http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/l/lady_gaga/speechless.html
Visit the link above and read the lyrics to Gaga's tune "Speechless"--What does the concept of silence mean to you? Is it effective as a tool of communication? Is silence powerful or weak? As a "public speaker" how does Gaga challenge gender roles and encourage diversity? The "generalized other" is a communication term we can use to talk about societal/cultural and gender norms and behavioral expectations. The generalized other points a critical finger at difference, so how does the song Speechless either react to or ignore the generalized other?
Jesse Saeteurn
ReplyDeleteThe concept of silence to me means that there no sound to hear and basically everything is quiet around a person. So meaning that a person is silent and can't speak aloud. In a way, silence is a weak communication because you as the speaker can't express yourself or tell someone how you feel about an idea that you thing is wrong. The way Lady Gaga challenge gender roles and encourage diversity is to inform others that being themselves is okay but sometimes you have dig deep and bring out the style and skills you have and don't let other people judge for who you are. The song tells about a change that Lady Gaga refers to her and a guy but the difference is that her guy wants her to change but she also wants the guy to change for her. The reaction is that the guy wants her to change but he can't change himself instead he prefers her to change instead of him. In showing that the guy is being a pain in the butt and not treating the situation fairly so he expects her as the female to change, but as it turns out he gave up on her because she didn't change.
Lisette Settle
ReplyDeleteI believe that the old saying is true, "silence is golden". To me, the concept of silence means that there is no need for words or words cannot express how I am currently feeling. Therefore, I believe that silence is powerful in its ability to change the attitude of the "generalized other".
As a "public speaker" Lady Gaga challenges gender roles and encourages diversity with her fashion and music. One thing that I discovered about Lady Gaga from a televised interview was that talent scouts initially told Lady Gaga that she wouldn't make it as a star because she was not pretty enough. According to them she did not have a gorgeous face like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, or Jessica Simpson. That's when she began wearing outragious outfits that would draw attention away from her face. Through her fashion and muisc, Lady Gaga has successfully challenged people to look at her abilities as an artist instead of focussing on her face.
The song, "Speechless" reacts to the generalized other by challenging him to keep pointing out everything that is "wrong" with her, though she is no longer listening to what he has to say. The generalized others' objective is to hurt her, but by becoming unresponsive she is creating a powerful reaction.
As the old saying goes, "silence is golden." Yes, silence is an effective and powerful communication tool. It can convey anger or passiveness.
ReplyDeleteLady Gaga challenges gender roles and encourages diversity by creating lyrics that include everyone. The lyrics of this song seem to suggest that her boyfriend has some speech impediment; quite possibly because he was drunk.
Most of her music videos are quite graphic, depicting homicide, suicide, or having adult themes. These are issues which the conventional celebrity will not address; but, Lady Gaga does. Lady Gaga's fashion is another point of "challenge". While seeming unusual to others, her clothes are not gender-specific; so there's no "men's" shirt or "women's".
By saying "I can't" and "I won't", etc., Lady Gaga seems to be giving in to the "generalized other" in this song.
Mary Tacotaco
ReplyDeleteThe concept of silence means that there is no voice or sound that is present. Gestures may be made during silence. An example of silence would be like SCC’s library on the third floor; no talking or phones. I think that silence is not an effective tool for communication. Communication is said to be the best way to solve a problem in every situation you are in. silence can be weak and powerful in such a way. It can be weak by not speaking up for yourself and it can also be powerful in a mysterious way.
Lady Gaga challenges gender roles and encourages diversity by being able to express oneself’s individuality. Also being different from everyone else may be a good thing. People can judge someone by what they do or how they look, but you as the individual knows the real you. Since Lady Gaga is trying to be the new Madonna, the two of them dressed crazy and did crazy things while performing. Doing things out of the ordinary will definitely have people talking. Lady Gaga will always keep the media wondering what she will wear and do in her own little devilish world. In the song, “Speechless,” she writes about her relationship with her father and how she wants him to change for her. Many people can relate to this song from being in a relationship or a struggle between a family or friend. The song also explains how both want the other one to change for them, but both of them do not want to change so she becomes speechless to show no reaction.
I believe that silence is an effective form of communication. There are always two parties when communicating, the sender and the receiver. Both of these roles are crucial to one another and are equally as important. With that being said when there is nothing to be said and it's just complete an utter silence, this puts the ball in the listeners court. It gives the listener time to reflect on what was presented to them prior to the silence.
ReplyDelete-mackenzie rossi
I think that silence is a powerful tool. Just because someone is silent doesn't mean there isn't anything to say. Quite a bit can be portrayed through nonverbal communication. I personally think that silence can be more menacing than yelling.
ReplyDeleteLady Gaga has definitely challenged gender roles in today's society. She has shown through her fashion that her talent is what helps her succeed rather than her looks. She has been changing other norms as well. She is always trying to challenge society. An example of such is her meat dress.
The song "Speechless" is a reaction about the generalized other. Silence is a powerful tool. While she is known for being loud and over the top, her silence could mean that much more.
Mollie Whalen
I believe that silence can be a very powerful communication tool all depending on the context in which it is being used. Silence for the sake of silence would not be an effective tool, but if there is a message or a cause behind the silence I believe it could be a very effective and important tool. I believe in the Lady Gaga song she starts off the song by explaining how speechless she was because of the love that she lost with this person and how they had said really hurtful things. As the song progresses she keeps restating how speechless she is and how she vows to never speak again because of the love she has lost. By the end of the song she states, "will you ever talk again? oh boy, why you so speechless?" I believe that's her showing how her silence had an impact on this person she lost her love with and now they're speechless.
