Words speak loud, too
There is little more freeing than being unknown: pressure from social expectations lessens, an opinion is often elevated as an unbiased outsider, and personal expression opens. But it was exactly in a time of social liberation did the weight of communication become a most apparent. I saw an unending stream of fear-stricken people pack into trains and wait in lines hoping simply for a roof and food. Skewered as “illegals,” these people were degraded. Reading case studies on careless comments on coworkers led to resignations, a highlighting of the importance of saving face in various countries. Similar education on persuasion encountered after returning affirmed communication’s importance but it was in person, not in studies, that the lesson was ingrained.
Although there were no social pressures on me, many assumptions and expectations were placed on my identity. For example, at first, a noticeable tension was present with my Russian dorm mate which was eventually dispelled after lacing openness and friendship into our daily conversation. Not only are such visitors expected to act as an American – wherein constant awareness of self and stereotypes was par for the course – but I was expected to be an ambassador, relaying the truth of what was held within our country. Regardless of the inability of national cultures to capture a member as opposed to a neighborhood or organization, I was an American representative. In this niche, a capacity to have a lasting impact on the world presented itself. Providing insight into American life and presenting myself in an upright manner would paint a picture of an American – a picture that, expectedly, others might use for reference when conceptualizing people from the U.S. As an analogy, for one to meet a refugee in sincere need, it becomes increasingly difficult to accept portraits of thieving, undeserving immigrants. My actions therefore were intentionally shaped to present a hopeful view of Americans – one that was open to acceptance/friendship and invested in the world, not just our country. To be clear, all of my dealings were highly authentic but they simply utilized the room to shape messages to be both accurate and positive. Moreover, choosing stories or information dispelling stereotypes and pushing conceptions was an unrelentingly active effort.
Such high attention to detail and outcome orientation were practices that rang through my run for Senator and my marketing internship over the summer. Working under the VP of Marketing, critical feedback was consistently given on being aware of the impact of messages and the overarching objectives of our communications. After realizing the short time I had to make an impact in any given situation, being highly intentional became a guiding force for all action. Countless stories could be told on the transformation of spending a semester abroad – there was no shortage of experiences that redefined my worldview – but this is not the place. Rather, what is more important is the year’s education on the power of words we use and the corollary need for awareness. For example, the frequency of the word “I” in emails is proven to be indicative of social class, Winston Churchill’s unparalleled success in rallying Britons is inextricably linked to his Nobel Prize in Literature, and how the use of “Obamacare” and “Kentucky Connect” (synonymous terms for a system) ignite disgust and praise, respectively. Cultural differences have sparked wars and terrorism making intercultural communications paramount. Recognizing the impact of words, perhaps the most demanding task for the future is to develop social tact to diffuse tense situations and find common ground among seemingly disparate people. One endeavors for my next year is to refine my tact and rhetoric. The ultimate objective of which is to develop the navigational and problem solving skills to encourage tolerance, value diversity, and improve my communities.
Although there were no social pressures on me, many assumptions and expectations were placed on my identity. For example, at first, a noticeable tension was present with my Russian dorm mate which was eventually dispelled after lacing openness and friendship into our daily conversation. Not only are such visitors expected to act as an American – wherein constant awareness of self and stereotypes was par for the course – but I was expected to be an ambassador, relaying the truth of what was held within our country. Regardless of the inability of national cultures to capture a member as opposed to a neighborhood or organization, I was an American representative. In this niche, a capacity to have a lasting impact on the world presented itself. Providing insight into American life and presenting myself in an upright manner would paint a picture of an American – a picture that, expectedly, others might use for reference when conceptualizing people from the U.S. As an analogy, for one to meet a refugee in sincere need, it becomes increasingly difficult to accept portraits of thieving, undeserving immigrants. My actions therefore were intentionally shaped to present a hopeful view of Americans – one that was open to acceptance/friendship and invested in the world, not just our country. To be clear, all of my dealings were highly authentic but they simply utilized the room to shape messages to be both accurate and positive. Moreover, choosing stories or information dispelling stereotypes and pushing conceptions was an unrelentingly active effort.
Such high attention to detail and outcome orientation were practices that rang through my run for Senator and my marketing internship over the summer. Working under the VP of Marketing, critical feedback was consistently given on being aware of the impact of messages and the overarching objectives of our communications. After realizing the short time I had to make an impact in any given situation, being highly intentional became a guiding force for all action. Countless stories could be told on the transformation of spending a semester abroad – there was no shortage of experiences that redefined my worldview – but this is not the place. Rather, what is more important is the year’s education on the power of words we use and the corollary need for awareness. For example, the frequency of the word “I” in emails is proven to be indicative of social class, Winston Churchill’s unparalleled success in rallying Britons is inextricably linked to his Nobel Prize in Literature, and how the use of “Obamacare” and “Kentucky Connect” (synonymous terms for a system) ignite disgust and praise, respectively. Cultural differences have sparked wars and terrorism making intercultural communications paramount. Recognizing the impact of words, perhaps the most demanding task for the future is to develop social tact to diffuse tense situations and find common ground among seemingly disparate people. One endeavors for my next year is to refine my tact and rhetoric. The ultimate objective of which is to develop the navigational and problem solving skills to encourage tolerance, value diversity, and improve my communities.