Questions – Ch. 10, Messaris
1. What was a critical issue observed between Obama and McCain during their first television debate that dealt with direct eye gaze behavioral tendencies? Messaris states on pg. 23, that by appearing to look the viewer squarely in the eyes, the politician may also appear to be an aboveboard, nothing to hide kind of person. It was clear from the beginning, that Barrack Obama made an extraordinary effort to look John McCain directly in the eyes when discussing opposing issues. It became uncomfortable after many questions when John McCain did not respond with any eye contact with his fellow debater, Obama. This issue was raised by those attending the event and by those of us that waited for John McCain to glance to the right from time to time. This may have been a turning point in the McCain campaign that did not go unnoticed. The media played on it and despite McCain’s intentions, it did not prove in his favor that night.
2. What is another plus to surrealism and visual metaphor ad campaigns that Messaris did not indicate? After reading the text, I found it very interesting the effect that this type of advertising can have on a consumer. An example is the man with the Saab as his forehead. This type of ad immediately captures my interest because of the nonsensical impossibility of the picture. However, everyone loves a puzzle. And for me, this is a type of puzzle. The consumer must try and solve the puzzle by connecting to something that is oddly unusual, and we ask ourselves “What does that really mean?” I believe in a few seconds, we have already come to some conclusion before we read the subtitles below the picture. This type of advertising can become a “game” as well as a clever mode to catch our attention.
3. Messaris states of sexual appearance that can be used to attract the opposite sex. (pg. 48) What is a perfect example of this concept as it relates to what we experience at a typical Seattle Mall? He states “women’s responses to physically attractive male models to not appear to differ notably from men’s responses to females. In recent years, some advertisers seem to have made a deliberate point of emphasizing women’s sexual interest in men’s looks”. Abercrombie and Fitch. Larger than life posters of half naked young men that are fit and fiercely adorning Abercrombie apparel. Young girls and older women seem to slow significantly when approaching this store. The pictures are a big draw. What a marketing concept. If it looks that good on him, think what it’ll look like on my boyfriend? The reality is, of course, that nobody will look that good as it appears on the walls. So just buy the jeans and take home the images, because the bags are also adorned with the pictures. It is an advertising dream to have the consumer walk the mall with a bag that catches the eye of most the women shopping. Then, the bag goes home and continues to advertise until it ends up in the trash. The last to see it – the garbage collector.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Week 8 Questions
Chapter 8
1. Pg. 188 - Will the quality of your interpersonal interactions in a group forum task affect your job performance and their evaluations? This is a critical aspect of team interactions with regard to an individuals interpersonal communication techniques. It is thought that an individual will base his past positive performances and outcomes in a group setting on continued success while being a participant in a group forum. This is especially true in a college setting where we are frequently asked to participate in group projects. It is our positive and open attitude that will best be accepted by all members of the group. It is crucial that we earn the respect and trust of other group members in order to be an active and supportive participant. By including the individuals in your persuasive input, we make the decisions and outcomes a cumulative effort. Thus, creating a successful and positive outcome.
2. Pg. 203 - Are gender differences notable in the communication behaviors that develop in our life? "Women speak and hear a language of connection; men speak and hear a language of status". This statement may have been true twenty or thirty years ago, but it does not support the gender differences displayed in today's world. The recent campaigns both here in Washington State and the United States are a prime example of my point. Women have successfully entered an even playing field with men. A language of connection crosses from one gender to another in an equal and convincing manner. Status is no longer a gender statement, as the success of women has risen to an amazing and competitively equal arena in the area of politics, business, religion and personal identification. Clearly the behaviors of both genders is relavent to the situation and conditions of the communication setting.
3. Pg. 221 - Is there solid indication that an interview process is indirectly a type of sale? The interview process is "an interactional communication process between two parties, at least one of whom has a predetermined and serious purpose". In a recent situation, I was asked to participate in an interview with a prospective landlord. It was in my best interest to present myself in a positive and impressive manner, so that my goal could be achieved - to rent a property. The essential elements of a good interview are to support my application with examples of evidence of my likelihood of being a responsible and good renter. A good persuasive interview will begin by establishing a good rapport with the person asking the questions. In a situation such as this one, a general protrayal of trust and motivation are essential to reach a positive outcome. In other words, sell you self. In closing, a brief summary of the conditions of the interview and the decision met should be discussed. Define your expectations and that of the landlord in a brief and logical manner. Maintained a relaxed and confident manner. Also, provide information that may be persuasive in the event of competition. End the interview in a polite and professional manner. Then, write the check.
