. When I think back to the first week of class I remembered being totally overwhelmed. The last thing I wanted to learn about was a bunch of boring theories I wouldn't understand and never have any use for. I was totally wrong. My friends and family can tell you that I constantly am telling them about a theory that would help them. My sister was contemplating breaking up with her boyfriend, she felt that the relationship had grown boring and wondered why, I read her some of the relationship maintenance theories and she understood why things were the way they were. Communication is the key to all relationships and the theories we have learned can only improve it.

Muted Theory

In chapter 35 Cheris Kramarae says that language does not represent all groups. Men did help develop our language, but I think women have come a long way from where they were. But as Shirley Ardener say mutedness does not mean that a group is totally silent or always silent. Women may be in a better place than they were but there are still power discrepancies between the genders. Men still dominate many fields so the battle is still raging (that metaphor is proof of that).

In Em Griffins interview with Cherise Kramarae they discussed her new encyclopedia of womens history. In her encyclopedia she has a section on witches. I thought it was interesting that the word “witch” originally meant someone with powers that could be a man or woman. It was changed and turned into a derogatory term for women.

Strong Objectivity

Strong objectivity is the term that Harding refers to when she talks about the strategy of starting research from the lives of women and other marginalized groups who are usually not heard from. Strong objectivity suggests that people from these groups have a lot of wisdom from their experiences and their many perspectives gives them their “strength”. She also goes on to say that people who have not struggled have weak objectivity. I can see what she means because people who haven't had to fight for anything in their lives or have had everything handed to think there are many problems with the world. Anyone who lives an oppressed life has more of a reason to want change. This made me think of this years election. Obama's big selling point that he was for change, with the current state of the economy the number of people who are struggling and feel that they are marginalized has increased. our newly elected President, Barack Obama, has been elected by all the people who have strong objectives and want change.

My Standpoint as a Woman

Standpoint theory is all about women and other people from marginalized backgrounds world view. The theorists, Sarah Harding and Julia T. Wood say that standpoint is the place or location that we see the world. They also say that, "The social groups within which we are located powerfully shape what we experience and know as well as how we understand and communicate with ourselves, others, and the world." (Griffin p. 441). This means that how we are raised, the things we are to taught, our environment, and our individual experiences are what shape our standpoint. Harding focused on the standpoint of women who are marginalized. In this chapter she highlights some of the inequalities and differences between gender. Being a woman, I was very interested in this theory. I can see how women that are marginalized might have a clearer view of reality or truth. I don't consider myself as someone who is marginalized, but I think that I have a pretty good understanding of what is true and ethical. I think that since I am from a middle class family and now a starving student that I have developed a unique standpoint that helps me to identify with many different people, not only women.

media and minority beliefs

I thought it was interesting how Noelle-Neumann thought media helps in accelerating the silence of minority beliefs. With television magazines and all media outlets we are shown only the popular opinions. The mainstream media does not report or show ideas that are not readily accepted by society. Martha Stewart would never have a segment on something that is controversial or out of the ordinary. Her viewers and demographic watch her show because they listen to Martha and only want to learn how to make a chocolate cake. Martha Stewart"s time in prison is never talked about or discussed on her daytime show, instead they focus on other things. The media does shape what ideas we think about and also what we don't talk about. The media definitely plays a huge role in our lives.