Obama's View on Culture

A subgroup is a defined as a membership group that is part of a culture and has a set of values and patterns of behavior (Jandt, 2010, pg. 27). For instance, college students may be considered a subgroup.  When subgroups are racially influenced, it can lead to discrimination and resentment toward other races.  In the President Obama speech, the then senator argued that the reasons behind the animosity in our nation cannot be ignored, or they will continue to divide our country.

      I do believe that there is a cloud of anger over both black and white races due to the history of slavery. I recently had a debate with my friend over this very topic. Being an African American myself, I feel that we as a race can really behave prejudice toward the white race, which actually fuels the fire our ancestors have worked so hard to put out. Although some black individuals have valid arguments when it comes to racial inequality, the use of hostility or anger is only counterproductive to what is trying to be accomplished- the end of racism.

      When President Obama quotes William Faulkner, "The past isn't dead and buried; in fact, it isn't even past." (Obama, 2008, 16:20 mins), I felt it meant that there are people in today’s society who feel the past is still their reality.  Many black communities are experiencing the repercussions of the injustices their ancestors suffered like lack of wealth, education, and economic opportunities. With the progress I have learned and witnessed in our society, there is a possibility that one day we will become trans-racial. With interracial coupling on the rise, it would be nearly impossible to slow the mixing of races anyhow, so to me the issue of race will slowly deteriorate as our future generations increasingly become biracial.

      In order for this societal change to occur we will first have to recognize that race, religion, sex, and other differentiating factors, are the characteristics that make us unique- but the one thing we have in common is that we are all human.  And if we cannot look at one another as humans first, then we will never be able to respect the uniqueness that lies beneath.

References:

Jandt, F.E. (2010). An introduction to intercultural communication: Identities in a global community(6^th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Obama, B.H. (2008, March 18). Obama's speech on race (Video). Retrieved from

      http://vodpod.com/watch/588528-obamas-speech-on-race

Communication Organizations

 The first search I did was on the U.S. Department of Labor website.  I put the word “communications” in the Bureau of Statistics search engine and the first job that popped up was for teaching in communications. 

Teaching- Individuals can teach various subjects in communications such as public relations, technical communication, organizational communication, and journalism.  The salary range for a teacher in Communications ranges from $33,000 to over $100,000.  The average salary is not bad at all, standing at about $67,000.

There are many subjects to teach in communications, and with more people recognizing how important communication is to life, education in communication is growing. Credentials include a B.A. or Master’s degree in Communication Studies.  Some of the positions required previous work in a school environment or the ability to teach a class over 15 people.  Many positions required excellent presentation, writing, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Technical Writing- Technical writers produce manuals, instructions, letters, reports, and brochures and other documents that communicate technical information.  A technical writer can make about $30 an hour depending on experience. 

An individual who wants to become a technical writer should hold a degree in Communications, English, or Journalism. Work experience can include working for organizations where you write technical documents and/or research information for technical documents.

Journalism- A journalist job includes reporting stories, interviewing people, writing articles for papers and magazines, and communicating with various audiences.

The Bureau of Statistics reports that journalist can make about $36,000 a year on average, but this of course varies by location and experience.  Journalism has a lot of potential growth, with many journalists becoming news anchors, and even hosting TV or radio shows. A degree in Communications or Journalism is ideal for this career.

Script writing- Script writing is a field I would love to enter; it involves writing and editing scripts for TV, film, and sometimes radio.  However, it can be a tough job to find. A script writer’s responsibilities may include developing written content for commercials, sitcoms, soap operas, and other shows that appear on television, in films, and on stage.  They also can write for campaigns. Association of Authors' Representatives offers a list of agents for scriptwriters (Aaronline.org, 2009).

The Bureau of Statistics reports that script writers make about $55,000 a year on average.  However, writing for big motion pictures can earn a talented writer thousands of dollars an hour!  The site also reports that the growth in the field is slower than average compared to other occupations.Although a B.A. or Master’s degree in Communication Studies or Journalism is ideal, writers do not necessarily need a degree. Superior writing and verbal skills with a creative imagination are a plus in this career choice. Experience can include working for a production or sales/marketing company, and also published work.

Public Relations- A public relations professional would write press releases, speeches, and other public documents used to relate to the public. They are also responsible for communicating with the public for clients and organizations they represent. According to the Bureau of Statistics website reports that public relation specialist can earn almost $60,000 a year on average.

A bachelor’s degree is necessary for most public relations positions, with education in public relations, journalism, communications, and sometimes business.

