The Trouble with Genuises
Gladwell presents the stories of two brilliant men, one of whom grew up in poverty without much direction or support, the other who lived comfortably and had the support of his parents and teachers. The first, perhaps predictably, does not succeed in the work world; he dropped out of college and worked a series of menial jobs. The other finds success. Gladwell posits that at least some of the difference in outcome can be attributed to "practical intelligence," the kind of knowledge that helps a person "read situations correctly and get what you want."
While the story that Gladwell tells is dramatic, the lack of cultural understanding plays out as a disadvantage in the workplace in more subtle ways everyday. How can someone best develop an undesrtanding of the unwritten rules of a workplace or an educational institution or a community? Can this skill or understanding be taught?
I think that it can be taught to a point. I know with Deaf people, often, they only know what they are told directly. Hearing people can hear what is going on in the world around them. You would be surprised how much of the unwritten rules we actually pick up on based on conversations after a rule is broken. I have had many conversations with deaf people on some of these rules and they have been upmost appreciative of learning about the hearing world's social norms and behaviors.. I still remember one of my classes in high school that went over some of these rules. Just because they are unwritten doesn't mean they can't be explained to kids and others who may not just catch on to the clues around them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your perspective, Stacey. I agree that unwritten rules can be taught to an extent, and I am amazed at how many we all have simply absorbed over the course of a lifetime and don't even realize that we have until, as you note, a rule is broken.
ReplyDeleteDoes deaf culture also have unwritten rules? How are hearing people made aware of violating those rules when it happens?
That is a great question.. Yes totally has unwritten rules. For example, if you are going to use the restroom and are with a group of deaf people you need make sure that people know where are going. (Can you imagine if you couldn't hear your friend leave.. or were in a conversation with someone using your eyes to fully pay attention and you look over and your friend is just gone? ) Another one is, if you are late to class or to an event typically you apologize and then share why you were late. There are a ton of little differences.. I learned through interaction, observation and being flat out told that I have violated the rule.. or what to do in the future :)
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