Mess vs. White

Attribute	Mess	White
Definition	Complex, chaotic, unpredictable	Simple, organized, predictable
Color	Dark, busy	Light, clean
Emotion	Confusion, overwhelm	Calm, clarity
Impact on productivity	Decreases productivity	Increases productivity

Introduction

When it comes to understanding communication, two prominent scholars have made significant contributions to the field: Harold D. Lasswell and Kenneth Burke. Lasswell's model of communication, known as the "Lasswell Formula," focuses on the content of communication, while Burke's dramatistic approach emphasizes the symbolic nature of communication. In this article, we will compare and contrast the attributes of Mess and White, two other influential scholars in the field of communication.

Mess's Attributes

David K. Berlo, also known as "Mess," was a communication theorist who made significant contributions to the field. One of Mess's key attributes is his focus on the process of communication. Mess believed that communication is a dynamic process that involves the exchange of messages between a sender and a receiver. He emphasized the importance of feedback in the communication process, as it allows for the sender to adjust their message based on the receiver's response. Mess also highlighted the role of noise in communication, which can disrupt the flow of information between the sender and receiver.

Another attribute of Mess is his emphasis on the importance of context in communication. Mess believed that communication cannot be understood in isolation, but must be viewed within the context in which it occurs. He argued that the meaning of a message is shaped by the social, cultural, and historical context in which it is communicated. Mess's focus on context highlights the complex nature of communication and the various factors that influence how messages are interpreted.

Mess also emphasized the role of technology in communication. He recognized that advancements in technology have transformed the way we communicate, making it easier to connect with others across vast distances. Mess believed that technology has the potential to enhance communication by providing new channels for interaction and increasing the speed at which messages can be transmitted. However, he also acknowledged the potential drawbacks of technology, such as the risk of information overload and the loss of face-to-face communication.

White's Attributes

Ellen G. White, also known as "White," was a communication scholar who made significant contributions to the field. One of White's key attributes is her focus on the role of culture in communication. White believed that culture plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals communicate and interpret messages. She argued that cultural norms, values, and beliefs influence the way people communicate with one another, leading to differences in communication styles and preferences.

Another attribute of White is her emphasis on the power dynamics inherent in communication. White recognized that communication is not always a neutral exchange of information, but can be influenced by power dynamics that shape the interaction between individuals. She highlighted the importance of understanding power dynamics in communication, as they can impact the effectiveness of communication and the relationships between communicators.

White also emphasized the role of identity in communication. She believed that individuals' identities, including their gender, race, and social status, influence how they communicate and are perceived by others. White argued that understanding the role of identity in communication is essential for building inclusive and equitable communication practices that respect the diversity of individuals and their experiences.

Comparing Mess and White

While Mess and White have distinct attributes that shape their perspectives on communication, there are also some similarities between the two scholars. Both Mess and White emphasize the importance of context in communication, recognizing that messages cannot be understood in isolation but must be viewed within the broader social, cultural, and historical context in which they are communicated. They also both highlight the dynamic nature of communication, emphasizing that it is a process that involves the exchange of messages between individuals.

However, Mess and White differ in their focus areas and the aspects of communication that they prioritize. Mess places a greater emphasis on the process of communication, highlighting the exchange of messages between a sender and receiver, the role of feedback, and the impact of noise on communication. In contrast, White focuses more on the role of culture, power dynamics, and identity in communication, emphasizing how these factors shape individuals' communication styles and interactions.

Overall, Mess and White have made significant contributions to the field of communication, each offering unique insights into the complex nature of human interaction. By comparing and contrasting their attributes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the various factors that influence communication and the ways in which scholars have sought to make sense of this fundamental aspect of human experience.