1. Pg. 188 - Will the quality of your interpersonal interactions in a group forum task affect your job performance and their evaluations? This is a critical aspect of team interactions with regard to an individuals interpersonal communication techniques. It is thought that an individual will base his past positive performances and outcomes in a group setting on continued success while being a participant in a group forum. This is especially true in a college setting where we are frequently asked to participate in group projects. It is our positive and open attitude that will best be accepted by all members of the group. It is crucial that we earn the respect and trust of other group members in order to be an active and supportive participant. By including the individuals in your persuasive input, we make the decisions and outcomes a cumulative effort. Thus, creating a successful and positive outcome.
2. Pg. 203 - Are gender differences notable in the communication behaviors that develop in our life? "Women speak and hear a language of connection; men speak and hear a language of status". This statement may have been true twenty or thirty years ago, but it does not support the gender differences displayed in today's world. The recent campaigns both here in Washington State and the United States are a prime example of my point. Women have successfully entered an even playing field with men. A language of connection crosses from one gender to another in an equal and convincing manner. Status is no longer a gender statement, as the success of women has risen to an amazing and competitively equal arena in the area of politics, business, religion and personal identification. Clearly the behaviors of both genders is relavent to the situation and conditions of the communication setting.
3. Pg. 221 - Is there solid indication that an interview process is indirectly a type of sale? The interview process is "an interactional communication process between two parties, at least one of whom has a predetermined and serious purpose". In a recent situation, I was asked to participate in an interview with a prospective landlord. It was in my best interest to present myself in a positive and impressive manner, so that my goal could be achieved - to rent a property. The essential elements of a good interview are to support my application with examples of evidence of my likelihood of being a responsible and good renter. A good persuasive interview will begin by establishing a good rapport with the person asking the questions. In a situation such as this one, a general protrayal of trust and motivation are essential to reach a positive outcome. In other words, sell you self. In closing, a brief summary of the conditions of the interview and the decision met should be discussed. Define your expectations and that of the landlord in a brief and logical manner. Maintained a relaxed and confident manner. Also, provide information that may be persuasive in the event of competition. End the interview in a polite and professional manner. Then, write the check.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Response to Haley Bury week 5 questions
Question 1:
I will refer to the definition of ad hominem in Persuasion and Reasoning, pg. 95,
where it is described as “a kind of reasoning that occurs when arguments are directed against persons rather than their ideas”. At a Republican rally, when it is implied by the crowd to “kill a candidate for being a terrorist”, it can be thought to be an emotional reaction to a provocative subject at a sensitive time during the campaign trail. We, the public, chose a candidate to believe in. Therefore, when any negative implications enter into a political arena, they can personify with both emotions and ignorance. The Republicans denounce such statements, yet present and allow certain passages to get media attention in an effort to provoke thought against the competition. Although, most negative campaign hominems are based on a thread of fact, the thought does remain that they may by used against the opponent during an emotional outburst by a person of no consequence, so as to rouse the crowd, true or false in content.
Question 2:
I agree with the statement that “some argue that increased public communication has amplified public deception, confusion, interpersonal isolation and the complexity of modern life”. We are bombarded with an astounding array of ways in which we receive our information. Newspaper, talk radio, internet, You Tube, television and a huge workforce that gathers by the water coolers for a shared discussion of many different topics are just a few ways in which communication has amplified. These arenas make our thought processing more complicated and challenging. It is hard to fully know how successful an ad campaign could become without all the modern day areas of communication. Simple word of mouth, along with minimal exposure to the public via TV, newspapers or television may not produce outstanding results when promoting the “Stop Smoking” campaign, for example. We are becoming increasingly more aware by graphic pictures and stories of the effects of smoking, along with huge ad campaigns about smoking cessations remedies. These elements of persuasion are extremely effective to the crowd to whom they are directed at. I believe that money and big business do have the upper hand. Could that be regulated? – doubtful at this time in history.
