Nonverbal Communication

The nonverbal gesture of raising your hand to your forehead, palm inward, can be taken three different ways. This nonverbal behavior could mean the person is upset, has a headache, or is lost in thought. This behavior can mean all of these three messages. I do not believe there is one specific message behind this behavior, but there is instead, a variety of possible messages because the meaning changes with the accompaniment of a facial expression, specific environmental setting, or other nonverbal cues.

I believe the statement that 'the one who possesses and controls information has power' means that those who are with knowledge are able to no only educate and enlighten people, but also assure that they are given this information in a way that is understood by them. Those with new and true information are the guru's, leaders, and disciples in our society that are highly respected. Also, whoever controls this information has the ability to decide who can or cannot access this information. Thus, the person who knows and controls the information holds the keys to the way a group of people is capable of expanding and growing, giving them ultimate say and power. An example of this is the president of any university or head of admissions department. This individual has obtained the knowledge to attain such a prestigious position and therefore has the "educated say" in who is permitted into the university to become further educated. A specific example of such admission/non-admission by an educated individual who held the keys to information was was Abner McCall. Abner McCall was the president of Baylor University in Tennessee who denied many individuals their right to an upper level education solely because he would not admit people of color. One such individual was Vivienne Malone-Mayes who later went on to become the 5th African American woman with a PhD in Mathematics and an esteemed faculty member of Baylor University after this man had retired. This man had education which gained him respect and prestige, entitling him to a position which determined the acceptance or rejection of individuals who could continue learning.

Have you ever felt overlooked because of a lesser degree of education? Did you feel frustrated or powerless?