I could not help but think of anything else except this comedy sketch by Wong Fu Productions when we were going over the Expectancy Violations Theory. This sketch dramatizes personal space and what could happen when two people on the extremes of preferred distance meet for the first time. I believe it touches on both literal and metaphysical space. The character Viet makes it known that he is not comfortable with physical contact. While hanging out with friends they tell him that they have another friend coming over named Phil who is what they call "A Hugger." Viet was also recently laid off of work and Phil becomes determined to comfort Viet. There is a confrontation that is revolved in the end by a very intense hug and the words "Thank you," are mentioned. This resolution can be perceived as positive from the given information.
I hope you watch and enjoy the sketch. I am a big fan of Wong Fu Productions and the direction they are going these days as they work to make an impact as Asian American creators in the industry. Currently they are releasing a web series on YouTube Red (but available for free right now) called Single by Thirty and their first full length feature is on Netflix.
This sketch helps us understand the Expectancy Violations Theory and interpersonal communication in a few ways. Apart from the above discussion of personal space, we explore friendship which is one of the three primary relationships of interpersonal communication, and there are illustrations of self disclosure, conflict, and conflict management.
The video cracked me up! I couldn't help but think of The Shining towards the end of the video when he is being chased around the house by the hugger. It was clear that, according to the Expectancy Violations Theory, that every character in the video had their own expectations of personal space. While (mostly) everyone else chose to follow common courtesy and hug the guest back, the protagonist chose to initially flee in order to avoid something as simple as a common greeting among friends.
This video is a great example of Expectancy Violations Theory. As mentioned in class, it reminds me of the "close talker" skit from Seinfeld. Many of us get uncomfortable when people talk or stand very close to us and invade our personal space. Personally, I don't like when people get too close to me. I like my personal space and for no one to get into my personal bubble. It's strange how some cultures the norm is to be close to each other when interacting, when in America everyone just wants their own space.
The video cracked me up! I couldn't help but think of The Shining towards the end of the video when he is being chased around the house by the hugger. It was clear that, according to the Expectancy Violations Theory, that every character in the video had their own expectations of personal space. While (mostly) everyone else chose to follow common courtesy and hug the guest back, the protagonist chose to initially flee in order to avoid something as simple as a common greeting among friends.
ReplyDeleteThis video is a great example of Expectancy Violations Theory. As mentioned in class, it reminds me of the "close talker" skit from Seinfeld. Many of us get uncomfortable when people talk or stand very close to us and invade our personal space. Personally, I don't like when people get too close to me. I like my personal space and for no one to get into my personal bubble. It's strange how some cultures the norm is to be close to each other when interacting, when in America everyone just wants their own space.
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