It wasn't until I read this chapter that I understood what coercion was. Sure I have heard it used here and there in times past, but I didn't understand that that word was used to identify the opposite, negative side of persuasion. As our textbook said, coercion is forcing someone to think a certain way or making someone feel compelled to act under pressure or threat. For a long time I just thought that this was described as "persuading with fear."
Growing up I often went to church with my parents and I would listen to a preacher, pastor, priest or cardinal give some kind of religious talk/sermon. Some of them were very good and seemed to want the best for the congregation; they spoke with feelings, a moving power and I believe had a genuine care for the church people. However, some of religious speakers I heard used some frightening scare tactics to try to persuade people to believe something or to behave a certain way. I now am aware that they were using coercion, not persuasion really. Our textbook said, "Brainwashing or intimidating people to get a desired effect is not persuasion" (pg. 274). People who attempt to change groups minds would benefit from trying to persuade rather than coercing. The steps to persuading are not terribly difficult; one must just follow the correct steps and obviously be knowledgeable on the topic. Speakers who know how to persuade do so rightfully by using the problem-solution, problem-cause-solution, or Monroe's motivated sequence pattern of organization.
Hey Jose,
ReplyDeleteYour blog reminds me of the preacher John Hagee from TV. It seems like he's always talking about fire and brimstone to get people to listen to the bible, I think it's more of an old fashion technique. Nowadays preachers mostly talk about how good acts will lead you to a better life which I guess follows under one of the correct speech patterns you listed. Anyways, I don't think using coercion would be to use in a big group especially with mixed opinions. Take trends for example, if only one person is into it no one is going to follow. But if half the class was into it more people might jump on the band wagon. Coercion seems like it would only work if you really knew what the person wanted and made them believe that the only way to get it is by doing what you say. I think my brother used that trick on me a couple of times =P
I like your thoughts on this subject and also agree that scaring people into something is definitely not using persuasion. I believe that it is even abusive in a way to scare someone into something, not physically but of course mentally. I also think that why so many people have the wrong idea about Christians because there are those out there that will just tell you that you are going to hell and instead of welcoming you, they condemn you... but thats a different topic all on its own... Good example of coercion.
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