Q: How does communication ethics play out in Les Mis?
From the beginning of the film, I found it interesting how the standard of ethics differs depending on power and status. For example, in the interaction between Javert and Jean Valjean in the beginning we see that because Valjean is a prisoner he really has no choice but to submit to authority whereas Javert is able to dehumanize Valjean by referring to him by the number 24601. However, neither would either hold to, or in Valjean's case, be able to hold to the standard of the other. What is "right" or "moral" for one man is completely different for the other, and we see this notion play out not only with power but also with societal status such as between men and women. It seems that defining communication ethics is a difficult matter because the definition changes for each person depending on where they stand in society.
In addition to there being differences between those in power and those who are not, there are also noticeable differences between those who hold different positions of power. Both the Bishop and Javert hold their own respective positions of power, but how they treat Valjean is completely different. Instead of potentially exerting his authority to negatively affect Valjean, the Bishop responds to him as another individual with love and without judgment. Because of this response, Valjean is set free, which illustrates that not only does power allow for dominance, but the ability to determine outcomes too in being a person who is more likely to be believed by others. Simply put, as one's power increases, so does the power of their words and they ways in which they use them.
When I was writing my post, I really focused on the power differences within Valjean and Javert's relationship. I never really considered the power differences and societal status differences between males and females. I really like this point that you brought up because not only was it common in this day in age, but it demonstrates differences in Communication Ethics quite clearly. Women were not only viewed as "lesser" than their male counterparts, but were treated and spoken to as such. Especially in the scene when Anne Hathaway scratched the man's face whom was attempting to buy her services, and then was threatened to be punished horribly because she was a lowly prostitute. The men in this situation clearly held all of the power, authority and status and treated her as an equal to dirt. They looked down upon her, and her nonverbals demonstrated this clearly as well. As they towered over her, she cowered away and shrunk herself in size visually demonstrating that females are inferior to men. Nonetheless, I really like your point about gender differences because it had never occurred to me and it quite clearly shows differences in Communication Ethics! Nice post!
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