Replying to Michael McMaster ( LO3456):
You've made some interesting points in your rececent post on the
personalization/generalization of statements. I, too, tend to agree
generalization effectively shuts down the process of communication.
I had the occasion to spend some time at home watching several (more than
I care to admit) of the in-your-face talk shows that have proliferated
recently on television. I was amazed at how little communication was
actually taking place. What Michael described was abundantly present --
when one person generalized "Teenagers shouldn't be on the streets after
midnight," the other was then thrust into defense of his/her argument.
The "dialogue" then eschalated to a pitched battle, much to the delight of
the show's producers, I'm sure.
Finally, when everyone had been "heard" (which couldn't have been farther
from the truth), the "expert" was brought in to do his magic. The "magic"
basically consisted of restating each person's position minus those words
which had earlier framed the exchange into to a heated battle.
I found this whole process fascinating. And I saw it again and again on
each show I watched that day. It spoke volumes to me on what I feel I need
to do to facilitate communication in some of the classes I conduct.
-- Jim Ross Internet: JARoss@linknet.net