Consider the meaning of the quote, “While our daily language may not be full of explicit debate, it is full of underlying values and unstated assumptions.”
Suppose you read that “Graduates of College A are more successful than those of College B, which is reflected in the average initial salaries students make.” The person making that statement assumes that success is measured by income and values an employee’s starting income more than, say, income increases within 5 years of employment.
Instructions: Respond to the following questions about statements you might encounter outside of a formal debate setting and discuss with your classmates.
A sign outside a local cleaning service says “Our employees speak English.” What sorts of values or assumptions are behind that statement? Is there an argument being made?
When registering for next semester’s courses, you ask a friend for advice. “Don’t take Professor X’s course,” he says. “I could’ve learned all of that just by reading a book.” What assumptions and/or values does that statement reveal?
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The statement on the sign outside the local cleaning service, "Our employees speak English," implies the value that being able to communicate in English is important to the business. It assumes that potential customers would appreciate English-speaking employees and that it would be beneficial for the employees to be able to communicate effectively with customers. In terms of an argument being made, the sign is indirectly suggesting that customers should choose their service over others because of this aspect.
Regarding the advice from your friend when registering for courses, the statement, "Don't take Professor X's course. I could've learned all of that just by reading a book," reveals the assumption that self-study through reading is sufficient to acquire the same knowledge as what is offered in Professor X's course. This implies a devaluation of the professor's expertise and the belief that the curriculum and instruction provided in the course are not necessary. The statement may also reflect a value placed on independent learning and potentially a preference for self-paced learning rather than a structured classroom setting.
The quote suggests that even in our everyday language, we often express underlying values and assumptions, even if we don't explicitly engage in a formal debate. This means that our words and statements can reveal our implicit biases and beliefs.
Now, let's apply this understanding to the two scenarios you've mentioned:
1. A sign outside a local cleaning service says, "Our employees speak English." In this case, the values and assumptions behind the statement could be related to communication and customer satisfaction. By highlighting the ability of their employees to speak English, the cleaning service is implying that it values effective communication with English-speaking customers. This assumption may be based on the belief that language can impact customer experience and that being able to understand and communicate fluently in English is essential for providing quality service.
While there may not be a direct argument being made in this case, the implicit message is that their employees' ability to speak English is a valuable trait that sets them apart from other cleaning services. This suggests that they believe customers prioritize or value the ability to communicate in English when choosing a cleaning service.
2. When asking your friend for advice on course registration, they respond, "Don't take Professor X's course. I could've learned all of that just by reading a book." This statement reveals certain assumptions and values. One assumption could be that the value of a course lies solely in the information it provides. It suggests that the friend believes that the course taught by Professor X does not offer any additional or unique value beyond what can be gained from reading a book on the subject.
It also implies a value placed on efficiency and self-learning. The friend's statement implies that they value the ability to acquire knowledge in a more self-directed manner rather than relying on a structured course with a professor.
Overall, these examples demonstrate how everyday statements can carry implicit values and assumptions that can shape our perspectives and influence our decision-making. Recognizing and unpacking these underlying messages can help us have a more informed understanding of the beliefs and biases behind the statements we encounter.