ReplyDeleteLady Gaga has become the symbol of diversity for many in today's generation. She definitely does what she wants and does not apologize for any of her actions. People have different views about her but she sends the message to the public that everyone needs to be true to who they are regardless of judgment.
Kar'Lei Tan
I feel that silence is a very important and an effective tool of communication. It can be very powerful because it can give people the chance to really reflect on what was said and to really comprehend words, sometimes it is important just to slow down and really think about what has been said so that you can fully understand the significance of it.
ReplyDeleteLady Gaga is a very great example of someone who encourages diversity and uses her celebrity in order to stand up for the rights of those who are different. She uses her music and style as a form of communication to express her views and i think that that is a very effective tool.
-Jaelyn Archie
To me, silence means no sounds at all and that everything is quiet. I think that silence can also mean not speaking and keeping our thoughts to ourselves. I personally think that silence is a strong and effective tool of communication. Silence is very powerful. For example, my sister and I don’t like to be yelled at by our mom, but at least she is talking to (yelling at) us. However, it is when our mom gives us the “silent treatment” that we know we are in deep trouble.
ReplyDeleteAs a “public speaker”, Lady Gaga challenge gender role and encourage diversity through her music and the way she express or dress herself. She performs many different styles of music with a wide variety of topics. She is always dressed in bold and eye-catching outfits. She advocates that stand out and different is good.
In the song “Speechless”, Lady Gaga sang that she is speechless because the way she is being treated by the person she is singing to. This is her reaction to the “generalized other”. There are societal/cultural expectations that we just don’t know how or want to fulfill. We can either become the “rebel” and go against the norm; or we can keep quiet and become “speechless”.
- Annie Leung :)
Silence means to me of having no sounds or noises which people can’t talk or do anything that has to do with sound. This is not an effective tool in communication because people cannot communicate with each other. When there is no communication, people won’t understand what you’re trying to say which it is a weak tool. Lady Gaga challenge gender roles and encourage diversity is that people could be themselves and express how they feel in many ways. She is trying to tell us to not let other people, relationships, and friends bring us down because they will leave you “speechless.” This song is a reaction song because she is reacting of how she’s feeling inside. Her reaction is being silence because she has no other words to express how she is feeling.
ReplyDeleteCheng Saephan
Although I hear the popular saying, "Silence is golden" but is it an effective tool of communication? Communication is transactional, not a one-way traffic! When one person decides to be "speechless" how can an effective dialogue take place? I do understand the lyrics to Gaga's song, "Speechless" in that context, there really isn't much to say especially when you're at your wit's end. Here is a man who continuously causes hurt and heartaches and no matter how much you try to communicate these problems to him, it seems to be falling on deaf ears so, the best response to such a person is silence. Does it mean silence is an effective tool in communication? No, because no matter how difficult it might seem, one's opinion always needs to be voiced. Furthermore, Gaga challenges gender roles and encourage diversity by creating awareness for people to know that it is always best to be comfortable in your own self regardless of what others might perceive of you and also make us realize that we might have to work harder to enable us bring out the best in who we are as unique individuals.
ReplyDeleteI believe that silence is a very powerful tool in communication. With silence one can listen and learn about what is happening. It also means if both parties are at a total silence then there is no communication happening.
ReplyDeleteLady Gaga challenges gender roles by singing and telling the masses that the women does not have to change for the man. It is not like in the past old days its present and times has change for the better.
The generalize other reacts to the song "speechless" by pointing to the listener and telling people trough lyrics on modern society and cultural changes.
Abra Rattanasamay
silence is a message and a tool that if constructed the right way can be a key tool to express how what one thinks, feels, and whether or not someone understands. it is powerful yet also can be a sign of weakness, once again, needs to be used in the right usage. Gaga exemplifies the word different and takes it to another level that wouldnt seem right with other people. she breaks through boundaries, crosses lines, and makes other line and crosses those too. she does this through her music performances, music lyrics, and her wardrobe. she has a way of corssing lines neither male or female would jus because of her name "Gaga". just as if someone was mean all the time to people, people in general would just say and understand that, that person is just mean. like Gaga, shes more abnormal then most so when she does things that seem odd, we say, thats jus Gaga being Gaga. Her song highlights the generalizations for what they are and changes it to a negative. she changes life as we know it.]
ReplyDeleteRaymond Cardoza
so how does the song Speechless either react to or ignore the generalized other?
Sabeena Ghani
ReplyDeleteThe concept of silence means that everything is quite. You hear of no one or speak to no one. Silence is something powerful like getting an audience to get silent is not an easy task that anyone can do. In communications it is important to get your audience to stay silent during your speech because otherwise they will not pay attention nor will others be able to hear.
Lady Gaga challenges gender roles and encourage diversity by the way she lives and acts. The way she dresses and how she is different from her fellow artists makes her a totally different icon for others to follow. She is setting a new icon in the industry. Gaga grabs people's attention from the way she dresses and pretty much a unique person.
In the song, "Speechless," she is showing how people become speechless when they can't do anything about something, where they just become quite with a feeling that they can not describe.
Although silence is a very important tool, the power of voice is much stronger. As the saying goes, "A closed mouth never gets fed." As long as you say what you need to say, people will here and there is a chance change may come. As Lady Gaga has done, she is a strong person who has found a way for the world to love her. Just like it goes for gay marriage. If nobody argued same sex couples should be allowed to get married there would be no argument for it. A mouth with voice can change things for better or worst and is something everybody should take advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteYonas mesmer
Yonas mesmer
I think you guys are BRILLIANT!
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