Question 3:
A person or group can gain their credibility to reach their audience by identifying factors that are co-existent with their listeners. Richard Nixon presented himself as a person on equal ground with his listening audiences. He related to them with every kind of human characteristic and nature he could use. Using his upbringing, his wife, his children and even his dog, he tried to make the American public relate to him on equal terms. If they were to punish him for acting in a suspicious monetary manner for his own gainful purpose, they would, in a sense, become equally guilty of the alleged gain of campaign monies. It was, in an odd way, a dramatic and very timely “act of contrition” on Richard’s Nixon’s part, leading to an immediate repentance and resolution from the public based on their personal connection to his “Checkers” speech. Grassroots organizations follow the phases listed in Chapter Nine to build credibility and eventual support. Thorough research of the subject matter; picking a target group that best suits the topic; sensitizing to obtain an audience; recruitment of devoted volunteers and advocate groups; activation of a plan to present to the public; good follow-up and maintenance of the campaign to attain successful results and, finally, the public referendum or vote to endorse the cause. It is as though you are building the way for a new religion by gathering facts and followers. If done well, the results are often successful.
I will refer to the definition of ad hominem in Persuasion and Reasoning, pg. 95,
where it is described as “a kind of reasoning that occurs when arguments are directed against persons rather than their ideas”. At a Republican rally, when it is implied by the crowd to “kill a candidate for being a terrorist”, it can be thought to be an emotional reaction to a provocative subject at a sensitive time during the campaign trail. We, the public, chose a candidate to believe in. Therefore, when any negative implications enter into a political arena, they can personify with both emotions and ignorance. The Republicans denounce such statements, yet present and allow certain passages to get media attention in an effort to provoke thought against the competition. Although, most negative campaign hominems are based on a thread of fact, the thought does remain that they may by used against the opponent during an emotional outburst by a person of no consequence, so as to rouse the crowd, true or false in content.
Question 2:
I agree with the statement that “some argue that increased public communication has amplified public deception, confusion, interpersonal isolation and the complexity of modern life”. We are bombarded with an astounding array of ways in which we receive our information. Newspaper, talk radio, internet, You Tube, television and a huge workforce that gathers by the water coolers for a shared discussion of many different topics are just a few ways in which communication has amplified. These arenas make our thought processing more complicated and challenging. It is hard to fully know how successful an ad campaign could become without all the modern day areas of communication. Simple word of mouth, along with minimal exposure to the public via TV, newspapers or television may not produce outstanding results when promoting the “Stop Smoking” campaign, for example. We are becoming increasingly more aware by graphic pictures and stories of the effects of smoking, along with huge ad campaigns about smoking cessations remedies. These elements of persuasion are extremely effective to the crowd to whom they are directed at. I believe that money and big business do have the upper hand. Could that be regulated? – doubtful at this time in history.
Question 3:
A person or group can gain their credibility to reach their audience by identifying factors that are co-existent with their listeners. Richard Nixon presented himself as a person on equal ground with his listening audiences. He related to them with every kind of human characteristic and nature he could use. Using his upbringing, his wife, his children and even his dog, he tried to make the American public relate to him on equal terms. If they were to punish him for acting in a suspicious monetary manner for his own gainful purpose, they would, in a sense, become equally guilty of the alleged gain of campaign monies. It was, in an odd way, a dramatic and very timely “act of contrition” on Richard’s Nixon’s part, leading to an immediate repentance and resolution from the public based on their personal connection to his “Checkers” speech. Grassroots organizations follow the phases listed in Chapter Nine to build credibility and eventual support. Thorough research of the subject matter; picking a target group that best suits the topic; sensitizing to obtain an audience; recruitment of devoted volunteers and advocate groups; activation of a plan to present to the public; good follow-up and maintenance of the campaign to attain successful results and, finally, the public referendum or vote to endorse the cause. It is as though you are building the way for a new religion by gathering facts and followers. If done well, the results are often successful.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Joe's Answer to Jeremy Millsap's question's, week 4
From: CH 5 Pg. 110 & DeLuca3.
