Third Essay Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Third Assignment - Essay Example There are distinct and predictable differences between the ways that men and women communicate. It is all a matter of speaking style and preferences. Biological function is the basis for these differences. Men engage the world â€Å"as an individual in a hierarchical social order in which he was either one up or one down† (Tannen 24). Tannen says that life for men, â€Å"is a contest, a struggle to preserve independence and avoid failure† (25). Women on the other hand approach the world â€Å"as an individual in a network of connections† where â€Å"conversations are negotiations for closeness† (Tannen 25). Women then see life as â€Å"a community, a struggle to preserve intimacy and avoid isolation† (Tannen 25). If there is not the recognition and acknowledgement that these differences exist, then the only possible outcome is a world of misunderstanding between the sexes. These opposing world views described by Tannen become the context to the speaker’s words, purposes and intent. She describes some the interactions that could potentially develop within each of these two paradigms and between them through a series of â€Å"Asymmetries† that we typically encounter in the course of daily living. When one person could be considered to hold a favorable position compared to someone else, this can be seen as a type of asymmetry in the balance of power. Someone needs a sympathetic ear, and the other has the responsibility of offering support. Another kind of asymmetry occurs when a simple chore becomes flavored by the underlying currents which govern male and female behavior. Asking for directions while driving in the car is a classic example that demonstrates the differences between the way men think and the way women think. In the book, we are given the scenario of Sybil and Harold lost while on the road in a car. Sybil is angry that Harold will not stop and ask for