Blog #5: Discourse Communities and Communities of Practice: Membership, Conflict, and Diversity

The pursuit of happiness entails making sacrifices that are not always easy, but seem to be justified through many means. Expanding into different discourse communities is where many face personal and emotional challenges. Academically, Ann describes in her article Discourse Communities and Communities of Practice: Membership, Conflict, and Diversity the tradeoffs, “can create personal and social distance between them and their families and communities” (511).

Family is everything to me, above all else. They are the reason behind my actions and choices. As I strive towards my future endeavors, I had to sacrifice distance in order to take the next step in my journey.

Attending SDSU was a major decision for me because my family resides in Philadelphia, PA.  Since transferring last semester, I find myself missing them more than I anticipated. Although FaceTime, phone calls, and texts help with communication, there is still nothing that can replace physically interaction.

In order to not get caught up in the emotional tradeoff, I strive in developing the justification of this step in my life – networking. Surrounding myself with the right people is essential to turning dreams into reality. 

Although SDSU offers a great business program, my purpose is to directly connect with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The focus and mission of the EDC as a discourse community is parallel to my  “social, political, professional, and recreational interests” (503).  Thus, a bind has developed between my academic community and professional community.

Socially, I’m a very personably individual. SDSU’s campus encompasses numerous demographics, but I have yet to connect with anyone with a similar ‘game-changer’ business mindset. Within the classroom environment, few business professors have presented material that is relevant to the way the real world works. The material covered is redundant, as such many calculations and projections are computed by systematic software. This leads to unrealistic way of testing, aka memorize and hope for the best! These factors are what have driven me to disconnect with the academic community.

Clearly I have what Johns deems “community conflict and diversity” as I have decided to “remain affiliated at levels” of my own choosing. I believe in the value of a degree, just not necessarily the current curriculum involved. In a way this may be an issue with authority based on Prior’s explanation of “an elite group that imposes its language, beliefs and values on others through control of journals, academic appointments, curricula, student examinations, research findings and so on” (1994, p. 522).

Moving forward I’ve molded my view of the academic discourse community as an objective to add credibility to my name, but not the place for networking. Self-aware of the professional real world, my time is dedicated to the “language, practices, values, and genres” (511) within San Diego Regional EDC.

More so the reason I relocated to San Diego is because of the lifestyle, entrepreneurial individuals, and the EDC’s mission to maximize the region’s prosperity. The combination of these aspects is the right formula to bring my business plan into reality. Though easier said then done, the time I’ve invested out here so far has been more rewarding and is shaping me into the man I envision.

Compared to the North-East, San Diego is physically and mentally a better place to live; from being more health conscience, to the personable people, and above all else is that San Diego is a Smart City. If you are unaware of what a smart city is then here is a snap shot, “where technology, talent and innovation create a new urban environment - one that will emerge as a leading city in the 21st century.” In a sense, San Diego is a ‘discourse city’ in that its leading other cities to adopt it's proven ways of operating.

As my journey continues here in San Diego I will be immersed in many different discourse communities, all on different levels that will allow for unique experiences. Most importantly, as my goal evolves into a reality, I will be that much closer to giving back and taking care of my family – for they are why I’m investing my time here.