Charlotte’s Chronicle

            Authority ranking, or the inherent dominance of one group over another, is one form of nonverbal communication that no longer holds the same power it used to. Like many of the forms of indirect speech we discussed in class, authority ranking was developed long ago in a time when certain groups were entitled to respect based solely on their strength or lineage. But this concept of “superiority” is going out of fashion in modern culture as we strive to break down barriers between different classes.            In “Words don't mean what they mean'', Pinker exemplifies authority ranking as a “pre-emptive reminder of strength”. A few weeks ago we were able to see this occur in real time. In an attempt to intimidate other foreign powers, Russia commenced “naval drills” off the coast of Ireland. Only instead of sitting back and waiting for the threat of the Russian navy to leave, local fishermen confronted the off...

                 Earlier this week, when discussing “Just Walk on by” by Brent Staples, I found myself disagreeing slightly with the message of the piece. Not the idea that stereotypes unfairly target black men and that many people are too quick to judge. But the idea that the behavior of the woman in the first paragraph was in any way wrong.   From “Just Walk on by'' we got to understand the perspective of what it is like to be the man in the classic “man intimidates weak woman'' scene. But what was not addressed was what it is like for the woman in that scenario. The anxiety and uncertainty of whether the grown man walking behind you is following you, or just walking in the same direction. The strategic planning of your turns, 4 lefts in a row, to decide if he is. Then thinking of the closest public building you can take shelter in, because if you are being followed you cannot go home. You just keep walking, all the while fee...

               One of my favorite movies growing up was The Hunger Games. I loved the beautiful love story and dramatic fighting scenes. The emotional deaths and exciting parties. But now that I'm older and wiser, I have also grown to appreciate its progressive representation of gender roles.  During the time in television this movie was produced, it was common for powerful women to be portrayed as mostly masculine. They cut off their long hair and only ever wore pants and boots. Whereas the mean-girly bully always sported a full face of makeup and preferred heels to all practical footwear. While there is nothing inherently wrong with a strong woman choosing to dress in masculine clothing, the lack of any girlish protagonists presented the idea that a woman cannot be powerful and also be feminine. Katniss was the exception to this rule. She was undoubtedly tough and impressive, not only was she an accomplished hunter, but the sole breadw...