Social Construction Theory

 I have thought hard about the social construction theory and have come to believe it.  I believe the theory is that all of our actions are based off of others ideas and views. For example many people buy the Dr. Dre headphones which are very expensive just because of the name. People feel that if you wear or buy what the pro athletes or stars buy you will be looked at in a better way. 

The female social construction from the nineteen fifty’s to now have changed greatly. In the fifteenth century what was considered beautiful is completely different from today. Everyone believed that the bigger you were the better you looked. Mainly because you looked like you were wealthy and well fed. Today beautiful to many is the complete opposite. People believe that the thinner you are the more beautiful. Women in fifteenth century were treated very different from how they are treated now. Many would say they were discriminated against and I believe this to be true.

Although women’s social construction has changed I also believe men’s social construction has too. I believe most women want the big tall athletic and handsome guy. This has changed because in the nineteen fifties there were many arranged marriages. You basically married a guy because he was liked by your family.

In the article men are portrayed as superior to women. I do not think that over the years men have lost their masculinity. I believe that women have more rights now. This may make it look like men have lost their masculinity, but in actuality women have just became equal to men and can do many of the same things as them. I believe my reaction to this article can be explained in one word surprised. I could not believe how miss treated women were and I thought that women did not have any rights. 

~ Matt Mills 

My Thoughts on the Gender Construction Theory

I believe that this theory has a bit of truth behind it.  for instance if a child is raised in a very strict, or religious household they are more likely to raise their kids in the same manor.  There are also societal views on what may be considered beautiful.  In a country like America we are used to seeing slim size two as the key in what makes someone appealing.  However in some African countries women cut their bottom lips and have them fitted with clay disks because the men might find that to be ideal in a wife.  If a thought is found to have any importance within a culture then it becomes habit and belief within a group of people to be carried on as a part of their daily lives.

The social construction of women in the 1950's America is definitely different from how it is today.  Back in the day a woman was expected to stay at home and be the dutiful, quiet mouse she was supposed to be.  Most men thought that there was something demur about this type of woman.   Nowadays a woman can go out of the house and get a career without the husband saying otherwise.  In today's world a modern female has a voice that didn't exist in the fifties.

Back then a man was considered the "head of the house," or the master of his domain, with his significant other  being the ever willing servant.  Whatever he would say goes.  It's almost like he is a second parent to his wife.  In today's world some men choose to stay at home instead of the wife to tend to the house and children, which is a huge and very definable difference.  

I think "The Good Housewife" article is a load of bull.  Women are portrayed as the weak minded sex that have to answer to the man and bend to his will.  If I was born in the 1950's I sure as H&*( would not be answering to a meat headed man.  I'm happy that we are given a little more leeway and freedom to live our own lives. :)    

Social Construction Theory

  Social Construction Theory is the idea that anything and everything we do is based off of others views or ideas. The idea of reality is also under this theory. We only truly know what reality is by want we can confirm with others.  If enough people can verify something that we have experienced then it will be taken as reality. If we can not confirm that others have experienced the same as us we can me labeled as heretics or lunatics. This is my idea of the Social Construction Theory.
 An example of how this can affect everyday life is how the role of women has changed in the past sixty years. In the 1950's the role of women was to be stay at home moms and that they would clean the house, cook dinner, and show excitement to her husband upon his arrival. These women would have to drop everything to make sure everything is up to standards for her husband.
  Of course this has changed within the sixty or so years that have past. Women are now much more equal to men, although they are not to complete equality yet. Women are now their own people and not forced to abide by the older social ideas. They can now do what they want and they don't have to make sure everything is perfect for their significant other. Some men stay home to raise children or clean now.
  The social construction for women these days is that they are they own people, equal to any other person. Of course there are still things that can be solved on the same topic but they are now much better. Some social ideas are that women are smarter then men or that they are some worth preserving more than hiding.
  The social construction for men has also changed. The appeal of a man to a women has changed very much. In order to be considered "attractive" to most women, a man must be in top physical shape, talented, athletic, or smart.  Men In the fifties were under much less pressure and were required much less, in my opinion. I believe it is becoming tougher and tougher to keep up with social ideas.
  My opinion on the article is that it is severely sexist and according to todays standards it can be considered discrimination.  

Body Language

       I have learned many things from the video that we have watched in class. I realized I now watch people walk in public or that I am very conscience about the way I act or walk. I have learned how to tell a liar or to tell that people are not confident in themselves when speaking. A lot of these things I saw everyday but never noticed it.
   I learned that the way someone can walk can show their power or what they think of themselves.  Normally people in politics or in the people's eye will walk with a determined look or that they will focus on the people more. Another thing I learned is that famous people will try to look like they know people viz Hilary Clinton with her speeches. She would point to people on the crowd that she wouldn't even know. I've also learned from the police officers on the video of the tell tales of someone having a weapon for example the blousing of the shirt or the twitching of the thumb.
   Small signs like these fascinated and how people will not actually know what they are doing but its a biological or physiological sign of your emotion or actions. Having a police officer as a father I have seen some of these signs but even my father I've seen these signs in him. I can now spot a police officer or soldier in a crowd just by the way they walk. The video was very educational and I enjoyed the facts very much and now put them to use in any sort of communication.

