Communication and TV- Week 2

Communication and TV

I used an TV show that is controversial for the assignment, on purpose. "Real Time" with Bill Maher is a great example of communication.
With the sound off, I see facial expressions and hand gestures that all seem exaggerated. However, when I turn the sound on, I can see just by the nature of the issues that are being discussed that these types of communication are warranted.
When Bill Maher does his show on HBO, of course he can swear and say things that could not be said on regular TV. Yet, when you take a Democrat like Bill Maher and put him with a GOP or Republican, it seems that only certain types of communication is inherent. Obviously, more times than not there is arguing going on and interruptions by both parties during the conversation. The topic or issue is usually one that sets both sides up against each other. Therefore, conflict is inevitable.
Slang is used, as well as many euphemisms. But more importantly, even when the sound is off, there is a tension that you can see on both sides of the issue. The proximity of the guests on show is quite interesting as well. Usually, Bill Maher sits on one end of the table and the guests sit next to him in the order of political views, with the most clearly different point of view as far a way from him as possible. Furthermore, I think that Bill Maher's listening skills are tainted by his political agenda. He is clearly a passive listener and does not practice active listening at all during his conversations. I think he displays overconfidence is when what he knows when it comes to the issue at hand, which then does not allow him to openly listen to the speaker. He has selective listening and displays defensive listening when he responds with aggression and beings by arguing with the speaker.

My "aha" moment came when I realized that when discussing difficult topics, such as politics, you need to have an open mind. It is important to stay focused and listen fully to the speaker, whether you agree with their statements or not. It can be hard to put aside your view points on certain issues, but it is important when trying to collaborate with colleagues.