(So many things spelled wrong...)
So, we just came back from the Magical World of Disney (which was really not magical at all and involved a $50 chimichanga experience, as well as an awful encounter with a mouse losing our luggage) and while there, we were able to take part in the International Writing Center Association (IWCA) Conference. Amidst some elusive muffins and screaming children at the pool until midnight, we were able to take part in several conversations surrounding WORDS. Lucky me, here we are with Locke, discussing this very idea.
While many of the Writing Centers present contributed positively to the conversation, there were several instances when I felt like throwing my cheap coffee at the front of the room. The most frustrating of these were the use of terminology in Writing Center work. As my bro Locke would agree, words carry impact. Like, a lot of impact. When we begin referring to writers as "clients" and tutors as "consultants" we become less of a Writing Center and more of a bad business venture involving more cheap coffee (speaking of which, the Writing Center has seriously upped their coffee game this semester -- I take partial credit for this.) The use of these words, even in passing, contribute to the community and environment of the Writing Center in which they are used. Using detached, cold, awful words such as these sparks a response of an environment that mirrors the terminology. Soon, we will have all greige and beige furniture (no more orange couches) and everyone will be wearing shoulder pads and it will be awful.
In Chapter X, Locke outlines many of the reasons why such terminology can carry negative repercussions. Quickness (even things such as putting "Client" on emails, etc), When Used Without Ideas, When Words Are Diverted From Their Common Usage (keep it in the business, people), etc. I even struggle with the usage of the word "tutor," because there is a sense of agency and authority connected to it which I reject in most instances. I could debate for hours on the terminology used in such instances -- especially when it is a word that is connected to a person. It's difficult to find words which encompass all of an idea or concept, such as being a peer writing tutor, when we are asked to fill so many roles, situationally. However, Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding was a conveniently timed read post-Disney trauma.
I had to respond to this post because 1.) I’m still suffering from PDSD (post-disney stress disorder) and 2.) What you wrote here is an extension of our conversation from the conference and I think it’s great that you brought this to our class blog!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some touchy issues about language. To us, using terms like “client” and “consultant” seems rigid and cold. Our culture in the MSU Writing Center is more like a home-space and we value our inclusive community. While I noticed a lot of other WC people using terms like “community” and “home,” their tone and nonverbal cues implied otherwise.
I’ll bring us back to our reading now…during the Enlightenment, there was in increasing interest in the study of elocution and nonverbal communication. We are very lucky to have personable relationship with our bosses/mentors, but I noticed a lot of awkward conversations and interactions between WC directors and undergraduate tutors. There were clearly some hierarchical relationships going on—much like in the business world. So, to some WC’s it may make sense to use words like “client” and “consultant,” especially if you take a moment to analyze their body language and tone of voice. They might use a favorite WC term like “community,” but you can find clues about their true culture if you look beyond their words.
This is exactly my concern with higher education in general these days. Students are viewed as clients or customers in all situations, not just in the realm of Writing Centers. Higher education has become BIG business. I appreciate the point you make, but I believe your example is merely a symptom of a much deeper problem. In your example, the use of the word client is actually probably appropriate (problematic though it is) because there has been a major paradigm shift that places students firmly in the category of customer first and student second.
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