Breaking Down Authority Ranking

         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 officers, pointing out that the rockets they launched into the ocean would destroy areas of wildlife necessary for their livelihoods. The direct approach proved successful as, soon after, the Russian forces left. In the end, the weaker group prevailed over the strong and it was established that the needs of a small fishing town are equal to that of a naval force. In the past, leaders committed heinous acts with little to no consequence. Today, however, anyone in power has the potential to lose it if a large enough group decides they should. Internet personalities and celebrities can no longer abuse their power due to the threat of being “canceled” by the average people who give them their influence in the first place. The power of authority ranking is waning. It has become archaic and outdated. The continual push for equality of all types means that every person is entitled respect, regardless of position.


Source:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/31/europe/ireland-fishermen-russia-navy-intl/index.html

Comments

  1. Krish GuptaFebruary 27, 2022 at 6:50 PM

    Hey Charlotte, I really liked that comparison about celebrities and the threat of being cancelled by the same people who give them their power. I do agree that authority ranking is slowly decreasing in democratic nations, but it's ironic given the current geopolitical landscape today with Russia invading Ukraine. Funny that while it is true that most of the world doesn't equate authority to the same blind power it once had, Putin almost solely launched this invasion with little support from his own country.

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