NonListening

I never knew that there were so many listening types. I think the most common listening that I participate in is literal listening, defensive listening and monopolizing. I live a very busy life so I am always go and want people to communicate information to me both quickly and understandably. I am guilty of participating in literal listening because I am person that likes stuff to be explained in detail so I'll grasp the concept. So every time when a teacher is assigning a assignment I always ask them to repeat it and explain it to me. Additionally, I participate in defensive listening. I am not to fond of criticism and I feel when I get criticized people are always attacking. So I just tune the person out. Moreover, I participate in monopolizing listening because I like having several conversations at time. I am such a busy person so have many conversations at one time and listening to them help me multitask. I think to overcome my literal listening I just have to take it one step at time and pay attention to the directions closely when the teacher talks about it. In addition, to overcome defensive listening I have to say to myself that it's constructive feedback and not criticism. Then to cure my monopolizing listening patterns I must have each conversation one at time so I wont get lost in the noise.

Language Use Is Rule Guided

So the topic that I am interested in talking about is language is rule guided. This concept means that communication is constituted by rules. There are places that certain types of communications should be exercised and not exercised. According to Wood (2010) communication rules "are shared understandings of what communication means and what kinds of communication is appropriate. For example, yelling fire in a a movie theater is not acceptable. There are two rules to communication, regulative and constitutive rules. Regulative rules lays out the when, how and where of communication. For example, we understand it's appropriate to wear a dress or suit and tie to wedding than wearing a bikini and swim shorts. Regulative rules sets the boundaries for communication and what boundaries they should not cross. On the other hand, constitutive rules interprets how we play with communication. In simplest terms it helps up interpret the meaning of different kinds of communication. For example we know that kissing and hugging constitutes the communication of love and punching and kicking represents hostile communication. At first I never knew that language was rule guided because I thought communication was based off social norms. Nevertheless, communication is set by rules and boundaries. Communication is an open space and we have the freedom to stay within the communication circle or cross the line.
-Sir Keithington.

Hate Speech

According to the Free Speech Museum hate speech is considered speech that is racist or anti-Semitic particularly in the United States. I think at hate speech is speech that is negative and tries to bring people down or harm them. Everyone engages in hate speech there is just different levels of hate. For example, I could say I don't like vegetables because they are green or someone can say I don't like the school because of my professor. In the United States we draw attention to hate speech when it is not socially acceptable. For example, it can be a person calling the President a terrorist. There are ways to sue for hate speech when it's considered libel. Libel is defined as defamation of person's identity or character. For hate speech to be classified libel it has to cause some effect on the person, be published to a 3rd party and be false. For example, calling a coworker a slut at my job which results in her being fired could be considered libel. Because I called her a bad name at work the boss fired her so she can sue for libel if that makes sense. I think we should not censor hate speech because everyone is entitled to their first amendments right and we choose to use it or abuse it. It will violate are first amendment rights to censor hate speech because it is protected under the 1st amendment. The only way I see to reduce hate speech is to have an educated conversation about the issues facing our society. Debate is very good for our society it just have be done respectfully and intelligently.
-Sir Keithington

A Metaphor for America

I think we are not a melting pot because everyone is different and unique in his or her own way. In American were supposed to celebrate diversity and not let it blend into the background. In addition, in the melting pot diversity is not celebrated. Therefore the metaphor that I would use to describe America's diversity is a quilt. I really like Jesse Jackson's metaphor of using a quilt to describe America's diversity. I think a quilt symbolizes American diversity because it each square on the quilt is different yet bonded by the stitching of the quilt. There are many people around the world who come to the United States to start a new life for their family. Whenever a new person comes to the United States to start a new life for themselves and their family a new square will be added to quilt. More so the quilt will represent the close-nit bond individuals, have together. Additionally, the quilt solidifies the common bond that Americans have which is the pursuit of happiness, life and liberty. 

