As a member of my sorority, I recently participated in Cougar Preview. For those of you who are not aware, Cougar Preview is an opportunity for upcoming fresmen to familiarize themselves with student organizations. It also serves as an opportunity for student organizations to network amongst each other. Towards the end of the event, a student approached my organization and stragely introduced himself. He handed us a copy of the Daily Cougar, pointed to an article ha had previously circled in red and simply said, "Read! It's about me!" The article was indeed about him. After quickly we finished reading the article we took our eyes away from the newspaper and waited for what he had to say.
He then delivered a speech that invited us to collaborate with him in a project. I liked the enthusiasm he put into his invitation of supporting his Cougar Patrol. Despite his good rhetoric, his speech was victimized by hideous colorful vocabulary. I would not be exaggerating by saying that he finished every sentenced with words like "Shit," "Fuck" and "Damn."
Those hearing his message felt uncomfortable towards his choice of words. Every time he spit one out, his listeners would turn around or simply ignore him.
His choice of style and vocabulary failed to establish the relationship he wanted to achieve. His objective, perhaps, was that by using this colloquial language he could make us feel at ease in order to relate to him. He obviously failed.
Second first impressions do not exist. Politeness involves expressing oneself appropriately in terms of social distance and respecting status differences. Being polite means getting the linguistic expression of social distance as far as your addressee is concerned. Be cautious to get it right the first time.
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wow, if i was hearing his speech i would be hesitant to join his organization Cougar Patrol- what do they even do anyway? Sounds like he was disresectful towards himself and his own group. I dont think it is classy or cool to cuss like that in public in front of strangers. Glad you didnt agree with it either.
ReplyDeleteMembers of Cougar Patrol are students who try to promote UH spirit. If they see you walking with a gear from a university or college that is not affiliated with UH, they will stop you and "fine" you.
ReplyDeleteThe project sounds pretty cool. I think all UH students should put more effort creating school spirit