Delivering Bad News to An Employee

In the workplace it is not always possible to avoid conflict, and there is no telling if employee personalities will mesh. Conflict is a problematic situation that can take place because there are “deep divisions in our society that carry over into our interpersonal relationships” (Abigail & Cahn, 2007, pg. 02). In a situation where I must meet with an employee to discuss their future with the company, conflict management is essential so the problem does not escalate.

I would first set up a private meeting with the employee and create a relaxed atmosphere where they’ll feel comfortable enough to speak freely about any issues they are having. If there was another coworker in particular that the employee wanted to confront, I would arrange a post-meeting after the employee and I spoke alone. Knowing that the employee is confrontational, it would be beneficial to communicate assertively, but not aggressively. I would explain why I have called the meeting and give him or her a fair chance to tell their side of the story.  Two-way communication is a positive way to handle conflict because the parties involved are able to express their feelings and concerns, a stage some experts call the differentiation phase (pg. 23).  It is important for me to be aware of all the variables that can lead to conflict including the age of the employees; different age groups can have trouble interacting with one another in the workplace.  I may also inquire about the triggering event, which is considered the beginning point of a conflict.

The hostile environment the employee has created can affect the performance of other employees, so addressing any issues the employee may have with coworkers can help manage conflict. When conflict arises within a group, it may be due to different opinions on what the goal should be or how to achieve the goal (pg. 230). Trust is an important element in conflict management, and the building blocks of a nurturing environment. If the employee feels their coworkers are dishonest or unreliable, it can lead to mistrust.

If, for instance, the employee feels like his or her coworkers treat them like a child since they are the youngest of the staff, I would ask about specific situations where this discrimination has occurred.  I would then ask the employee what resolutions they see possible, then analyze which conflict resolution techniques that best.

 From their answer I will determine what stage of conflict the employee is in; they may see the situation as de-escalating, while others see it as escalating.  Brahm (2003) believes that knowing this information can help mediators design a conflict management, transformation, or resolution strategy. I think the best strategy for moving toward a resolution is to show empathy and understanding towards the employee’s needs so they feel part of the team, but at the same time remind them of what is expected of him or her as an employee. My goal is to accommodate the employee’s interests while adhering to the policies of the company. With that, the employee has the option of compromising and cooperating, or finding employment with another company. 

References:

Brahm, E. (2003, September). Conflict Stages. Retrieved from http://www.beyondintractability.org/bi-essay/conflict-stages

Cahn, D.D., & Abigail, R.A. (2007). Managing conflict through communication (4th ed.).             Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Blog can be found at: http://urnottee.blogspot.com/

The Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communication

As I have learned throughout my studies in communications, culture is all around us, but is often misunderstood. The Western culture is indeed the dominant culture in United States, however, there are many other cultures that are present in America. Hispanics, Africans, Indians, Asians, and individuals from other foreign countries collectively make up subcultures throughout the U.S. Although nearly impossible to ignore, it is important to acknowledge and respect the different cultures that exist so ethical communication is possible. Hahn (2005) offers “Ten Commandments” that can help individuals achieve intercultural communication.

One of the commandments that I can relate to is “Be aware of personal space: people from different cultures have different 'comfort zones’…” One of my coworkers is from a country where individuals conduct conversations very close to one another, something that Americans often reserve for intimate relationships. Someone may feel uncomfortable if they believe their personal space is being violated, which can change the effect of a message. It was not easy telling my coworker to back up a bit!

Understanding cultural relativism is one way to ensure that you are not offending others. Cultural relativism involves respecting the moral, values, and beliefs of other cultures, and considering them equal to your culture. A good example where you can apply the commandments mentioned in the Hahn article is in the workplace. Let’s say you are asked to show a new employee around the office, and they tell you they have just moved here from France. Since it is common in the U.S to shake hands when introducing yourself, it would be beneficial to ask the employee what the appropriate greeting in their culture is, or to explain how greeting are usually done in the U.S. 

Source:

Hahn, M. (2005, December 30). Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communication. Ezine @rticles. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247

Media Techs

I chose four general media technologies- internet, broadcasting, printing, and mobile- and summarized a popular technology from each category:

Internet

Blogging is a popular media technology on the internet that can be used by organizations, professional writers, and even the general public.  Blogging is a web log that enables writers to share opinions and ideas with an audience. The general audience for the internet is usually younger and more sociable, and who seek out less formal news (Marsh et al, 2009, pg. 108). The format and design of a blog varies, but they usually begin with a heading or topic, the name of the author, and the date/time of the blog post.  The information is informal and leaves space for reader feedback. 

Blogs are most effective when they address different topics and are updated frequently (pg. 109).  It is also important that readers are able to easily navigate through the blog.  The use of links and email addresses that the audience can find similar information is also beneficial. Organizations can use blogs to state strategic missions and build relationships with those who aren’t too fond of traditional media. Writers who are representing an organization should be cautious of what they say in a blog and have all blog posts approved before they go online.

