Standpoint/Muted Theories

In the TV show, What about Brian, it deals with a group of friends that are in their 30s. Brian and his friend, Dave, both work at the same company. However, this season, a new woman came onto the show, as CEO of the company where Brian and Dave work. Now when applying a theory to her position, how she’s treated, and how she interacts with her employees, both the standpoint and muted-group theories are reflected. The standpoint and muted-group theories have a focus on inequality in society.

The standpoint theory notes specific differences in communication between men and women. In turn, because of those differences, cultural expectations are created. Women in this culture are seen as weak and not capable of power, or leading others. In What about Brian, it is apparent the men have a problem with her being over them. The guys will trash her office, leave her sexual notes, and stare at her as she walks down the hallways. There is no respect shown for her, or her position at that company. The men obviously come from a different standpoint than the women in that office, because none of the women take part in any of those actions.

When comparing those actions to the muted-group theory, she is seen as a part of a powerless group, women. Women are not heard in society, and her perspectives are different than those men who work under her. When she does show her power, and takes command of a project, she is seen as stuck-up. This is exactly what the muted-group theory supports, because she is proving she can be powerful in business, she is seen as a snob. Brian and Dave even show shock sometimes, when she makes them feel inferior or not good enough for a job, just because she’s a woman.

Genderlect Styles

When thinking about the cultural differences between men and women, the movie, You’ve Got Mail, came to mind. The movie came out in 1998, but it left an impact because it was revolutionary in that it portrayed an online romance. It was a classic because it’s your typical love story, with miscommunication between a man and a woman. Below is an excerpt IM conversation between NY152 (Tom Hanks) and SHOPGIRL (Meg Ryan) from the movie.

NY152: Had a feeling you’d be online. I can give you advice now.
SHOPGIRL: I don’t think you can help.
NY152: Is it about love?
SHOPGIRL: My business is in trouble.
NY152: I’m a brilliant business man; it’s what I do best! What’s your business?
SHOPGIRL: No specifics, remember?
NY152: Minus specifics, it’s hard to help. Except to say, go to the mattresses.
SHOPGIRL: What?
NY152: It’s from the Godfather; it means you have to go to war.
SHOPGIRL: What is it with men and the Godfather?
NY152: The Godfather is the I Ching. The Godfather is the sum of all wisdom. The Godfather is the answer to any question. What should I pack for my summer vacation? “Leave the gun, take the cannoli”
What day if the week is it? “Maunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday”
The answer to your question is “Go to the mattresses”
You’re at war “It’s not personal, it’s business. It’s not personal, it’s business.”
Recite that to yourself every time you feel you’re losing your nerve. And I know you worry about being brave, this is your chance. Fight! Fight to the death.

In that conversation, it couldn’t be clearer when Shopgirl asks, “What is it with men and the Godfather?” I know I asked myself that same question. Men worship the Godfather, women haven’t even seen it. It could be because, as the Genderlect theory points out, conversations between men and women reflect male domination. Also as pointed out in the theory, men’s communication needs to reflect status, whereas women seek connection. The Godfather is a movie all about male dominance and status. Even though it deals with the mafia, men have always been fascinated with “leaders of the pack”; it just enforces this reality of men being in control.

When NY152 applies the Godfather to Shopgirl’s issue, she doesn’t find help. She does not receive the connection, nor understand where he is coming from. I’m sure she would hope for a response similar to, “I’m sure business will pick up, you are capable of handling it if you’ve gotten this far.”
Women are more likely to ask questions, and expect to receive a valuable answer. NY152 responded the way the theory predicts, they tell stories, are concerned with status, and portray male dominance.
Even the one of last lines of their conversation, “It’s not personal, it’s business”, is Donald Trump’s tag line for his TV show, the Apprentice.
This just reinforces the theory, men seeking status and control.