Observation Journal #1

Throughout this first week of Communication 3150-30i, I have learned an enormous amount of things I find interesting and useful.  I found that distance can tell a lot about a person and their relationship to you.  We have different distances that make us feel either comfortable or uncomfortable when in comes to conversations.  These invisible bubbles we create enables us to allow certain people into those spaces, for example, a spouse or dating partner.  With these people we allow them to get a lot closer than we would let a stranger.  As I was talking with some friends I found this to be very accurate.  I feel uncomfortable when strangers get close to me but I do know from being Mexican that there are difference social norms.  Latin countries don't really mind being close to anyone.

As I watched the videos posted, I realized culture is a major part in what qualifies as normal or strange. Distance from others, and emotions are very different yet very similar.  Although there are 7 universal emotions: anger, disgust, sadness, contempt, happiness, joy, and surprise, other emotions differ as well as when it is appropriate to show these emotions.  I was taught to keep most of my emotions to myself because it is a sign of weakness, however, many people and cultures all over the world feel the opposite.  Expressing emotions can allow a connection to build with others, and maybe even clearer or less confusing conversations.  I find it interesting that the Japanese people can express the same emotions while watching films as another culture, but when someone comes into watch them, they change and try to hide certain emotions.

These are just a couple of things that caught my interest in this first week.

Danielle