Blogging is a creative outlet, and can definitely highlight the personality of writers. In order to get an idea of how to write a blog, it is suggested that you read other blogs. Many websites, like Blogger.com, offer tips and guidance on how to improve the design and content of your blog, which makes it easier for beginners to get started. 

Broadcasting

Television is the most efficient and widely used broadcasting medium, with over 96% of Americans having a television in their household (Stelter, 2011). Television is a visual device used to distribute news and entertainment globally. Television broadcasting is able to reach a mass audience, and is often used to deliver announcements such as promos and advertisements.  Depending on the target audience, promo ads attract the interest of the audience in order to maintain a relationship between the audience and station or channel (Marsh et al, 2009, pg. 154).

Television has paved the way to more advanced visual technologies. Cable programming, VCRs, DVDs, and DVRs are all accessories to the modern TV, and enhance the viewer’s experience. It is a little alarming how dependent one can be on television.  I recently lost my power for three days, and feel like I’m going through “tube withdrawal”- its like I separated from civilization! Not long ago the public was introduced to TiVo, a digital video recording system that allows viewers to pre-record their favorite programs to watch at their discretion. When this system first came out I was impressed at the idea that I would not miss a show due to my schedule. Comcast cable network offers On-Demand, a similar system, which enables viewers to record, pause, rewind and fast forward programs. 

The possibilities in the broadcasting field are abundant, and writers can find many careers in television such as reporting, scriptwriting, journalism, production, and marketing.

Printing

Newspapers may be an old fashioned way of receiving information; however, many people still refer to their daily paper to update them on current events.  Writers can use newspapers to cover daily news, feature stories, and highlight breaking news stories. Newspapers usually include a headline, story, and some sort of visual. The purpose of the newspaper is to entertain and inform an audience with persuasive strategic messages. Images and other visuals help grab the audience’s attention and stimulate their interests (Marsh et all, 2009, pg. 131).  Not everyone will read the same newspaper, so it is best to focus on a target audience and study their needs for sufficient content. Advertisements are also common in newspapers.  

As some say, believe half of what you see, some of what you read, but none of what you hear.  I think that print is the most reliable form of communication because you can always refer back to the source. This is the reason many companies do not get rid of paper documents, even though they have an electronic copy of the file.  Written documents can be re-read, reproduced, and referenced.  Readers are able to take in the information at their own pace, which increases the chance of comprehension. 

Mobile

Mobile phones are a convenient communication tool to use in today’s world.  Compared to the bulky, and outrageously expensive, mobile phones of the past, cellphones have come a long way.  We can now fit our phones in our pockets, and even use them without our hands.  In the past 70 years, mobile devices have moved from a device used in the military to a handheld accessory (Meyers, 2011).

Smartphones are taking over the world, and have really changed the way stay informed. With the hectic schedules many of us have, it is refreshing to have a device that can keep us connected with the rest of the world while supplying important information at the touch of a button.  From emails, to weather and sports, to celebrity gossip, we can access almost anything from our cellphones nowadays.

Text messaging is a commonly used feature of the mobile phone.  Over the past decade, text messaging has become increasingly popular amongst the younger generation because it can send messages quicker and sometimes cheaper (CBS, 2009).

The plus side of using a mobile device is, of course…it’s mobile! We don’t have to tune into a television station, or find a radio, or plug in a computer to get the news.  Browsing the net, paying bills, and even navigating through a city can all be done with a cellphone….how neat.

Sources:

CBS News. (2009). Text Messaging Explodes in America. CBS News Tech. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-503063_162-4471183.html

Marsh, C., Guth, D.M. & Short, P. (2009). Strategic writing, multimedia writing for public relations, advertising and more. Boston: Pearson

Meyers, J. (2011). Watch The Incredible 70-Year Evolution Of The Cell Phone. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/complete-visual-history-of-cell-phones-2011-5?op=1#ixzz1zViB9pa2

Stelter, B. (2011). Ownership of Television Falls in U.S. The New York Time. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/business/media/03television.html

Welcome!

My name is Temi, and I have been studying Communications at Ashford for over 2 years in hopes of becoming a better writer. Communication is important to me because it fills the gap between one person and another. Communication is not limited to humans however; plants, animals, and even microorganisms have unique ways of communicating with each other, which makes this subject even more appealing. 

This blog was inspired by my travels to the Caribbean, a place where I found peace, relaxation, and a new direction in life.  I hope you find something that interest you at this Communication Resort...our only rule is that you keep your mind open and your ideas flowing....

~Temi