Subliminal Love Interest

One thing I found very interesting about the way people express their thoughts through body language was the way people who are attracted to each other interact non-verbally. The way a man may try to show dominance or masculinity or how a woman might show interest or lack there of by simple gestures.

What is also interesting is how similar gestures can mean something completely different. For example, when someone speaks to me about something I am not interested in, I have trouble making eye contact. A person who fancies another may do the same out of the fear that making eye contact will divulge their true feelings or make them vulnerable.

While at the semi-formal Sweetheart dance this past Saturday evening, I became aware of these subtle signals in a young couple whose relationship was obvious in its early stages and just beginning to flourish. It was absolutely adorable, but also intriguing. This young man stood slightly to the side of her, rather than face to face. He did so that as he stood next to her, she could notice him standing at full attention, hand on his hips with his chest slightly puffed up, asserting his dominance. She, not making eye contact, twisted and rotated on the spot she was standing, while twirling her fingers through her hair. Also, when she would speak to him, he would bend down and turn his ear towards her mouth. He most likely did this to not hear her better, but to show that again he was the assertive, masculine one. In the middle of her anecdote, he would then rock back, throw his head back laughing, and thrust his hips out. She would look up at him and giggle as well.

All of these subliminal messages took place over such a small period of time, but portrayed a huge amount of information that was more important than what they were actually discussing.

Post 3- Gender Construction

For this week's post, consider Social Construction Theory and respond to the Housekeeping Monthly article, 'The Good Housewife' by answering the following questions:

1.) What are your thoughts on Social Construction Theory? Put the theory in your own words and use examples.

2.) What was the social construction of the female gender in the 1950s? What is the social construction of the female gender in the 2010s? Is there a difference between how women were viewed then as opposed to now? In other words, how has the female social construction changed in the 58 years since the article was written?

3.) How are men portrayed in the article? Have social constructions of masculinity changed in the past 58 years?

4.) And finally, what is your reaction to the article?

Write 300-400 words. Your responses are due by 3 p.m. Friday, 2/28.

The wonders of body language

I have learned a lot about body language these past few weeks.one thing I have found out is that I cannot go out in public normally anymore due to the fact that I am reading everyone's body language. One thing I have learned is that there are many ways to show your dominance through body language. I have also learned that body language is a huge deal when speaking publicly. 

Although I just started learning about body language little did I know I was using one form of body language these past two years in basketball. After getting announced I always shake the coach’s hand. When doing this I always try to get the “upper hand” and then while shaking I put my opposite hand on the coach’s arm as I say good luck to them. As I watched the video I learned that many presidents have done this to show their dominance or who is boss. I also have done many things wrong. For example when publicly speaking the way I stand and where I put my hands. Another is eye contact. I tend to look quick to get it over with instead of really actually making eye contact and proceeding to talk.

As I have watched people’s body language I have learned who has confidence in themselves or who may be shy. Two big things I have noticed are what they do with their hands and the other is their posture. These two things let people know if you want to let them in when talking and if your confident in what you’re talking about.

If You're Happy and You Know It......Tell the Truth....No Really

The thing that I learned from the language study video and reading was that 93 percent of all human communication is conducted through the body and a persons' own physical reactions to others.  Apparently someone under any type of stress will subconsciously reassure themselves through physical touch, saying that for the moment everything is, or will be okay regardless of guilt, or innocence.

In the usage of body language, I feel that there are some areas in which I do wonderfully, while I erroneously fail in others.  I try to keep eye contact when speaking to my peers with an open, and friendly stance.  On the other hand I have issues with the sincerity of a statement, because I may not know the complete truth, or substance of a subject I may be discussing at the point in time.  My thought process can be somewhat scatterbrained at times and confuse others.  I really should think before I speak to get my point across, and try not to go off on a tangent.

This weekend I spent my time watching how my peers interacted at the school semi-formal.  The way I was approached by my friends in the beginning was great!  I was told that I looked nice, and their smiles were genuine, so I believed them.  Further on through the night I found it to be very awkward because people were grinding, which I find a very vulgar gesture.  It confounds me what people think is attractive about that.  That in my opinion is a definite communication failure, based on what both people think may be considered attractive dancing                

Post 2: Body Language

Pay attention as we view the video on body language and answer the following questions for a blog post of 200-300 words, due 3pm Friday, 2/21/14. Click here for the video.

1. What have you learned about body language that you didn't know before reading the article from last week and viewing the video? 

2. Reflect on your own use of body language. In what areas are you effective? In what areas are you ineffective (what can you work on improving)? Give examples.

3. Pay attention to body language throughout the week. What have you noticed about the body language of your peers, teachers, family, etc.? Explain what you have seen that was really effective or ineffective. 

Cold Water.... Naaaah... Hot Water.

