Commonplace Conversation

It is common to connect with others who share similar values and beliefs to your own. It is common to interact with and form relationships with individuals located close to you geographically – neighborhoods, schools, work places. It is more common to form relationships with other individuals who have the same religious belief, or share the same language or ethnic background. These characteristics are good examples of basic commonplaces.
According to Jaques Ellul, in Persuasion and Influence in American Life, individual identification stems from shared cultural beliefs known as commonplaces. Commonplaces, “represent the core thoughts and ways of thinking that characterize a particular society” (168). Although the notion of commonplace is constantly a play, “it is rarely quoted” (169). Seattle University student, Jamie questions the potential negative effects of not verbalizing audience commonplaces.
I believe there are positive effects in not consistently expressing the commonplaces that bond audiences together. It can be assumed that every American wants complete recognition of their natural rights. It would be right to assume that the majority of our country and a belief in something greater. This is not to say everyone has a belief in God, or higher divinity, but that someone believes in the higher power of the law, or in the potential of people. Some manifest their spirituality in nature or through the innocence of children. Our nation prides itself on the opportunities it allows and the freedom it provides. These are not values I believe need to be states over and over again.
However, as the subject narrows, when examining “commonplace” beliefs such as, “everyone has a right to life” the need for explanation and discussion grow. What does a right to life mean? And who’s right to life are we discussing? Protesters of Pro-Choice believe the unborn baby has a right to life. Yet, many would argue that the quality of life of the future baby and mother could be diminished if the birth occurs due to external factors. Many have argued the death penalty violates the constitutions argument against “cruel and unusual punishment.” Everyone has a right to life, even if another life was wrongfully taken. However, the individual life that was immorally cut short had a right to live as well that was taken away. When developing a campaign add or an educational advertisement it is important to discuss the potential commonplace beliefs of your intended audience. In my mind this discussion would come up naturally in basic audience analysis.
I think Jaime has formed an interesting question about whether or not we should engage more in conversation about our beliefs to avoid devastating generalizations. To go even further with this question I think we should consider how we inadvertently hold conversations about our values as a society, as well as individuals. I would argue I am consistently talking about my core values with close friends and family, and even in a classroom setting. We are constantly being triggered to make judgment calls on various topics and readings. Headlines and policy issues are consistently challenging us as persons and as a community to analyze the direction we want to grow in.