Seattle University, as a Catholic school, does not allow the distribution of condoms on campus. Our text explains that “we make choices every day about the capacities of others to render judgments on which we depend, ranging from the less consequential to life threatening.” DeLuca’s article also mentions that staged die-ins were used tactically by organizations such as ACT UP in order to oppose the lobbying against the availability of condoms in public schools as well as drive a symbolically unveiling message home to the Catholic Church.
a. Do you think that these choices, left in the hands of the church to decide, affect the credibility of Catholicism?
I don't feel that when these decisions are left in the hands of the catholic church to decide affects the cridibality of the church. The church has had relatively the same opinions on birth control for the past hundreds of years if the were to change their view now just to comform to the current views on birth control then I think their credibality would be compromised. The issue here is not the cridibility of the church but that of who should be diciding these issues.I don't think the church should be involved in issues like these in public schools. It should be completely up to the school department if they pass out condoms in their schools. There is a time and place for the church to interviene in our lives and this is not one of them.
b. Is something happening rhetorically when these traditions are adopted as family values? Why or why not?
When families adopt these values I think it is because the family and a long lasting believe and respect for the catholic church. Rhetorically a family can view the church has a higher power that is all knowing and to question there morals is not an option. Some people feel that if they go against anything that the church says they might as well not believe in any of it so this causes families to follow the traditions of thier church and pass it on to their chilrden to make sure they do the same.
c. How does being protected from sexual knowledge/information persuade us to think or feel about our own sexual behavior, and even our bodies?
I think when we are protected from sexual knowledge and information we are forced to make our own ideas about sexual behavior, which can be a dangerous thing for adolecent teens.
When I was in middle school I went to a catholic school and I don't remember learning much about sex in the class rooms but I do remember hearing stories about sex from older class mates in the boys bathroom. I know the information I got from a twelve year old was not accurate and not the best place to learn how two people have sexual intercourse. I more so learned the curse words for body parts than anything else. Me experience has convinced me that schools has the responsibility to teach their students about sex and their bodies before they learne the wrong things fron their friends.
Seattle University, as a Catholic school, does not allow the distribution of condoms on campus. Our text explains that “we make choices every day about the capacities of others to render judgments on which we depend, ranging from the less consequential to life threatening.” DeLuca’s article also mentions that staged die-ins were used tactically by organizations such as ACT UP in order to oppose the lobbying against the availability of condoms in public schools as well as drive a symbolically unveiling message home to the Catholic Church.
a. Do you think that these choices, left in the hands of the church to decide, affect the credibility of Catholicism?
I don't feel that when these decisions are left in the hands of the catholic church to decide affects the cridibality of the church. The church has had relatively the same opinions on birth control for the past hundreds of years if the were to change their view now just to comform to the current views on birth control then I think their credibality would be compromised. The issue here is not the cridibility of the church but that of who should be diciding these issues.I don't think the church should be involved in issues like these in public schools. It should be completely up to the school department if they pass out condoms in their schools. There is a time and place for the church to interviene in our lives and this is not one of them.
b. Is something happening rhetorically when these traditions are adopted as family values? Why or why not?
When families adopt these values I think it is because the family and a long lasting believe and respect for the catholic church. Rhetorically a family can view the church has a higher power that is all knowing and to question there morals is not an option. Some people feel that if they go against anything that the church says they might as well not believe in any of it so this causes families to follow the traditions of thier church and pass it on to their chilrden to make sure they do the same.
c. How does being protected from sexual knowledge/information persuade us to think or feel about our own sexual behavior, and even our bodies?
I think when we are protected from sexual knowledge and information we are forced to make our own ideas about sexual behavior, which can be a dangerous thing for adolecent teens.
When I was in middle school I went to a catholic school and I don't remember learning much about sex in the class rooms but I do remember hearing stories about sex from older class mates in the boys bathroom. I know the information I got from a twelve year old was not accurate and not the best place to learn how two people have sexual intercourse. I more so learned the curse words for body parts than anything else. Me experience has convinced me that schools has the responsibility to teach their students about sex and their bodies before they learne the wrong things fron their friends.
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