Muted Groups

Muted groups are groups of people that belong to a low power group who change their language when they communicate publicly, which often results in their ideas being ignored or overlooked (Griffin, Ledbetter & Sparks, 2015).  A muted group (as described by the textbook) is primarily women, but I believe a strong argument can be made that African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups can be muted groups as well.  I believe many of their struggles can coincide along with the struggles of women.  Just yesterday, I saw a post on Facebook that was circulating through various social media platforms.  The post was about about a store attendant helping a Pakistani customer.  The Pakistani customer did not speak English very well and she told the store attendant that she was visiting the U.S., and she stated, "I'm Pakistani but I'm not a terrorist I promise."  The fact that even though she didn't speak English very well but she knew how to say this phrase shows how the American language and culture oppresses foreigners, especially from the Middle East.  This woman also tried to adjust her language to the American language, as well as in a way apologizing for her culture and thinking that every American would think of her as being a possible terrorist.  This is also a prime example of the co-cultural theory.  The muted group (Pakistanis/Middle Eastern origins) trying to adjust their communication to the dominant group (Americans).  Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Americans began to take on the "us versus them" against Middle Eastern people, thereby classifying them as a muted group.

Regarding campus male dominance, I think the example I gave in class this past Wednesday works well for male domination on campus.  Catcalling is a huge part of the male college culture; I think most girls can agree that they have experienced some instance during their time at Fredonia, especially around FredFest time.  I remember last year, my friends and I were on our way downtown when we passed a group of guys sitting outside on their porch drinking.  As we walked past, they whistled at us and made comments about how we looked "fine" and "good" that night.  To most girls, this attention can be classified as harmless and sometimes as being flattering.  But to me and many others, it's very uncomfortable and makes me feel powerless.  I will usually try to respond back with something like, "do you talk to your mother or sister like that?" or just ignore the comments, but I also feel like there could be a chance that if I offend them I could be verbally or physically attacked for not accepting the "compliment."  The catcalling culture is just wrong and even in how far we've come in women's rights and equality, I still think the catcalling culture is still a strong one in terms of male dominated language that is still upheld, especially on college campuses.

                                                                                                                       

References


Griffin, E. A., Ledbetter, A., & Sparks, G. (2015). A first look at communication theory(9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

pictures from https://www.google.com/search?q=catcalling+memes&rlz=1C1KMZB_enUS554US554&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=667&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwip1dD_1bHMAhVLNT4KHXg0B_MQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=R2Nm9n1nyAaV9M%3A