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In this economy...

8/23/2013

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We’ve been using the phrase “in this economy” to refer to state of the economy.

A couple examples that might sound plausible to you:
  • “In this economy, new college grads are at a disadvantage.” 
  • “In this economy, retirement is not possible.” 

Built into the expression, “in this economy,” is the understanding that we are facing an economic situation where there’s little to no growth, unemployment is high, and poverty is on the rise. In sum, times are tough.

We can agree on what “in this economy” means, but why do we say, “in this economy?” It’s always interesting to think about what we’re choosing to say—and all the alternatives. What are we not saying? Why not say, “the current economic situation?” Why not say, “recession” or “depression,” or “crisis?”

Linguists look at a phrase like “in this economy” and notice the word “this.” It’s a term that reflects “deixis,” or situates the phrase in space and time. Depending on the speaker and the context, terms like “this” and “that” attach themselves to different meanings.

In the expression, “in this economy,” the word “this” does two things:
  1. It keeps the economy “physically” close to the speaker. It’s very personal. It’s nearby.
  2. It talks about the present and maybe even the near future. It’s now. It’s tomorrow. It’s probably not going to change in the short-term.

Saying “in this economy” is different from saying “current economy,” which speaks to a time in place (now) and presumes that, with time, the economic situation might change.

To what extent is how we think about the economy shaped by the currency of the phrase “in this economy?”

(I am not crazy enough to think that an economic crisis can pass with a slight mindset/language change, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.)

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We don't care if you're fat.

2/21/2013

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Picture
A yoga studio I follow posted this to their Facebook site: 

[We have] classes for everyone. We don't care if your overweight, aren't flexible, or have no experience.

What’s your reaction? Is it inviting or insulting?

I zeroed in on the word “overweight.”

I felt its punch like a smack in the face. Linguists refer to this as a 'face threat.' It is a statement that pushes me, the reader, down, i.e., by insulting me or impinging upon me in some way.

The "voice" of the studio is that of a fit, lean, healthy person…speaking to a fat person.  I'm not feeling the yoga solidarity here. Suddenly “difference” (their healthy weight vs. my extra few pounds) is called out in a bald way. On the record, they are putting me down!

The intent?

The studio wants to set a tone of inclusion. They know that yoga studios can be intimidating for the un-initiated. And they are trying to counter-act their “image,” i.e., lots of lean, limber people who seem to know their way around a sticky mat.

Back to the Facebook post. Why doesn’t it work?

You usually see marketing ploys to build up the 'positive face' of the reader. That is, use flattery all over the place to cultivate customers or encourage repeat business. It sounds something like this:

“You have exquisite taste ... you are a hipster ... you deserve it … So buy what we’re selling.”

What might work better?

I have found that yoga and the language of yoga is gentle and inclusive. Yoga instructors talk discretely in terms of “body types” vs. “fat” and “inflexibility.” They also emphasize the individual, non-competitive experience of yoga. This tends to disarm new people and create a comfort level in the studio. They also help orient new people to the "culture" of yoga in a positive way. It's true that yogis “stay on their own mats.” No one is looking around (much of yoga is an eyes-closed activity) making comparisons around the room as to “who’s better.”  So, play this up! 


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If advice is so annoying to receive, why do we dish it out?

12/6/2010

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I have been thinking a lot about advice lately.

I coordinate workshops, and after each event, I review the participant evaluations. After one event this year, the evaluations were mixed; some participants loved the speakers, while others were notably put off by them. Adjectives like "condescending" appeared on the narrative comments in the evaluations. A colleague of mine participated in the event and was surprised to see the mixed reviews. She asked me why I thought they'd received such feedback, and I think it all came down to one thing: the speakers gave a lot of advice. In doing so, they positioned themselves as people who knew more and who had the answers.   (That's a dangerous position to put yourself in, even if you are leading a workshop on a subject you have done a lot of work in.) In doing so, they positioned the audience as people who needed to receive the advice.

I find that people only want advice in rare occasions. Most of the time, people are looking for a listening ear, for inspiration, or for a nice diversion.  And when they do want advice -- you'll know it. You'll be ASKED to share it.

I can see how advice slips out so much in our conversations at home and work .  In personal relationships, it's hard not to jump in with a solution when you see your friend, partner, or sister taking the wrong path. At work, there's so much pressure to speak like a leader and be assertive. With this said, I think advice is generally pretty useless. Unless you own your own solutions, goals, and time lines, you are not going to make any change.

As for me, I am going on an advice holiday. Want to come?
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