-Sir Keithington 

Q1: Generation Gap

So for question one I talked to my grandparents about life 40 years ago. So 40 years ago my grandparents were 20 during the 1960's. Segregation was present during that time so my grandparents were trying to abide by the law. During that time men were taught to get a job and enter the army right after high school. As for women they were taught to stay at home and take care for their brothers and sisters. More so, for fun 20 year-old went to the sock-hop and danced to Motown music. In addition my grandparents participated int he civil rights movement. Then moving on the my parents who are 20 year's older than me. My parents were 20 during the 1980's. For men during that time they went to college and went to get a job. Then for women it was all about keeping up with the latest 80's trends while going to college to have fun and then meet a boy and then get married. The 80's was a fun time for my parents so 20's year old were having fun with the new music and technology. Today being 20 is a little bit stressful especially going and paying for college. Today education is the United States is incredibly expensive especially in California. More so being 20 you have to balance, school, work and social life. It is expected for both men and women who are 20 to go to college and graduate and then go out and look for a job. Though many people who are 20 have fun going to parties and hanging out with friends we are living during the an economic downturn. Therefore, going to college and finding a job is the new vision for people who are 20.
-Sir Keithington

Attachment Styles

I am going to talk about attachment styles because I feel it's important in the world of communication. Attachment styles affect the way we communicate and how we approach a relationship. Let's get started.

Secure Attachment Style: In this style people are secure within their selves and is able to place trust in a lot of people. It is the most desirable and positive attachment styles of the other 3 styles. According to the Wood (2007) "People with secure attachment styles tend to be outgoing, affectionate and able to handle the challenges and disappointments of close relationships without losing self-esteem," (p. 46).

Fearful Attachment Style: In this style people feel insecure about themselves and think they are unworthy of love. Additionally, they feel people are not as loving as they say to be. They feel that people will reject their love so that's why they are afraid to attempt a relationship. A great example can be a girl who is wall flower at a dance and wants to dance with the boy she likes but she fear she will be rejected and that the people around her will make fun of her. So that's fearful attachment style.

Dismissive Attachment Style: In this style people have a positive outlook of themselves but are distrust of people who they feel is unworthy of their love. The put people on a high pedestal and must live up to their relationship standards in order for the relationship to grow. An example can be a child of divorced parent who is unwary about their parent's new partner. They may not like their parent's new partner and may push them to fight his/her love. So dismissive style is positive yet unwary of individuals coming into their lives.

Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment Style: In this style people are considered preoccupied. They view relationships as a good or bad thing. To elaborate they think people are loving and caring but people can also be mean and hurtful. So in this type of style people get both sides for coin when it comes to establishing and developing a relationship. This is because as a child the person was treated inconsistely. Sometimes their parent loved them and sometimes they did not. So that's all the attachment styles.
-Sir Keithington

What is Race?

I think race is a concept that defines who we are in society. Race is first thing we notice when we look at a person. It is undeniable that we cant see. race. In the United States we use race it to classify a persons group or identity. I think race is a useful way to classify people generally but when ethnicity gets mixed into the race pool it become complicated. For example, some people in the US mistake Chinese or Japanese as a race as they are ethnicities within the Asian race. Race is good to use for US Census data or compiling data polls on various topics. Additionally, race is a good way to classify people within crimes or national security. However, race can be bad when it used to segregate people. During the 1960's the Civil Rights movement took place because Blacks were segregated from whites and were not allowed the same opportunities and rights white people in our country. This caused a social change in our country because then it became a battle of racial class and which race is better. I believe all races are equal and no one is superior. Luckily, Blacks stood up for their rights and fought segregation and the Civil Rights Laws was passed desegregating races. I do not think the Census should not  allow people to check multiple races to define them selves because it would mess up data gathering. Additionally, their is an box for mixed race people to check which is other or bi-racial. Therefore, the US Census should not accomodate a box for people mixed with two races or more because it would inaccurately classify the demographics of the US. 
-Sir Keithington 

The 8 Principles of Interpersonal Communication

I am going to the discuss the 8 principles of interpersonal communication. Interpersonal communication is one of my favorite communication types. Additionally, I strongly believe that interpersonal communication plays a strong role in our lives. So let's begin.

1) We Cannot NOT Communicate

It is impossible not to communicate. We communicate every day in our lives. Even silence or not speaking or striking a pose is still considered communication. So there is no way not to communicate. 

2) Interpersonal Communication is Irreversible 

When you communicate to someone you cannot turn back time and reverse what you said. Once you said something to person you cannot take it back. So just be aware of what you say because you cannot go back in a time machine and change it.

