Question

Josh is dating Jennifer. Josh sees Jennifer struggling with a group project - she is doing all of the work and it is making her miserable. Josh wants to give her advice. One day, he says "Come on, Jennifer! Stand up for yourself! You need to stop letting your group members walk all over you!" Given what you know about Politeness Theory, why might Jennifer be upset or offended by Josh's advice?

A: The advice might threaten Jennifer's positive face
B: The advice might threaten Jennifer's negative face
C: Josh's advice to Jennifer was off-record
D: Josh's advice to Jennifer was on-record

Answer 1

Jennifer might be upset by Josh's advice because it threatens her positive face, implying she is not handling her group project situation assertively, which can be seen as a critique of her abilities or character.

Step-by-step explanation:

The advice given by Josh might upset or offend Jennifer because it could threaten Jennifer's positive face. Positive face refers to the desire to be appreciated and valued in social interactions. When Josh tells Jennifer to stand up for herself and implies that she is allowing others to take advantage of her, it may suggest that she is not handling the situation adequately or assertively, which can be seen as a critique of her social skills or personal qualities. This direct approach, especially coming from someone close to her like Josh, can be too confrontational and might not consider Jennifer's own reasons for her actions, possibly causing her discomfort and upset.