Blog #1 "Les Misérables"

“Communication Ethics” – the process to communicate with other by understanding and sharing their belief and moral values.

In the movie “Les Miserables”, there are some points that show communication ethics between people. In my opinion, there are some communication differences in hierarchy. In the first part of the movie, JeanValjean was chaining as a prisoner, and being forced to do some work as slaves. The attitude that Javert had toward to Jean Valjean made the differences of social positions clearly, which was Javert was in higher status than Jean Valjean.

The way Javert talked to Jean Valjean was imperative form. Even though Jean Valjean was released on parole, the social position was still there. We can know through the aggressive attitude that Javert took toward to not only Jean Valjean but also other prisoners, and that was his responsibility.

However, after eight years passed, and Valjean became the owner of factory, Valjean and Javert met again. The way Javert talked to him was completely different from the first scene. It was more polite and soft talk, and even there was moment that he called Valjean “Sir”, not the number. Being polite is one of the ways that have ethical communication by holding others values and status.

  

The other ethical communication appeared in earlier part, when Valjean went to Bishops’ place and took the silvers. The scene when the Bishop went along with Valjean’s lie, it was important moment for Valjean to realize the value of his life. Why did not the Bishop let him to be in prison again by saying truth? I think because he believed Valjean’s soul and trusted him by understanding and holding his values. 

I personally enjoying the film. I cannot wait to watch the next part of the movie.