One of us could be the next

The author says, “you need to ponder, probe, speculate, and follow your hunches” (485). I agree with this, because I think many things go under the radar. I tend to notice connections and have hunches about certain things, but then I get distracted and unfocused. The beauty of this field of study is that we have an opportunity to really get our hands dirty and be ethnographers just like anyone else. “Unlike many academic disciplines, the study of communication is one in which we're all practitioners" (485). All of our experiences in and out of this class, have contributed to the overall breadth of my understanding of each theory we learned about. Applying these theories and concepts to my life and practicing them in appropriate settings, has reaffirmed my belief in them. I can definitely and honestly say that I have pondered, probed and speculated this semester. Griffin suggests that as communication scholars, we can and should, “Switch from casual observation to an intensive gaze” (485). When I first read that statement, I automatically thought, “I am not smart enough and do not have enough experience to do that.” But the truth is, I am just like any of these authors, and scholars in this book. They took an interest in a specific context of communication, chose a theoretical perspective from which to start, and began their research. Without their hunches we would not have the breadth of communication information that we do now. George Herbest Mead had followers and students like Herbert Blumer, who expanded and elaborated on his research; one of us (in this class) could be the next Herbert Blumer.

Self-Image

Chapter 36
Page (474)

Self-image:
"Identity; a mental pcitrue of who I see myself to be-greatly influenced by the way others respond to me" (474). This communication thread is very similiar to Symbolic Interactionism's "looking-glass self" (63). Griffin presents this thread by saying, "Communication affects and is affected by our sense of identity, which is strongly shaped within the context of our culture" (474). Symbolic Interactionism and CMM were two of the theories that I evaluated in the COMM THEORY & ME assignment. Both of these theories are crucial in the creation and reflection of self-image and self identity. We often define ourselves based on the way others percieve us. No wonder we tend to surround ourselves with people that see the best in us, for that in turn, brings out the best even more. That is not to say that we dont have a cjoice in how much we let that influence and shape our sense of self, becasue we do. CMM theorists believe that we jointly create our perception of self, and that identity has a huge impact on our interpretation and management of meanings.