3) Interpersonal Communication involves Ethical Choices 

What we say could have both a positive and negative reaction. In regards to ethics we have to be careful not to tip the balance between right or wrong. If you say something that you know is wrong...well don't say it because are words can have consequences. 

4) People Construct Meanings in Interpersonal Communication 

When we speak or communication there are connotations and symbols within our words. When we communicate we have the intent to convey an emotion or information. More so, people really pay to attention to what people are saying and how the message is packaged and delivered. 

5) Metacommunication Effects Meanings

Metacommunication is simply defined as "about communication. In a nutshell metacommunication describes how people communicate about someone else's communication. An example, can be talking to a person who is very sad and distraught and you ask them did some go wrong in their live?

6) Interpersonal Communication Develops and Sustains Relationships 

As in my first paragraph interpersonal communication is critical in building networks of relationships in our lives. Without interpersonal communication we would not have friendships, partnerships, relationships etc. 

7) Interpersonal Communication is not a Panacea 

Though interpersonal communication is essential in establishing and sustaining relationships it is always not to cure to every problem or situation in our lives. Interpersonal communication is not going to end the war or bring the Democrats and Republicans in congress. 

8) Interpersonal Communication Effectiveness can be learned 

Many people can learn the potential and power interpersonal communication has on society, an individual or a relationship. Though people are not great interpersonal communicators at first they can learn to be a master of interpersonal communication. 

-Sir Keithington 

Close Relationships: Were Two Peas in a Pod

I am going to talk about the close relationship of my best friend Amanda and I. Since attending SJSU about three years ago, I would never thought I find a best friend because to be perfectly honest I never thought I have one. But that all changed when I met best friend Amanda three years ago the Washburn Dorm on campus. Amanda I was my next door neighbour and we instantly became friends. Our relationship was an I-you relationship because we connected right off the bat. Amanda and I both journalism majors so having that in common meant that we could take the same classes together and bond. In the beginning of relationship we talked adjusting to college life and school. Then throughout freshmen year I learned about her past experiences and I shared her past experience. More so, we at dinner at the Dinning Commons with our friends and discussed topics ranging from politics to current events. It's entertaining to have a friend who is also a journalism student because topics that you would consider taboo such politics, sex and religion does not phase us. Moreover, whenever Amanda had a problem with her boyfriend she would come to me for support and I'll always be there for her. Then when sophomore year rolled by were very close and friendship continue to grow. Some pretty tragic things happened Amanda's life that year and I continued to be here. Today our relationship is strong as ever. For three years we have been through everything together from tough to the good times. Additionally, Amanda is someone who compliments me as I compliment here. We both balance each other out. Today we still talk about current events and the other relationships in our lives but we also talk about the future. We have definitely been talking about the future a lot because both of us are graduating this year. Moreover, we still spend a lot of time talking about her relationships with other guys which I find entertaining. I relationship has progressed throughout 3 years. At first Amanda and I only talked generalities in our relationships but now we go straight into detail. Furthermore, I feel throughout years we have been able to rely on each other a lot and yet still be independent. Nonetheless, Amanda and I are going to BFF. To put in a metaphor we are like Sheldon and Penny from the Big Bang Theory.
-Sir Keithington

Question 1: Communication One way or another?

Linear communication is the old school model of communication. In the linear model of communication, there is a sender and receiver. In a nutshell, linear communication is described as one-way communication. In the linear model the sender sends a messages to receiver. However, no feedback is sent back from the receiver to the sender. Moreover, when noise is introduced into the linear model of communication it interrupts the message. For example, the linear model of communication is heavily practiced in schools. Some professors just lecture in class and allow students no feedback. Additionally, noise can be described as anything distracting. For example, playing an app during class is considered noise when a professor is lecturing. 

Now let’s talk about interactive communication. This model is more modern than the linear model of communication. This model includes feedback from the receiver; this is referred as two-way communication. An example of two-way communication is my friend and I having an conversation or a journalist interviewing a subject. So inclusion the major difference between the linear model of communication and interactive model of communication is that linear model is one-way and the interactive model is two way communication.

-Sir Keithington