March Blog Post

"This position suggests that articulations of experience— particularly articulations that do not observe rules and conventions of typical 'question answering'—do in fact generate knowledge...This subjective perspective and insight into the activity of sense making provide valuable sites for examining both narrative and articulation as sources of knowledge as well as resources for theory... I insist that you understand my experience on my terms. I insist that my narrative be mine." (Hicks, 2011, p. 465). 

The sentence above is from the article, Making My Narrative Mine: Unconventional Articulations of a Female Soldier, by Manda Hicks. This statement is very important, because it explains the importance of autoethnographies, such as Hicks', within the communication discipline. While many often are hesitant about the  use of autoethnographies, this quote points out their importance in generating knowledge, especially as it relates to sense making. Since one of the major parts of culture in relation to communication is positionality, this is conceptualized within these so-called "articulations of experience." Further, this quote is also important due to its highlighting that one does not speak for others regarding experiences that others have had. These experiences, such as these authoethnographies, highlight when it is best to stay silent and when it is best to talk, as talked about in previous discussions. As well, it furthers readers' ability to empathize with the author, and it makes it more memorable and understandable. 

This sort of idea is often done within advertising, where a story is personalized so as to become more memorable and potentially more effective. For example, for an ad campaign raising awareness for veterans committing suicide, this ad used a name and a place to show one soldier that had committed suicide when he came back home:

 http://www.adweek.com/files/imagecache/node-blog/blogs/warathome-hed-2015.jpg (Crispin Porter & Bogusky, 2015). This makes people more likely to listen to and empathize with veterans that commit suicide, due to the specific experience and the narrative of this person. 

This quote makes me think differently about the course material, because, of course, while there is still importance placed on more scientific theories, this also shows the use of narratives, especially when in consideration to sense making. Therefore, it leads to me think differently about what we learn in class, because I can realize the importance of narratives in sharing knowledge. As well, I will now be able to realize how important it is that those people with these sorts of stories are able to be heard and give their own side of the story. This, then, can affect understanding of events, people, and various cultures, while also giving marginalized voices a place to share their experiences and potentially change others' opinions in the process.