Chapter 19
Social Warfare and Museum Manners
EVELINA IN CONTINUATION Saturday Morning, April 16. MADAM DUVAL was accompanied by Monsieur Du Bois. I am surprised that she should choose to introduce him where he is so unwelcome: and, indeed, it is strange that they should be so constantly together, though I believe I should have taken notice of it, but that Captain Mirvan is perpetually rallying me upon my grandmama's beau. They were both received by Mrs. Mirvan with her usual good-breeding; but the Captain, most provokingly, attacked her immediately, saying, "Now, Madame, you that have lived abroad, please to tell me this here: Which did you…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Power Play
Think of a situation where someone used humor, teasing, or 'entertainment' to put you or someone else down in front of others. Map out the power dynamic: Who had the power? What was their real agenda? How did they make it seem harmless? What was the actual impact on the target?
Consider:
- •Look for the difference between what they claimed they were doing versus what actually happened
- •Notice who laughed and who stayed silent - audiences play a crucial role
- •Consider why the person with power felt the need to diminish someone else publicly
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you recognized someone was using 'just joking' as cover for cruelty. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now?
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