Authority in Discourse Communities

Wardle Summary
In her article, "Identity, Authority, and Learning to Write in a New Workout", Elizabeth Wardle attempts to explain the meaning of identity, adjustment, and authority within a discourse community. Writers find their unique identities in every discourse community and they go through three modes of belonging. Wardle speaks through the story of Alan, who struggles with belonging, adjusting, and responding to authority. Overall, Wardle argues that even though many may make discourse communities seem to be easy to adjust to and easy to change, for many people it takes a lot of time and certain type of skills to be able to step out of certain boundaries and specific aspects of oneself.

QD
3. I believe that the change for Alan didn't happen in a positive way is because he was reluctant to change himself, he didn't feel the need to fit in, and he didn't know how to make it happen. If he would've had more of a drive and believed that changing would be for the better than it would've worked out.
4. From experience I definitely agree that we make unconscious choices when using language. Over time it becomes apart of us and without even knowing it we are using parts that come naturally to us. It's amazing that silently we are using language and not realizing it.
5. I agree more with Wardle because motivation and the drive lies within the person. I believe that the resisting of Alan could've been easily changed if he would've looked deep down in himself and realized change was necessary and for the better.
6. Alan is a member of the community. He was used for data and part of certain processes.
7. My softball coach all through high school lost his authority when certain events occurred in the season and every player and parent lost respect for him. I believe every authority figure should strive to keep peace but  also keep order. There is no order without peace.

AEI
1. Everyone is born and raised with different authority skills and I think when someone has authority over texts and within discourse communities, one is creating the example. They are showing the members what it means to be a part of that community, the interests and the goals one must have. In the discourse community they use take action sometimes and make sure everyone is following the correct protocol for that group. Personally, I am back and forth about my authority. When it comes to certain situations I can act like an authority figure but in others I cannot. For instance, I was captain of my volleyball and softball team and I was able to guide my team to the right path, but I also struggled my enforcing the rules and keeping my team in order.

Reflection
I enjoyed this reading. I think it was an easy read and with the story I found it very interesting. I think it is important for people to realize we all have our own identity, but in some cases we have to be able to change and adjust them. It may be hard at sometimes and you may think it is going against the things you believe in, but sometimes it's for the better.