Chapter 35 - Muted Group Theory

This was another eye opening chapter, to again put myself in the shoes of others. Its fascinating that our language is inherently masculine and because of this men control discussion. Even acknowledging the women aren't on a "level playing field" illustrate how the use of language is male-driven in that the phrase is an athletic expression of competitive team sports.

As a guy, I don't even realize that our language is like this, I've been immersed in it so long that I don't know any different. When I take a step back and realize how much of our language discourages women from speaking out in a public setting I understand frustrations that women feel.

Even in the internet, women are subject to the technologically elite who are overwhelmingly male. The hope was that the internet would be a place where an equal voice could be heard, but the framers of the this technology have created it based on masculine standards which pose another hurdle.

Chapter 34 - Standpoint theory

I enjoyed reading about standpoint theory and the author's points about gender viewpoints and women's lives.

I think about life in general and putting ourselves in the shoes of others and seeking to understand their standpoint rather than only our own. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own lives adn forget that our actions have direct effect on those around us. Maybe good, maybe bad, but always an effect. When you realize the perspective of others I think it gives us a wiser point of view. Not so narrow minded. Our own universe isn't as small as we think when we see through the lives of others. Everyone has a story, everyone has a job to do, everyone has an agenda, and everyone has hopes, dreams, fears. One of the great things about understanding Communication is that it provides perspective for the way we live our lives. All of a sudden we see what humans go through in an effort to understand and be understood.

This chapter was one of those chapters that gives great perspective and insight about the lives of others and again allows to see through the eyes of others.

Chapter 29 - Spiral of Silence

This chapter described what all of us go through to some degree, the desire to be heard and feel affirmed in our opinions, or more so, the fear that we won't be affirmed, therefore we keep quiet. I have been in this situation many times, where I don't agree with what is taking place in a meeting or the direction a group is going. Many times, because a group feeds off each other's energy, a poor decision can be made without anyone realizing what's happening. Instead of speaking up and shedding some light on the poor direction they are heading, I keep quiet instead of going against the tide - until the right moment, that is. When it gets to the point where it is abundantly clear that the group is way off base, I have no issue chiming in. This is probably what the chapter means when they discuss that people will usually speak up if they are a criminal or moral hero - they have other motives besides just saving face amongst group members, so their reputation within that group has no bearing on their opinions.