Ever since I first read about discourses in English 214, I
have been intrigued by them. The dictionary definition is: the use of words in
exchange thoughts and ideas; a long talk or piece of writing. In Fields class
the definition was taken a bit further. We learned that a discourse means: where
you belong in society. This means you are completely literate in your discourse
communities, and are all fluent in many other discourses as well.
Discourses shape every aspect of what makes you… well you.
This translated into hidden narratives seamlessly. Because
discourse literacy is taught and acquired skill, it also affects how we think.
It helps us figure out what is right and wrong, our goals, and how we judge one
another. We’ve learned that hidden narratives being forced on to us through
various institutions like schools, legislature, science and especially the
media.
But there is one aspect of discourse the most: mastering
discourses. I simply do not believe that anyone can ever master a discourse. We
all carry these hidden narratives, which automatically give us a bias. How can
anyone manage to be completely objective in any situation? I think if we were
objective we wouldn’t be able to make decisions because as soon as we try to explain
why we chose A versus B, we reveal our hidden narrative with metaphor after
metaphor. Unless of course you have transcended to a higher form of consciousness.
Which I will have a hard time believing of course.
I do not believe that awareness means you can or have
mastered a discourse. It just means you are literate at life, a discourse we
all belong too.
To master discourse means you have mastered
objectivity and who can honestly say that? 
Very cerebral and philosophical post. I like it.
ReplyDeleteI really dig the flow of your post. Quick and to the point of fact and opinion. You really got into the nitty gritty philosophical level of viewing invisible narratives.
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