We talked in class about how power and status can impact the way people communicate with each other. This was shown in Les Miserables in the way that Javert treats Jean Valjean. In the beginning of the movie Javert talks to Valjean about stealing being wrong. Valjean tells him that the police are wrong. This reflects the "variety of virtues" that our textbook mentions. Jean Valjean stole bread for his family. While stealing is wrong, it can be viewed as acceptable in some situations, such as this one. Valjean telling the police that they are wrong shows that he felt that his behavior was acceptable under the circumstances. Later in the movie, Valjean (now known as Monsieur Madeleine) meets Javert again but this time Javert treats Valjean with respect because he is successful. The change in Valjean's class status leads to Javert respecting him more.
Communication ethics also involve a system of belief or virtue. Fantine is a single mother who is fired when her employer finds out that she has a child. She resorts to prostitution to make money. When Madeleine finds out what has become of her, he helps her and tells her that she will be able to see her daughter. This action reflects that Valjean has empathy for what Fantine is going through and his behavior is also an indication of a "good" that he feels strongly about.
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