This chapter had a lot of great information in it. However, I liked how the chapter ended with a slight twist.
The chapter turned our attention away from putting all the ethical responsibility on public speakers. Yes, anyone who is a public speaker has the burden to be well informed and trustworthy. However, this is not always the case.
Therefore, listeners must take on an active role, not only during a public speech, but in life. We must learn to listen to everything. We must learn to listen to what is being said through the still of the air. We must learn to listen to the many signs and symbols that make up our lives. We must learn to critically think, as we listen.
The book states: "As listeners, we act irresponsibly whenever we passively accept whatever we hear or when we allow personal needs and prejudices to blind us to facts." (273)
Lastly, but not least, whatever it is that we wish to involve ourselves in - we must educate ourselves about the issues or tasks at hand. This will help us make critical and wise decisions. More importantly, our knowledge about the subject will help keep us from being lead astray.
P.S. I can vividly hear the words of my 7th grade teacher (Mr. Sumptner) say, "Be a LISTNER! Be a LISTNER!" And he literally said it twice in a row.
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This chapter also made me realize the important role of a listener.
My friend believes voting is waste of time. He said his politic class teacher explained this to the students. Because the teacher was profession on politics, my friend believed that voting is waste of time. He said what he believe is true because he learned in the class. However, when I asked him in more depth about how he got the conclusion, he couldn’t even explain the system of voting.
I think it is very true that you said, we always need to educate ourselves. The information from authorities, such as teachers, researchers, and any other people, maybe not always but often contain their opinions and biases.
I will keep in mind your 7th grade teacher’s message!!
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