September Blog Post- Praxis and Public Image

After thoroughly reading all of the required excerpts so far up to this point in the semester, I have gained a lot more knowledge about the culture that has evolved from communication. An aspect that we as a class have gone over is that of Public Advocacy. What we say and how we act can have an extreme impact on how we are perceived in society. In our textbook titled, "Communication: A Critical and Cultural introduction", the author(s) (Warren and Fassett) lean on insight gained from how important communication can be a to a public image of any kind. For this blog, I am gathering one sentence that sparks an interesting topic for me and that is in Chapter 3. It states that, "Our communication with others is an act, a moment that has rich potential to alter their ways of seeing, being, of knowing" (Warren & Fassett, 2011, pg. 45).  A term that helps explain the meaning of this quote is called, "praxis". This term made famous by Paulo Freire, is based off of "reflection and action on the world in order to transform it" (Warren & Fassett, 2011, pg. 44). Praxis serves as a daily reminder to individuals that even the smallest amount of communication is important and reflection upon communication spread throughout various cultures is essential to hold society together. Freire suggests that even if we do not "speak our truths", then we neglect the very form of communication that is needed for individual success in social, business and family scenarios. 

            An example that I took from the reading in chapter 3 that I think accurately portrays a mistake in the practice of praxis or of the understanding that communication matters is the following scenario: a misinterpretation of women with poor word choice. When debating sensitive subjects like gender, politics and religion it is important to utilize your vocabulary and not accidentally be condescending. Using a term “ladies” instead of “women” can bring even the most upstanding argument to the ground, because right off of the bat, the majority of your audience is now feeling defensive. Our communication with one another is an act, because of the potential to either strike a smile with the counterpart, or dig yourself into a dialectical hole. Friere’s knowledge on this term and this idea in communication proves to the reader how important every aspect of communication is, no matter how small or large. This concept explained in our book, gave me a better understanding of communication, and the examples prove to me how important communication can be to any audience, in any culture.