Gergen challenges the notion of truth and a singular reality through the theory of constructionism. According to Gergen (2009), constructionism acknowledges diversity and plurality in the contemporary social world. The author argues that instead of having a singular view of reality, the theory of constructionism advocates for several realities that emerge and thus provides innovative approaches to shaping and appreciating reality. There is a need to recognize the views of other parties on their terms because this plays a vital role in building trust and encouraging dialogue. Gergen claims that people have experiences in terms of concepts that make it possible for them to picture things in their world. Based on the argument advanced by Gergen, the concept of ‘fake news’ aims to force people to share a singular view of reality. In other words, any divergent opinion or view that does not conform to mainstream views is treated as fake news. Gergen’s central claim is that people have varied experiences and these experiences shape how they view the world. A singular view of reality should, therefore, not exist due to variations in experiences.
False statement
“ Sunlight actually can kill the (novel coronavirus.)”
The statement was tweeted by U.S Rep Greg Murphy. The tweet was motivated by the need to provide a solution to the spread of COVID-19. Communicating the message on a social networking platform ensured that it reached millions of users.
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The concept of the social construction of reality applies to this case because the claims made by the U.S Rep were based on his own perceptions of the truth. Rep. Murphy believed that exposure to sunlight could kill the pathogen because of the heat provided by sunlight. To this extent, his beliefs concerning the ability of sunlight to kill the virus stem from his experiences and socialization.
The clip relates to socialization and demonstrates the importance of social environment over biology because the cat found it necessary to nurture the ducklings as opposed to eating them which was the most natural thing for it to do. However, given that the cat gave birth at almost the same time that the ducklings were brought in, their close proximity made the ducklings seek motherly love from the cat while the cat nurtured them.
The clip shows that nurture is more powerful than nature because people’s experiences and socialization can influence them to adopt values and behaviors that go against their perceived nature. Socialization, therefore, largely determines who we are because it influences how we make meaning and behave.
Nelson Mandela uses English, a language that is often used when addressing global audiences. He uses body language and specific words to emphasize the importance of his message when speaking. The language emphasizes unity and quality created by sports because the rules are the same for all players. The language conceals the actual divisions that exist in the world and the fact that human society is characterized by class divisions. The language frames the issues that the speaker addresses as a matter of human decency, an indication that sports can teach people to be more decent and humane. Language is an important aspect of exercising power and promoting social change because it can be used to appeal to the logic and emotions of the audience to inspire them to engage in socially responsible practices.
Pat Benatar’s ‘Love is a Battlefield’ characterizes love as something that is complicated and brings pain. However, Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ portrays love as something beautiful. The song also shows that love involves sacrifice and duty to a person’s loved one. Benatar’s song suggests that two people in love should ignore the opinions of others and focus on their wants and needs. Dion’s song, on the other hand, shows that love is beautiful and must be reinforced with duty and commitment. Both songs demonstrate that it is important to communicate with the object of your love to let him or her know how you feel. The songs suggest that it is taboo to give up on your loved one.
References
Gergen, K. J. (2009). Realities and relationships: Soundings in social construction . Harvard University Press.