    A time I've had an error in communication was when I went to get my father a glass of water. At the time we were all sitting in our living room when my father had developed a thirst deep within himself. This thirst could only be solved by one thing and that one thing was....more cowbell...I mean water. It was a confusing time because I thought he said hot water.
    My father finally decided o ask me to walk myself the two rooms into our kitchen, remove a glass from our cabinet, place it under the spout on our refrigerator and put water within the glass. Instead of doing those exact actions, I walked to our stove and put the kettle under a hot flame. After about five minutes I removed the flame from the kettle and pour barely boiling water into a glass.
    I was very confused on why my father asked for just hot water without any tea or cocoa in it. Going against my conscience, I continued to proceed with the task before me. I walked back into our living room looking down at the water to make sure it was not spilling.
    I noticed while walking that the water was no longer boiling so I shrugged and handed my father the water. He proceeded to take a sip of the extremely hot water burning his lips and the inside of his mouth. After a few select words he then asked why I gave him hot water. I simply replied "You asked for it!".  We then both expressed how we misinterpreted each other.

Communication Failure

One great example of communication failure happened this year.  Coming into my senior year I told myself I wanted to do as much as I could to make great memories. Little did I know I couldn't do everything and still be sane. As my class and I chose a senior play I thought I might be able to do both basketball and the play.

When Mrs. Wherli told me I was doing the play I responded with only if I have a really small part. I said this because I didn't think I would be able to memorize all my lines because I wouldn't be able to make all of the practices because I couldn't skip basketball practice because I am a captain.  The first play practice we were handed a book and were told to highlight our part. As I started to highlight I realized I was highlighting a lot. I turned to Mrs. Wherli and said I thought you said I was going to have a small part; she then turned and said whoops.  

This is where the communication failure occurred. As I went in two days later to tell her I couldn't have this big of a part she began to tell me she thought I would be able to do it because my brother did it and he also played basketball. This was a big miss communication because my brother and I are very different.  

~Matt Mills 

Communication Mishap on Vacation

It was the summer before my junior year at Deposit Central, my  parents had decided that I could fly solo to Louisiana to be with my Aunt Amy.  I was very close to her, and still am.  This trip was supposed to go off without issue, but we all know that that’s not possible in my life.

Here are two separate cautionary tales of communication gone wrong:

1. About four days after I showed up in Louisiana my Aunt suggested we get fast food at the Popeye’s down the street from her home, and I said that I’d never had that, so I agreed to try it.  When we ordered our food I asked for red beans and rice, but the employee thought I said “some fries,” which lead to a very humorous argument between myself and the unknown women over what I had ordered.  I definitely learned not to mumble, because I’ll be told I’m wrong about what I would want to eat the whole argument lasted a half hour over a drive-through intercom.  I never had that problem before, or since, which when I look back on it now is pretty laughable.

2. Days later I was asked to pick up a movie from the local Toys R Us for my Aunt’s sister-in law.  The catch was it was at midnight when the store opened just for that.  I had heard that they were going to open the store an hour early and start to sell the movie then, but I was told the wrong thing by an advertisement.  It had said the store was letting people in early, so I assumed that the movie was sold then to.  My  Aunt’s boyfriend said he would take me so she could  sleep for work the next day.

When we were told the truth we chose to stay there because it would be a waste of gas to go back home.  In the end we spent an hour in Babies R Us sleeping in two separate rocking chairs.  My thoughts are if you choose to advertise that you're opening the store early let people know that you can’t sell that movie until midnight.

-Diedra       

Fuddruckers Communication Fail

During the summer of 2000, my friends and I had the fortune of seeing the Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers live in Hershey, PA. On the way to the concert, we decided to stop at Fuddruckers for food, which became the setting for an interesting communication fail.

For those of you who may not know the ordering process at Fuddruckers, the cashier takes your first name and last initial so they can call your name over the intercom when your food is ready. I ordered my burger and fries, and I gave my name: Raphael T. It didn’t occur to me that environmental noise, caused by the other patrons and the machinery in the kitchen, would cause a misunderstanding. When my order was up, the cashier called for ‘Rayfield T.’

My friends and I had a good laugh about this, and decided we would try to order a few more items off of the menu to mess with the cashier. We came up with a list of names: Mahatma G., Adolf H., Jesus C., Master P., etc. etc. Since the workers at Fuddruckers were friendly and in on the joke, they called these names. To this day, I can still remember the confused and irritated looks on all of the other patrons’ faces.

Post 1: Communication Breakdown

Identify an experience in which your attempt to communicate was a failure. Use the classification of sources of noise given from this week's reading to label the type of interference you encountered. Why did this happen?  What, if anything, could you have done to correct the interference problem? 

Your response must be at least 200-300 words long and will be due by 3pm, Monday 2/10/14.

Welcome Seniors!

Welcome, Seniors! This is the blog for Communication Theory and Practice. This blog will serve as a journal for our class. Journal assignments will be given on a weekly basis and will be due by 3pm every Friday.

The directions are simple: all posts must be written using grammatically correct English (including proper spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, capitalization, etc.). Absolutely no text language (lol, jk, omg, yolo, etc.). Since there is no way to indent paragraphs, you will be required to put a space between paragraphs. The addition of pictures and links is encouraged (we will be going over how to post pictures, movies, and links throughout the semester). Additionally, all material posted must be school appropriate.

I look forward to interesting discussions. Good luck!